Communication & Social Skills

All students in KS3 and some Y10 students receive a weekly Communication and Social Skills lesson.

The programme of study has been planned with a Speech and Language Therapist and members of the Speech and Language therapy team work directly with some students in lessons. Students receive targeted and specific teaching of key language skills and social skills to enable them to communicate, manage their feelings and choose appropriate behaviour and social strategies.

In KS3 the focus is on supporting transition to secondary school, learning and social aspects of school life. Y7 work in their tutor groups, Y8 upwards are grouped by their speech, language and communication need. In KS4 the emphasis is developing these skills to gain confidence in key skills and to support preparation for post-16 and adulthood.

Communication and social skills lessons support student levels of confidence, interaction and independence enabling them to participate more fully in lessons, all aspects of school life and life beyond school. They support literacy development, speaking and listening, phonological awareness, social skills, vocabulary development and comprehension.