Welcome Back: A New Term of Learning at Spark Vale Academy

Welcome back to a new term at Spark Vale Academy.

We are excited to welcome pupils into another term of learning, growth and opportunity. At Spark Vale, our curriculum is carefully designed to meet pupils where they are, supporting academic progress, confidence, communication, independence and preparation for adulthood.

Our aim is simple: to help every learner Belong, Grow and Thrive.

What pupils will be learning this term

This term, pupils will explore a broad and connected curriculum across English, Maths, Science, Computing, Life Skills, PSHE, PE, Art and Personal Development.

Some of the key themes pupils will be learning about include:

Animals and the natural world: Pupils will explore animals, living things, classification, plants and the world around them. This will link English and Science together, helping pupils build vocabulary, observation skills and curiosity.
Stories, language and communication: Through storytelling, descriptive writing and themed texts such as animal stories and winter-inspired writing, pupils will develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
Number, problem-solving and real-life Maths: In Maths, pupils will build confidence with number, place value, addition, subtraction, estimation and checking answers. These skills will be linked to everyday situations such as money, shopping, time, measuring and decision-making.
Online safety and digital creativity: In Computing, pupils will learn how to stay safe online, including safe searching, privacy, personal information, kind online behaviour and trusted adults. They will also explore digital creativity through digital art and design.
Health, wellbeing and safe choices: Through Life Skills, PSHE and myHappymind, pupils will learn about mental and physical health, emotional regulation, trusted adults, healthy choices, identity, belonging and resilience.
Identity, belonging and creativity: In Art and Personal Development, pupils will explore what makes them unique, including identity, culture, friendship, kindness, teamwork and self-expression.
Teamwork, movement and healthy lifestyles: In PE, pupils will focus on cooperation, communication, teamwork, physical challenge, fitness, personal bests and healthy active lifestyles.

A curriculum that connects to real life

At Spark Vale Academy, subjects are not taught in isolation. We want pupils to see how learning connects to everyday life.

For example, pupils may learn about animals in Science, then use animal vocabulary in English writing. They may learn about healthy choices in Life Skills, then connect this to PE, wellbeing and PSHE. They may practise number skills in Maths, then use them in real-life situations such as budgeting, shopping or measuring. They may learn about online safety in Computing, then connect this to trusted adults, relationships and safeguarding.

This connected approach helps pupils understand why learning matters and how it can support them beyond the classroom.

Personal Development and wellbeing

A key part of this term will be supporting pupils’ wider personal development.

Pupils will continue to learn about themselves, their strengths, their emotions and their relationships with others. Through our wider curriculum, therapeutic approach and myHappymind work, pupils will be supported to develop confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and a stronger sense of belonging.

For many pupils with SEND, this is essential. Feeling safe, understood and regulated helps pupils access learning, build trust and develop independence over time.

How families can support learning at home

Families can support this term’s learning through simple everyday conversations.

You could ask:

What animal or living thing have you learned about?
What helped you feel calm or ready to learn today?
How can we stay safe online?
What number, shape or pattern can you notice at home?
What healthy choice could we make today?
What is one thing that makes you unique?
What is one kind thing someone did this week?
What are you looking forward to learning next?

These small conversations help pupils connect school learning with home and build confidence in sharing their ideas.