Merstone School Topaz department – Intent and Implementation

Intent

Within our Topaz ASC department at Merstone, we uphold a philosophy centred on understanding, acceptance, and empowerment for every student with autism. Our approach is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where students with ASD can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Individualised Education: We recognise the unique strengths and challenges of each student with ASD. Our curriculum is tailored to accommodate their individual needs, preferences, and learning styles, ensuring that every student receives personalised support to reach their full potential.

Holistic Development: We believe in addressing the diverse needs of students with ASD by providing comprehensive education that goes beyond academics. Our curriculum emphasises the development of social skills, communication skills, sensory regulation, and self-advocacy, empowering students to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and independence.

Inclusivity and Understanding: We are committed to creating an inclusive and understanding community where students with ASD feel valued, respected, and accepted. Our curriculum promotes awareness, acceptance, and celebration of neurodiversity, fostering a sense of belonging among students, families, and staff.

Collaborative Partnerships: We recognise the importance of collaboration and partnership between students, families, educators, and therapists in supporting the holistic development of students with ASD. Through collaborative teamwork and open communication, we work together to create individualised education plans that best meet the unique needs of each student.

Continuous Growth: We are dedicated to continuous growth and improvement in our practice to better serve students with ASD. By staying informed about the latest research and best practices in autism education, we strive to enhance our curriculum and interventions to optimize outcomes for every student in the autism support department.

In summary, our philosophy within the Topaz department is rooted in compassion, understanding, and empowerment. We are committed to providing individualised education, creating holistic development, promoting inclusivity, nurturing collaborative partnerships, and continuously striving for excellence to ensure that every student with ASD has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Implementation

Given the complexities and diversity of our Topaz cohort, our curriculum offer varies greatly to meet all learners’ individual needs and breadth of cognitive abilities.

The Topaz curriculum is adapted from curriculum based around a thematic approach which is broad and balanced. This is a highly stimulating curriculum designed to develop key skills such as communication, independence and life skills.

The Topaz curriculum is a thematic approach, as we believe that this type of curriculum allows for a creative approach that engages the learners and offers a wide range of experiences. Themes within this curriculum have been carefully chosen to offer an insight into the immediate and wider world our learners live within and to offer engagement opportunities and interests to develop.

Dependent on the cohort, additional study is offered in areas such as sensory regulation and integration through programmes such as Interoception and Zones of Regulation. However, for most, this is built into the typical school day and PSHE lessons, particularly during periods of transition. Through this, skills taught are developed to aid our young adults to adapt to life beyond Merstone as they transition into adult life; communication overarching the whole curriculum.

Pupils are assessed on Tapestry linked to our SOLAR assessment system, which incorporates NC and P level assessment linked to the equals adapted curriculum that is in place across the Topaz Department.