The Growth Zone
The Growth Zone provision is offered to students who are struggling to regulate in the main offer of our school. Students referred to The Growth Zone operate on a bespoke timetable which is designed to support their individual and unique needs. Students here work alongside key adults and peers to:
- improve social skills
- build on self-regulation strategies
- recognise barriers to learning
- practice mindfulness
- engage in 1:1 and small group therapeutic interventions
- understand/model safe and positive behaviour
- take trips out into the community to practice appropriate/sociable behaviour
- set and meet individual targets
- learn about their brain, how it works and impacts human behaviour.
Our aim is to assist students to re-join the wider school community by enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. Students work on a Growth Program which not only highlights areas for development, but also celebrates their strengths and talents. One of our main strategies is to help students find their passion, and ‘discover their why’, what motivates them and brings them joy. Students use their vision boards and personalised affirmations to focus on their goals.
Growth Zone students recognise the importance of being present and mindful, understanding our thoughts and how they impact the way we feel, and how our feelings drive our actions. Students are learning how to take responsibility for their own behaviour and work alongside staff to develop healthy habits and routines.
The Growth Zone operates on a 60/40 academic work to therapeutic intervention schedule. For each session, students are encouraged to face academic challenge, with the support of specialist subject staff, to stretch and grow their knowledge of each subject. Followed by a structured therapeutic activity, which is often student led. These sessions often take place outside, or in one of our Therapeutic Spaces, for information on the kinds of therapeutic interventions, please see our Therapeutic Curriculum offer.