The School Environment

The Acoustic Environment

Creating favourable acoustic environments and monitoring noise levels is considered carefully in all classrooms. Sound field systems - which evenly distribute sound in a room - have been installed in all classrooms where there are deaf learners. Many HRB pupils use personal radio aids in the classroom to optimise their ability to hear the teacher above any background noise. HRB staff support teachers and pupils to use radio aids successfully.  In the resource base, there is one larger classroom, ideal when working with larger groups; and one smaller, acoustically-treated room, ideal for 1-1 and small group work. 

Ordinary Magic Deaf Awareness

Staff and pupils have regular deaf awareness training. All teachers know how to optimise learning for deaf pupils in their class. Key principles are summarised in our HRB ‘Ordinary MAGIC’ golden rules, ensuring consistency from all staff working with a deaf child. We promote deaf awareness events in school, including our annual celebration of Deaf Awareness week.  See our events page for highlights!

Word Aware

Woodlands follows the Word Aware approach. This approach, developed by Speech and Language therapists, encourages vocabulary development across the curriculum, in all situations. New concepts and vocabulary are reinforced in visual, concrete ways, helping children to secure words in their long-term memory. Word Aware is particularly beneficial for HRB pupils by giving them opportunities to learn in a way which does not rely on listening alone.

BSL for Emotions

Woodlands follows the Zones of Regulation to teach pupils how to successfully regulate their emotions. Both the spoken word and British Sign Language is used by staff and pupils when communicating feelings.  This helps children understand and communicate this important aspect of development.