Curriculum
At DS de Wet, we follow a trans-disciplinary approach to learning and intervention. Upon admission, a comprehensive individualised education plan (IEP) is drawn up for every learner.
We integrate a wide range of educational approaches and techniques to appropriately address the different curricular needs of our learners. Where applicable, we incorporate:
- Outcomes as set out in The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS)
- Vocational training
- TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communications Handicapped Children) principles
- Communicate in Print, a symbol system to understand, learn and communicate which overcomes the barrier that text represents
- Sensory integration activities
IEP outcomes are divided into 5 broad categories, as indicated below:
Life skills
Life skills covers a broad range of topics that a person needs to function happily and independently and live meaningful lives. Our Life Skills curriculum includes activities of daily living such as self-care and safety, vocational skills such as gardening, cooking and handwork, as well as recreational skills which include music, crafts and sports.
Motor skills
Well-developed motor skills are required so that a person can feel in control of their bodies. With the help of our amazing occupational therapists, we focus on gross and fine motor skills as well as sensory motor skills and sensory integration.
Literacy
Our literacy program places specific emphasis on expressive and receptive language development and functional reading and writing.
Numeracy
Our numeracy program is founded on the concept of learning through play, and includes many tactile and sensory-based learning opportunities.
Regulation
Regulatory skills are the building blocks that help a person to function effectively within their bodies and environment. These building blocks include attending skills, sensory integration, emotional development, social skills and cognitive development.