To provide the right opportunities and support for our pupils with a visual impairment, and some additional learning difficulties, presents a major challenge to teachers, care staff and parents. The philosophy behind our education is entitlement.

• Entitlement to a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum.
• Needs are specific to individuals.
• Trained and qualified staff are essential.
• Independence, respect for others and development of self-esteem.
• Thoughtful assessment and testing.
• Learning in a happy, sensitive and secure environment.
• Equality of opportunity.
• Maximum participation by parents, care staff and teachers.
• Effective learning strategies.
• Notable achievements are recognised.
• Total commitment.

Life at St Vincent's School is based on these principles of entitlement.

Across the 24 hour curriculum, we have high expectations of our pupils. Educational activities should be relevant to individual needs, and delivered in a way to motivate pupils to succeed. The teachers and care staff are constantly aware that visually impaired pupils do not learn in a "vacuum" - they need real life experiences to make the National Curriculum meaningful.

Links with mainstream pupils are encouraged throughout the Primary and Secondary departments. Such links are based upon expanding curricular and social opportunities, thereby emphasising our partnership with the local community.

Working closely with parents is a highly effective form of encouraging the transfer and continuation of learning to the home and community. Parental presence is always encouraged at major functions during the school year (Carol Service, Open Day, Sports Day, Prize Giving etc, in addition to participation at Annual Reviews, where parental information gives a valuable insight into a child's functioning in the home situation.

Pupils at St Vincent's wear a uniform during the school day. In the evening, pupils change into their own clothes. Pupils are encouraged to take a pride in their personal appearance at all times.

Homework is an essential part of the learning process, and all secondary pupils (day and resident) work within a structured homework system. Primary pupils are also given homework on a regular basis, although this varies according to age.

The organisation of the curriculum involves the matching of available and potential resources to the requirements of each pupil. The priorities and targets are established through systematic analysis, monitoring and review on a regular basis.