Pine Class

What a fantastic year it's been in Pine Class! Our focus throughout has been on building independence—whether that's learning to move around more confidently, developing dressing and personal care routines, or mastering daily living skills like eating and drinking. Every step forward has been a big achievement, and we are so proud of each and every pupil.

A huge part of our learning has been centred around communication. Whether using AAC devices, Makaton, symbols, speech, or gestures, every child has been supported to find their voice and make themselves heard. Much of this communication has come to life through fun, sensory and physical experiences, and a lot of singing, designed to spark curiosity and connection.

One of our highlights this year has been the introduction of running frames! Some of our Pine class pupils were the first to try them, and they've become an instant hit—requests for 'running' are now a daily occurrence. We've enjoyed using them in the garden and even at the local park, where there's more room to zoom and explore. Maybe one day, we'll see some of our Pine Class stars taking up para-athletics as a hobby—or even a sport!

Friday trips with Elm Class have also been a big part of our week. Grouped into primary and secondary pupils, our older students have been working towards AQA unit awards by exploring the community, visiting shops, parks, the forest and beach, and even choosing fun outings like bowling. These trips have been a brilliant way to put classroom skills into practice in the real world.