Curriculum and Podcasts
May 2025 Newsletter Podcast
From Living Land 2025, Open Days, events, afterschool clubs....to baby boom on the farm, it's all here!!!
'Discoverers Term 1' Podcast - Learn about our 'stage not age' approach to learning, allowing for a personalised and flexible learning experience tailored to the specific needs of individual. So lets start with Term 1 of our foundation stage of learning.
Briefing Document: Curly's Farm Educational Pathways and Individual Learning Plan
Subject: Overview of Curly's Farm "Stage not Age" approach, Educational Pathways (Discoverers, Explorers, Investigators), and Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
Summary:
The provided documents outline Curly's Farm's educational framework, specifically designed for learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) using a "Stage not Age" approach. This framework consists of three progressive learning journeys: Discoverers, Explorers, and Investigators.
The "Discoverers Term 1 Work Book" focuses on the curriculum for the Discoverers pathway and provides examples of learning objectives and activities within this stage, along with details of the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) used to track progress.
Key Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:
"Stage not Age" Approach: A fundamental principle of Curly's Farm's educational pathway is that learners progress based on their "readiness, ability, and individual progress rather than their age." This allows for a personalised and flexible learning experience tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
Three Progressive Learning Journeys: The core of the educational framework comprises three distinct pathways:
Discoverers: This is the initial stage, focused on "Sensory and engagement-based learning," designed for learners who are beginning to interact with their environment through exploration and sensory experiences.
Explorers: The second stage focuses on "Practical life skills and farm-based academics," supporting learners in developing independence through structured activities that embed functional skills.
Investigators: The final stage prepares learners for adulthood through "Vocational and independent living skills," focusing on work-related, social, and life skills.
Discoverers Pathway - Key Focus Areas and Activities:
Focus Areas: The Discoverers pathway emphasizes "Multi-sensory exploration," "Early communication," "Motor skills development," and "Emotional and social connection."
Example Activities: Activities include "Feeling different textures (e.g., hay, soil, water, animal fur)," "Listening to farm sounds," "Participating in sensory-friendly farming tasks (e.g., gently brushing animals)," and "Matching images of farm animals with real animals."
Explorers Pathway - Key Focus Areas and Activities:
Focus Areas: The Explorers pathway concentrates on "Basic functional maths & literacy," "Hands-on farm work," "Communication & following simple instructions," and "Self-care & independence."
Example Activities: Activities include "Counting and sorting vegetables," "Reading or matching farm signs," "Weighing animal food or measuring water," and "Practising turn-taking and teamwork."
Investigators Pathway - Key Focus Areas and Activities:
Focus Areas: The Investigators pathway prepares learners for adulthood by focusing on "Vocational & employability skills," "Social and life skills," "Enterprise & community participation," and "Health & well-being."
Example Activities: Activities include "Packing eggs or vegetables for sale," "Practising simple transactions," "Following a structured daily work schedule," and "Preparing simple meals using farm-grown produce."
Individual Learning Plan (ILP): The ILP is a crucial tool used to "plot and demonstrate the young person's progress throughout the term." It tracks the learning journey, highlights key achievements, and is sent home to parents/carers at the end of each term to provide an overview of development, solicit feedback, and celebrate successes. The ILP also integrates the 5 British Values.
Specific Curriculum Units (AQA): The "Discoverers Term 1 Work Book" details specific AQA (Assessment and Qualification Alliance) units covered within the Discoverers pathway. Examples include:
PSHE: "Me, myself and I" (Unit Code 119180), "Self-care: Personal hygiene" (Unit Code 83502)
Science: "The Human Body" (Unit Code 119603), "Food chains" (Unit Code 113929)
Maths: "Counting and recognising numbers" (Unit Code 113626), "Basic addition and subtraction skills" (Unit Code LE5400), "Basic money skills: matching British coins" (Unit Code 74862)
English: "Mark making using varied media" (Unit Code 78908), "Early writing: tracing lines" (Unit Code 83080)
Health and Safety: "Washing own hands" (Unit Code 91959), "Washing up with support" (Unit Code 74222), "Introduction to animal care: Handling sheep" (Unit Code 94567), "Introduction to animal care: Feeding farm animals" (Unit Code 94562)
Evidence of Learning: The AQA unit descriptions indicate that evidence of successful completion can include "Summary sheet" and "Student completed work."
Curly's Farm is a Registered Charity Charity Number 1182633.
Positive Community Impact: Testimonials on the Curly's Farm website highlight the significant positive impact the farm has on individuals and the community. Quotes include:
"He absolutely loves coming. It gives him a purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning – Parent"
"Curly’s Farm gave him a chance when no one else would – Parent"
"Honestly, I can't tell you the difference Curly’s has made to my son – Parent"
"This farm is a haven of happiness for many special kids and families – Facebook Follower"
"Curly’s makes me feel welcome; I don’t need to act ‘normal’ and no pressure to conform – Young Adult Volunteer"
Conclusion:
Curly's Farm provides a structured and progressive educational program for learners with Special Educational Needs based on a "Stage not Age" philosophy. The three pathways (Discoverers, Explorers, and Investigators) offer a tailored approach to developing sensory engagement, functional skills, and vocational/independent living skills through farm-based activities. The Individual Learning Plan is a key component for tracking and communicating learner progress, incorporating British Values. The testimonials strongly indicate the positive and impactful role Curly's Farm plays within the community.
For a comprehensive understanding of all learning units and activities within this stage.
