Key Topics: Educating children with Down syndrome in mainstream secondary schools from 11 to 16 years

This page provides the planned programme and session summaries for the Educating children with Down syndrome in mainstream secondary schools from 11 to 16 years training course.

Introduction

This training course provides a range of keynote and a series of parallel workshops covering the wide range of issues affecting the successful education and inclusion of children with Down syndrome in mainstream secondary schools.

Each workshop aims to provide practical approaches to promoting development, presenting evidence-based strategies and techniques wherever possible.

Parallel sessions

Delegates may select from the parallel sessions to tailor the course content to best meet their needs. We recommend that organisations consider sending two members of staff so they can attend all parallel sessions to ensure full coverage of all issues raised.

Please note: delegates will receive a course booklet that will include summaries of the content of all parallel sessions, not just the ones attended.

Programme

Time Session title
9.00-9.30 Registration (tea and coffee available)
9.30-10.30 1. Welcome and Keynote: Evidence-based effective education - the specific learning needs of teenagers with Down syndrome
10.30-11.30 2a. Supporting speech, language and communication development 2b. Accessing the curriculum: planning and differentiation
11.30- 11.55 Coffee/tea break
11.55-12.55 3a. Developing literacy skills across the curriculum 3b. Inclusion in sports and PE: improving motor skills
12.55-1.35 Lunch
1.35- 2.35 4a. Developing memory skills 4b. Planning for full social inclusion and independence
2.35-3.00 Tea
3.00-4.00 5a. Developing maths skills including a brief introduction to the Numicon maths system 5b. Preparation and planning for whole school inclusion
4.00-4.30 6. Key messages and final queries: Keys to successful inclusion

Content of each session

Keynote

1. Evidence-based effective education: the specific needs of teenagers with Down syndrome

  • A summary of the research findings on the specific social and cognitive profile associated with Down syndrome
  • The implications of this profile for adapting teaching methods and curriculum targets
  • Research evidence for the educational benefits of full inclusion in mainstream education

Parallel workshops

2a. Supporting speech, language and communication development

  • Understanding the speech, language and communication needs of pupils with Down syndrome in their teenage years
  • Supporting speech and language development across the curriculum
  • Working with the speech and language therapist

2b. Accessing the curriculum: planning and differentiation

  • Differentiating for individual needs
  • Promoting effective learning
  • Measuring progress
  • Alternative curricula for Key stage 4

3a. Developing literacy skills across the curriculum

  • Effective methods for developing the literacy skills of pupils with Down syndrome in secondary education
  • Adapted reading and writing activities across the curriculum
  • Using reading activities to develop speech and language

3b. Inclusion in sports and PE: improving motor skills

  • Developing hand-writing and fine motor skills
  • Inclusion in PE and developing body control and balance
  • Encouraging practical and personal independence
  • Working with the occupational and physiotherapist

4a. Developing memory skills

  • Understanding working memory and its importance for language development
  • Ways to improve memory skills

4b. Planning for full social inclusion and independence

  • Strategies to support friendships and social participation
  • Personal, social and health education (PSHE) and sex education
  • Encouraging age-appropriate behaviour
  • Understanding the reasons for inappropriate behaviour
  • Basic strategies for changing behaviour

5a. Developing maths skills

  • Continuing to develop basic number skills
  • The benefits of using the Numicon maths system
  • Accessing the wider maths curriculum

5b. Preparation and planning for whole school inclusion

  • Developing an inclusive school
  • Planning and procedures that need to be in place beyond the classroom
  • Working in partnership with support services

How to book

To book a place on this training course, contact us by email or telephone.