FEATURE FOCUS: SEND
familiarising the pupils with their new environment and making them feel comfortable and secure, alongside core subject catch-up, learning to learn and social skills development. We use virtual reality technology to deliver parts of the curriculum, the boys really engage with the ‘live’ experience which helps embed their understanding in topic based learning. The curriculum is tailored to meet each pupil’s
individual needs with a focus on functional skills, life skills, and practical subjects to engage and motivate them. As they progress through the school, they have options to learn through a variety of vocational pathways including catering, construction, motor vehicle maintenance, land based studies and horticulture as well as academic qualifications ranging from history to media and the arts. Bramfield’s facilities allow us to provide an exciting, broad curriculum and give us the flexibility to provide our ‘nurture curricular’ alongside a range of qualifications, as well as GCSEs. Pupil progress is measured against individual
standards as well as national averages. We maintain high expectations from our learners. Providing a learning environment that encourages and supports pupils in achieving their potential is a priority. Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is supported through a broad and balanced curriculum, and we foster positive relationships throughout our school community.
The 24-hour curriculum Twenty percent of our pupils are weekly boarders. Our residential pupils benefit from our varying and engaging 24-hour wraparound curriculum which accelerates progress and provides some of our pupils with their first experience of opportunities they have missed out on prior to attending school. We strive to create a friendly, safe and nurturing environment by encouraging respect and tolerance of each other. We promote a positive and relaxed atmosphere based on a sense of community and shared behavioural values, where shared activities, learning experiences and reflective thinking are an integral part of everyday life. Pupils are encouraged to participate in a wide
range of activities designed to develop social and life skills. All activities are geared towards aiding pupils gain success in building relationships, confidence and social/independence skills as well
as using their time constructively and having fun. Each residential pupil is supported by a chosen
keyworker who acts as an advocate, offers individual guidance, and records and reports progress in a variety of areas. The keyworker liaises closely with parents, carers and other professionals - social workers, family support and the Youth Offending Service etc - to achieve the maximum benefits from multi-agency cooperation. The keyworkers also work closely alongside educational staff to provide support during the school day, and set agreed realistic social targets with their pupils which are linked to the educational objectives in their Education, Health and Care Plan. Residential pupils range in age from 8-16 years
old. We have a high staff to pupil ratio to support the younger pupils (Years 3-5) and enable them to develop more independent skills. The older pupils are encouraged to personalise their own areas and to take responsibility for keeping it clean and tidy. In the main residential building there are pool tables, computers and games consoles, a wide variety of books and magazines, table tennis, table football, a darts board and a big screen projector with Sky TV and a variety of suitable age appropriate DVDs. In Years 10 and 11 the emphasis is on semi-
independent living and preparation for life at college, an apprenticeship, university or work. The older pupils learn how to budget for meals and
outings, and cook healthy meals for themselves and others. Further independent skills are introduced throughout the year – for example, laundry and independent travel. Keyworkers support every step, helping with college applications, exam study and assisting with challenges that arise, to help prepare them for their future.
The outside classroom For pupils at Bramfield the most effective learning happens when things are experiential - the boys need to touch, feel and interact to help their understanding grow. Children learn effectively kinaesthetically - research shows that movement is key for learning, so that’s what we try to do. Last year all staff received training from the Institute for Outdoor Learning which enabled us to really branch out and move learning from the classroom to the outdoors. We can take full advantage of what our
outdoor space has to offer as well as a huge variety of off-site learning opportunities, including facilitating sailing qualifications on the Norfolk Broads, study along the East Anglian coastline and trips to the beach at the nearby coastal town of Southwold. There are also a wide variety of trips out into
the wider community available to the pupils. We visit the local skate park, and encourage the pupils to take part in fishing, horse-riding, crabbing, cinema, speedway (during the season), swimming at the Lido, golf, crazy golf, bowling and paintballing and other reward trips based on our reward system. Day pupils are also helped and encouraged to play sport in their local areas. On special occasions such as the end of term,
we arrange trips to paintballing, laser quest, go- karting, visits to the theatre and meals out. Before the pandemic the school organised a ski trip to France, which provided many of the pupils with their first opportunity to travel and experience the world. The visit was so successful that another ski trip is planned for next year. Many of the pupils that come to Bramfield
have had very negative experiences surrounding school and learning. We want to turn that around, make learning positive and provide our pupils with the tools they need to reach their potential and feel successful - our aim is to equip them for life.
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https://www.bramfieldhouse.co.uk/ 28
www.education-today.co.uk October 2021
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