Explore information available on the Curly's Legacy website regarding the Explorers and Investigators pathways for a complete picture of the educational framework.
Investigate the integration of the 5 British Values within the curriculum and ILP.
Gather information on how learner progress is assessed and documented using the "Summary sheet" and "Student completed work" evidence.
Subject: Overview of Curly's Farm "Stage not Age" approach, Educational Pathways (Discoverers, Explorers, Investigators), and Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
Summary:
The provided documents outline Curly's Farm's educational framework, specifically designed for learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) using a "Stage not Age" approach. This framework consists of three progressive learning journeys: Discoverers, Explorers, and Investigators.
The "Discoverers Term 1 Work Book" focuses on the curriculum for the Discoverers pathway and provides examples of learning objectives and activities within this stage, along with details of the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) used to track progress.
Key Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:
"Stage not Age" Approach: A fundamental principle of Curly's Farm's educational pathway is that learners progress based on their "readiness, ability, and individual progress rather than their age." This allows for a personalised and flexible learning experience tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
Three Progressive Learning Journeys: The core of the educational framework comprises three distinct pathways:
Discoverers: This is the initial stage, focused on "Sensory and engagement-based learning," designed for learners who are beginning to interact with their environment through exploration and sensory experiences.
Explorers: The second stage focuses on "Practical life skills and farm-based academics," supporting learners in developing independence through structured activities that embed functional skills.
Investigators: The final stage prepares learners for adulthood through "Vocational and independent living skills," focusing on work-related, social, and life skills.
Discoverers Pathway - Key Focus Areas and Activities:
Focus Areas: The Discoverers pathway emphasizes "Multi-sensory exploration," "Early communication," "Motor skills development," and "Emotional and social connection."
Example Activities: Activities include "Feeling different textures (e.g., hay, soil, water, animal fur)," "Listening to farm sounds," "Participating in sensory-friendly farming tasks (e.g., gently brushing animals)," and "Matching images of farm animals with real animals."
Explorers Pathway - Key Focus Areas and Activities:
Focus Areas: The Explorers pathway concentrates on "Basic functional maths & literacy," "Hands-on farm work," "Communication & following simple instructions," and "Self-care & independence."
Example Activities: Activities include "Counting and sorting vegetables," "Reading or matching farm signs," "Weighing animal food or measuring water," and "Practising turn-taking and teamwork."
Investigators Pathway - Key Focus Areas and Activities:
Focus Areas: The Investigators pathway prepares learners for adulthood by focusing on "Vocational & employability skills," "Social and life skills," "Enterprise & community participation," and "Health & well-being."
Example Activities: Activities include "Packing eggs or vegetables for sale," "Practising simple transactions," "Following a structured daily work schedule," and "Preparing simple meals using farm-grown produce."
Individual Learning Plan (ILP): The ILP is a crucial tool used to "plot and demonstrate the young person's progress throughout the term." It tracks the learning journey, highlights key achievements, and is sent home to parents/carers at the end of each term to provide an overview of development, solicit feedback, and celebrate successes. The ILP also integrates the 5 British Values.
Specific Curriculum Units (AQA): The "Discoverers Term 1 Work Book" details specific AQA (Assessment and Qualification Alliance) units covered within the Discoverers pathway. Examples include:
PSHE: "Me, myself and I" (Unit Code 119180), "Self-care: Personal hygiene" (Unit Code 83502)
Science: "The Human Body" (Unit Code 119603), "Food chains" (Unit Code 113929)
Maths: "Counting and recognising numbers" (Unit Code 113626), "Basic addition and subtraction skills" (Unit Code LE5400), "Basic money skills: matching British coins" (Unit Code 74862)
English: "Mark making using varied media" (Unit Code 78908), "Early writing: tracing lines" (Unit Code 83080)
Health and Safety: "Washing own hands" (Unit Code 91959), "Washing up with support" (Unit Code 74222), "Introduction to animal care: Handling sheep" (Unit Code 94567), "Introduction to animal care: Feeding farm animals" (Unit Code 94562)
Evidence of Learning: The AQA unit descriptions indicate that evidence of successful completion can include "Summary sheet" and "Student completed work."
Curly's Farm is a Registered Charity Charity Number 1182633.
Positive Community Impact: Testimonials on the Curly's Farm website highlight the significant positive impact the farm has on individuals and the community. Quotes include:
"He absolutely loves coming. It gives him a purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning – Parent"
"Curly’s Farm gave him a chance when no one else would – Parent"
"Honestly, I can't tell you the difference Curly’s has made to my son – Parent"
"This farm is a haven of happiness for many special kids and families – Facebook Follower"
"Curly’s makes me feel welcome; I don’t need to act ‘normal’ and no pressure to conform – Young Adult Volunteer"
Conclusion:
Curly's Farm provides a structured and progressive educational program for learners with Special Educational Needs based on a "Stage not Age" philosophy. The three pathways (Discoverers, Explorers, and Investigators) offer a tailored approach to developing sensory engagement, functional skills, and vocational/independent living skills through farm-based activities. The Individual Learning Plan is a key component for tracking and communicating learner progress, incorporating British Values. The testimonials strongly indicate the positive and impactful role Curly's Farm plays within the community.
For a comprehensive understanding of all learning units and activities within this stage.
Explore information available on the Curly's Legacy website regarding the Explorers and Investigators pathways for a complete picture of the educational framework.
Investigate the integration of the 5 British Values within the curriculum and ILP.
Gather information on how learner progress is assessed and documented using the "Summary sheet" and "Student completed work" evidence.