Semi-formal Curriculum SLD/MLD
The Equals Semi-formal Curriculum is set in the context of Equals multi-tiered curriculum approach, recognising that differentiation from England’s (or indeed any) National Curriculum is NOT sufficient to meet the needs of pupils and students with profound, complex, severe or global learning difficulties
For these populations, who are all working consistently and over time below or very near the start of their national curriculum, curricula NEED TO be different rather than differentiated, because the way such pupils learn is different, and often very, very different from neuro-typical, conventional developing learners for whom the national curriculum was designed.
Breadth and Balance. Whilst we accept the desirability of providing a broad and balanced curriculum, it must be wholly appropriate to the needs of each learner. Ongoing assessment may point to a need for concentration and intensity in one or two particular areas for some learners for a part, and sometimes a considerable part of their time in education.
“The Semi-formal Curriculum meets the needs of our special children and we feel more able to promote what the children need rather than being constrained by subject areas.
Priory Woods School in Middlesbrough
Freedom to be creative and concentrate on individual needs with a focus on independence“
The aims of the Schemes of Work project have been
- To build on the collaborative work of Penny Lacey and Swiss Cottage School;
- To write outstanding practice schemes of work for non National Curriculum ‘areas of learning’;
- To involve outstanding teachers in good and outstanding schools throughout England and Wales;
- To produce schemes of work that are available to all schools on a cost recovery (not for profit) basis through the Equals website;
- To share best practice within a broad band of stakeholders, including both the DfE and Ofsted.
The general principles governing the schemes of work are that they
- Are developmental in nature and open to personalisation – they start at the beginning of the individual pupil’s learning journey and aim for the highest level of independence possible;
- Cover all stages of education from 2 to 25 (and beyond) but are not directly related to either age or key stage. Learners fit into them where they will according to their individual abilities, interests and learning journey;
- Are not related to the National Curriculum, though the common language of the P scales is occasionally used for ease of understanding.
Below is a recording of an Equals Online CPD session by Peter Imray; our Director of Developments.
Peter Imray talks about our brand new Semi-Formal (SLD/MLD) Curriculum. Equals members can attend the live online CPD sessions for 100% FREE. Please visit the » Equals Events Section to view the full selection of online CPD sessions available. For further information about the Equals Semi-formal Curriculum, please contact the Equals Strategic Development Manager using paul@equalsoffice.co.uk or you can ring Paul using 0191 272 1222.
To view a preview, please click on a green box below
Equals Semi-formal Curriculum – Cost: There are 12 schemes of work in this cross-curricular set. These cost only £79 each for members and £179 each for non-members; so the whole semi-formal curriculum costs only £948 for members which is equal to only a few days supply cover.
To place an order, please click on a green box below
To view details for the Equals Online CPD Sessions and Conferences please visit our » Events Section
For further information please contact Paul Buskin; the Equals Strategic Development Manager using paul@equalsoffice.co.uk
