Arvalee School and Resource Centre

Opened in September 2016, Arvalee School is planned, built and developed around supporting children and young people aged 3 to 19 years who have Moderate and Severe Learning Difficulties.

The building is designed into 4 learning hubs: Explore, Perform, Inspire and Create (EPIC). The hubs are designed to encourage pupils to work, learn and play together – extending learning throughout the building beyond the classrooms.

Explore is designed for Early Years to Key Stage 1 (3–8 year olds). Classrooms open into a central shared play area with a soft play room and a multi-sensory room accessible to all pupils.

The hub has an interactive screen and interactive flooring that pupils use together to broaden their learning experiences. Explore also hosts joint music sessions and themed play. The classrooms and central area link with outdoor play areas which were designed with input from pupils. The equipment installed here encourages pupils to develop play skills and learn together in the outdoors.

Pupils in the Perform hub are Key Stage 3 (11-14 year olds). This hub has a multi-purpose area for group work, drama classes and links to a music practice room with a Recording Studio attached. The classrooms all link so pupils can meet up for reading, breaks and different learning support groups. There is an interactive TV screen allowing presentations and lessons to be delivered to joint classes.

Outdoors, pupils can continue their learning in the horticulture area and learn to cycle in the safety of a marked out play area. This environment supports pupils to grow in confidence and empowers them to learn together.

The Inspire hub is designed for Key Stage 2 (8-11 year olds). Classrooms are designed around a space where pupils can come together for assemblies and group learning. It is based on a youth club style environment which is further enhanced with a games area.

A Multi-Sensory Studio, Aromatherapy and Reflexology Room and a Beauty Therapy room are all connected to Inspire. From each of the classrooms and the hub area pupils can access a fully equipped playground and woodland area. These areas give pupils the opportunity to develop sharing skills and the confidence to interact with others.

Create is the hub for Key Stage 4 and Post 16 (14-19 years). It has an Art Room, Technology Design Room and Home Economics Room. These specialist rooms open into a teaching space for Essential Skills and a computer area. A break out area with a pool table for young people to chat and socialise together is located just outside the hub.

Create also connects to the PE area with changing facilities, shower rooms, a fitness suite, a multi-purpose sports hall and extensive outdoor sports facilities.