English
At Westfield Arts College Read, Write Inc. (RWI) is the main Programme of Study for Literacy. This scheme puts reading at the heart of its delivery and there is a focus on phonics (DfE validated systematic synthetic phonics programme). Therefore we have been able to adopt a whole school approach to reading and writing.
The programme works very well for SEND learners and we thread it across the school using the Nursery resources for our youngest pupils and Fresh Start for our oldest (right up into Sixth Form). Regular and direct teaching underpins the Read, Write Inc programme and this is reflected in every classes’ English timetable. A small number of our students take a semi-formal route with their learning of literacy and this is delivered using a sensory approach.
As the students travel through the school and acquire good reading skills we are also able to roll out the RWI Spelling Programme (with SPAG) and further develop our students skills in writing for different genres.
We promote the importance and enjoyment of reading and a lifelong love of books at every opportunity, including dedicated time for DEAR (Drop Everything and Read).
We are part of the Chesil Literacy Project.
Maths
At Westfield we use a curriculum that has maths mastery at the heart of it (White Rose Maths), supporting our pupils to develop a deep understanding of core maths principles. Our maths leaders have worked closely with a Mastery Working Group over several years to develop and embed it at Westfield. All of our teachers are trained in teaching and learning using maths mastery approaches.
The Maths Mastery approach empowers our pupils to develop a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. Our maths mastery runs all through the school from the very youngest pupils along through Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4. We also reinforce the skills in Sixth Form for those students learning through the Independent Living pathway.
