Topic Based Learning

In The Marlborough, English, Mathematics and VBMAPP skills are taught on an individual and highly personalised basis as part of each child’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP).  The ILPs also focus on other skills that are pertinent to the specific needs of each individual child.  

In addition to this, we as a school are aiming to provide a breadth of knowledge, skills and experiences across the range of subjects in the National Curriculum.  We base these learning journeys on topics from the Cornerstones Curriculum (see our MC Topic Overview for more information). Selection of topics was based on developmental criteria rather than age related expectation due to the high needs of our learners, which will allow for more appropriate differentiation. Within a topic there is always flexibility to develop learning journeys in a direction which reflects the children’s interest and prior knowledge. 

The Cornerstones Curriculum model is based upon four phases or learning which are designed to give the children experience of asking questions, learning new things and also of being the experts and sharing the things that they have learnt.  The four phases are:

Engage – A memorable experience to grab the children’s attention and motivate them to want to find out more.

Develop – A carefully structured learning journey where skills and knowledge are taught progressively and at an appropriate level/pace for the children.

Innovate – A challenge or activity where children solve real or imagined problems by applying the skills they have been taught through the develop phase.

Express – An opportunity to share their achievements with others.  

To support with planning and assessment throughout these topic based learning journeys, we have created our own “Marlborough Passports.”  These are designed to guide teachers and learners through the range of knowledge, skills and experiences provided throughout a child’s time with us in The Marlborough. This ensures that learners on all pathways have opportunities to access History, Geography, Art and Design, Design Technology and Music throughout their time in the school and once again ensures that these opportunities are pitched at a level which is appropriate to the needs of the learner.