A structured yet imaginative teaching programme

The school provides a vibrant and purposeful learning environment for students. Teaching areas are uncluttered and well ordered and students have access to individual work stations. Students are exceptionally well supported by an experienced and well trained teaching team who have been trained in PECS and TEACCH. Staff set challenging but achievable targets so that students reach their potential and make the best progress they can.

The school curriculum is broad, well balanced and individualised to meet the needs of all students. At Key Stage 3, students follow the national curriculum programmes of study and study a wide range of additional units of work that are geared to developing life skills.

The ALL curriculum (Accreditation for Life and Living) is mapped onto the National Curriculum for 14 - 19 year olds, and provides a real and meaningful context for their learning. Throughout the school strong emphasis is placed on the students learning by experience and so educational visits are a crucial and integral part of the curriculum.

The air-conditioned classrooms are well equipped with modern, sturdy furniture and a good range of relevant resources. One of the classrooms has an interactive whiteboard, which is used to bring group teaching activities to life, and for students to carry out individual research and to develop their ICT skills. Students have regular access to a purpose built 'life skills' kitchen where they prepare snacks, learn how to operate the washing machine and carry out food technology activities

A strong focus on the personal, social and emotional development of students

Students are encouraged to be as independent as possible. They are supported in this by timetables that give them a clear picture of the day’s activities, and individual activity schedules that break key tasks down into small parts, which the students can more easily manage, and master. The students’ academic, personal and social achievements are celebrated and praised so that students at all levels have high levels of self-esteem and confidence.

The students’ experience of the world in which they live is extended by regular and frequent visits within the local community and further afield. Local businesses support the school very well, and actively help to develop the students’ awareness of the world of work. The local hotel, post office and church are all avid supporters of the school's activities.

The students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strongly promoted through the many daily activities that are on offer and through planned visits to a wide range of diverse places of interest. Because of the high levels of adult supervision, students can enjoy visits to places such as local museums and shops and to leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, restaurants, the seaside and theme parks, adventure playgrounds and wildlife parks. Daily whole school assemblies provide an excellent opportunity for all staff and students to join together as the school community and are thoroughly enjoyable occasions.

Extra curricular activities

The Shires provides a 24-hour curriculum so that the students' learning is seamless. After school, students have a wide choice of creative, leisure and home management activities, all of which complement and extend their learning in school. The Shires is committed to encouraging students to maintain a healthy lifestyle and so there is a strong emphasis on physical activity during the weekends and evenings, Students often choose to go for walks in the local area, or to go bowling, horse-riding or swimming. Students thoroughly enjoy visiting the many local places of interest and the beaches at Hunstanton and Skegness are firm favourites.

Careers advice and work experience

Careers advice and work experience are integral parts of the Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Post-16 curriculum. While it is unlikely that any of our students will be involved in unsupported work in adult life, it is important that they are prepared for adulthood and supported occupation.

Most students will continue on to further education and The Shires has established positive links with appropriate institutions. External agencies will be actively involved in work placements, and a representative from Connexions will be invited to all Annual Reviews for students from Year 9 onwards.

Religious Education

Religious education will be taught on a weekly basis to all groups during term time. The curriculum for religious education is based on the locally agreed syllabus. Acts of collective worship are broadly Christian in nature. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from collective worship, and are asked to notify the school in writing if they wish to do so. Students who are withdrawn from collective acts of worship will be given alternative activities. Where parents want their children to attend a place of worship on a regular basis, staff at The Shires ensure that this is possible.

Sex education

Sex education is taught in a way that meets the needs of individual students following consultation with parents and other agencies. The sex education programme is incorporated within the personal, social and health education programme, and the science curriculum.

Parents are invited to look at the teaching materials that will be used for their child and to discuss teaching methods with the staff. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from sex education lessons.