A day in the life of Ravenscliffe

• Arriving at School

  Our students make their way into school on one of three yellow bus services, either independently or with the support of the Local Authority Transport Team. Many students aspire to become more independent in their travel and this aspiration is nurtured and encouraged throughout their time at the school.

• Pastoral Time

  Our students are part of a pastoral group, led by a dedicated teacher and team of support staff. They help students to settle after the journey to school and prepare them for the day ahead. The pastoral team have an in-depth knowledge of each student and are usually the first point of contact for our families.

• Core

  Core sessions are ability set lessons working toward key communication targets identified for each student through the EHC process. Students work on reading, writing, speaking, listening, and numeracy skills appropriate to their level of development through a range of individualised activities. Other groups have specific maths/numeracy lessons where required.

• Literacy

  Literacy provides opportunities for all students to develop their language skills through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students are taught to understand and appreciate a range of literary texts, with lessons differentiated based on students individual learning styles. Multi-Sensory teaching methods ensure all students are fully involved to maximise engagement.

• Numeracy

  In numeracy, the emphasis is on applying mathematics to real life situations such as using money in the local community, weighing and measuring real objects, and learning to tell the time. All lessons have practical and sensory aspects, where students are encouraged to think for themselves and develop their problem solving abilities.

• Science

  All students have the opportunity to join in practical activities, including accessing science through personal exploration and more sensory approaches. Topics covered and materials used are relevant to the student’s everyday lives. In this way, scientific concepts become relevant, meaningful and memorable.

• Catering

  While at school, our students benefit from a healthy and balanced lunch prepared by our award winning catering team. As a Food for Life Gold accredited school, we are firm believers that a good diet leads to better performance in the classroom. The kitchen also provides important work placement opportunities for a number of students.

• PE and Sport

  We recognise the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle to support learning. Students are encouraged to take part in activities such as swimming, movement and mobility sessions and cycling using our fleet of adapted bikes. Participation is tailored to the individual and PE lessons are fully inclusive so that all students can be involved.

• Hydrotherapy

  Our state-of-the-art on site Hydrotherapy Pool allows students to develop their swimming and water confidence as soon as they come to Ravenscliffe. It is the first step for many students as they learn to become independent swimmers and provides vital hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions for students with more complex needs.

• Horticulture

  Horticulture is an important part of student's learning, with a focus on plant care,  general gardening and creativity in our award winning community gardens.  Many students move on to work placements at garden centres or farms after discovering a passion and enthusiasm for the great outdoors during their time at the school.

• Volunteers

  Each year, many hundreds of volunteers come to the school to meet our incredible students. Inclusion is not just about our students going out into the community; it’s about the community coming in to Ravenscliffe to see for themselves the astounding talents of our young people.

• Arriving at School

  Our students make their way into school on one of three yellow bus services, either independently or with the support of the Local Authority Transport Team. Many students aspire to become more independent in their travel and this aspiration is nurtured and encouraged throughout their time at the school.

• Pastoral Time

  Our students are part of a pastoral group, led by a dedicated teacher and team of support staff. They help students to settle after the journey to school and prepare them for the day ahead. The pastoral team have an in-depth knowledge of each student and are usually the first point of contact for our families.

• Core

  Core sessions are ability set lessons working toward key communication targets identified for each student through the EHC process. Students work on reading, writing, speaking, listening, and numeracy skills appropriate to their level of development through a range of individualised activities. Other groups have specific maths/numeracy lessons where required.

• Literacy

  Literacy provides opportunities for all students to develop their language skills through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students are taught to understand and appreciate a range of literary texts, with lessons differentiated based on students individual learning styles. Multi-Sensory teaching methods ensure all students are fully involved to maximise engagement.

• Numeracy

  In numeracy, the emphasis is on applying mathematics to real life situations such as using money in the local community, weighing and measuring real objects, and learning to tell the time. All lessons have practical and sensory aspects, where students are encouraged to think for themselves and develop their problem solving abilities.

• Science

  All students have the opportunity to join in practical activities, including accessing science through personal exploration and more sensory approaches. Topics covered and materials used are relevant to the student’s everyday lives. In this way, scientific concepts become relevant, meaningful and memorable.

• Catering

  While at school, our students benefit from a healthy and balanced lunch prepared by our award winning catering team. As a Food for Life Gold accredited school, we are firm believers that a good diet leads to better performance in the classroom. The kitchen also provides important work placement opportunities for a number of students.

• PE and Sport

  We recognise the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle to support learning. Students are encouraged to take part in activities such as swimming, movement and mobility sessions and cycling using our fleet of adapted bikes. Participation is tailored to the individual and PE lessons are fully inclusive so that all students can be involved.

• Hydrotherapy

  Our state-of-the-art on site Hydrotherapy Pool allows students to develop their swimming and water confidence as soon as they come to Ravenscliffe. It is the first step for many students as they learn to become independent swimmers and provides vital hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions for students with more complex needs.

• Horticulture

  Horticulture is an important part of student's learning, with a focus on plant care,  general gardening and creativity in our award winning community gardens.  Many students move on to work placements at garden centres or farms after discovering a passion and enthusiasm for the great outdoors during their time at the school.

• Volunteers

  Each year, many hundreds of volunteers come to the school to meet our incredible students. Inclusion is not just about our students going out into the community; it’s about the community coming in to Ravenscliffe to see for themselves the astounding talents of our young people.