At Applefields, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. As a special secondary school, we provide a wide range of experiences that are carefully planned around the individual needs, interests and aspirations of our pupils.

Our opportunities are designed to support the development of independence, communication, confidence, wellbeing and life skills, as well as academic learning. We want our pupils to experience success in different environments, develop their understanding of the wider community and build the skills they will need for life beyond school.

Wherever possible, we aim for all pupils to have access to a rich range of experiences during their time at Applefields. The opportunities available to each pupil will reflect their individual needs, curriculum pathway and stage of development.

Educational visits are an important part of the curriculum at Applefields. Unlike a traditional programme of occasional school trips, many of our pupils take part in regular visits and activities in the local community as part of their everyday learning.

These experiences can include life skills activities, visits to local parks and leisure facilities, shopping and budgeting activities, using public transport, visits to community facilities, work-related learning, cultural experiences and activities that support physical and emotional wellbeing.

For some pupils, getting out into the community several times a week is an important part of their curriculum. These regular experiences provide opportunities to practise skills in real-life settings, develop independence and confidence, and apply learning from the classroom to everyday situations.

Some pupils may also take part in activities such as regulation drives or visits to places that support their sensory and emotional wellbeing. These experiences are planned by staff according to individual needs and are an important part of helping pupils to regulate, engage and access their learning.

Because our provision is highly individualised, it is not possible to publish a fixed annual trips calendar for each year group. The visits and experiences available to pupils will vary according to their curriculum, individual needs, interests and the opportunities available at different times of the year.

Parents and carers will be informed about specific activities and visits where appropriate, including any arrangements or voluntary contributions required.

We are committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent pupils from accessing the curriculum and wider experiences offered at Applefields.

Many local visits and activities are provided at little or no additional cost. Where a contribution is requested, this will be communicated to families in advance and will be kept as affordable as possible.

Some end-of-term or special curriculum experiences may require a voluntary contribution of up to £20. These experiences are planned to support pupils’ learning, personal development and wider curriculum experiences rather than being considered as rewards.

Where higher-cost activities are planned, we will provide families with information in advance and discuss any support that may be available.

It is our ambition that, wherever possible, every pupil will have the opportunity to take part in a residential experience during their time at Applefields, where appropriate.

Residentials provide valuable opportunities for pupils to develop independence, confidence and social skills in a different environment. They can also support preparation for adulthood by giving pupils the opportunity to practise everyday skills away from home, while working alongside familiar staff and peers.

The cost of a residential is currently estimated to be in the region of £300–£400, although costs will vary depending on the destination and activities involved. We recognise that this is a significant amount for families and will provide information about payment arrangements and available support in advance.

Support may be available for families on a low income who would otherwise find the cost of a residential difficult to meet. Families are encouraged to contact the school in confidence if they would like to discuss the support available.

Life skills are an important part of the curriculum at Applefields and provide pupils with opportunities to develop practical skills that they can use in everyday life and beyond school. Cooking sessions are a particularly valuable part of this learning, giving pupils the opportunity to develop independence while practising a wide range of skills in a meaningful, practical context.

Through cooking, pupils can develop skills such as following instructions, measuring and weighing, handling food safely, using kitchen equipment, making choices, managing money and shopping for ingredients, as well as developing communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Cooking also provides opportunities to explore healthy eating and nutrition and to build confidence in preparing food for themselves and others.

As pupils are working towards greater independence, these practical experiences are an important part of preparing them for life beyond Applefields. Activities are adapted to meet individual needs and abilities, ensuring that pupils can participate meaningfully and experience success.

Families will be asked to make a contribution towards the cost of ingredients used during cooking and life skills sessions. The contribution will vary depending on the ingredients and complexity of the meals being prepared and will typically be between £1.50 and £3.00 per week.

We aim to keep these costs as low as possible and recognise that circumstances can vary between families. Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you would like to discuss the cost of these sessions or any support that may be available.

Events and celebrations are an important part of life at Applefields. They provide opportunities for pupils, families and staff to come together, celebrate our school community and create shared experiences.

Throughout the year, we support a range of national charity campaigns and fundraising initiatives, including events such as Children in Need and Comic Relief. Participation in fundraising activities is always voluntary, and families are welcome to support charities in whatever way they choose. Donations are never expected.

We also hold celebrations within school, including our Christmas Fayre and Summer Fayre. These events are open to our whole school community and have no entrance charge. We warmly welcome pupils, parents, carers, families and members of our wider community to join us and enjoy these occasions together.

Our aim is for school events and celebrations to be welcoming, inclusive and accessible, ensuring that every family feels able to be part of the Applefields community.

At Applefields, we want every pupil to have the opportunity to take part in the experiences, activities and opportunities that form part of our curriculum and wider school life. We recognise that families have different circumstances and that the cost of activities, visits, residentials and other experiences can sometimes be a concern.

We want to work with every family to make sure that money is never a barrier to a pupil’s participation.

If you are concerned about the cost of an activity or are unsure whether you will be able to meet a requested contribution, please talk to us. Our Beacon Champions are happy to have a confidential conversation with families, listen to their circumstances and help explore what support may be available.

We will always aim to approach financial support with understanding, flexibility and respect. Our priority is that pupils are able to access the opportunities they need to learn, develop their independence, build confidence and enjoy their time at Applefields.

To contact a school Beacon Champion please email beaconchampion@applefields.pmat.academy