Our Area Resource Base

The Area Resource Base (ARB) known as The ARK, is a 18 place provision for students with an EHCP who would benefit from a more specialist place to learn.

In The ARK students follow a curriculum based on their learning and sensory needs. Opportunities for learning are presented though a wide variety of adapted activities to support and encourage access to all aspects of the curriculum including English and Maths. We deliver learning within the ARK, along with lessons to mainstream classrooms for more practical subjects such as Cooking, DT, ART, Science, ICT, PE and Drama.

We are particularly aware of the need to support students in communication skills, managing themselves emotionally and gaining confidence in life skills. Making progress in developing these skills the students work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold in Personal Social Development through the ASDAN curriculum.

Forest school sessions provide outdoor learning opportunities for team work along with visits to the local area. Experiencing real life scenarios through the local community amenities such as the Post Office, shops, swimming at Truro Leisure Centre and summer sailing sessions at Mylor Sailing Centre provide authentic experiences to develop life skills. We make termly trips based on our topic of learning and have regular weekly music sessions supported by Open School Orchestra.

As students’ progress through school we prepare them for the next step towards a college placement or further specialist provision. Successful transition is a team effort with parents, Cornwall Careers South West, Work Experience providers and local college staff.

The Ark gives individual support, but with the benefit of opportunities in the life of the wider Richard Lander School.  Students can participate in World Book Day, Summer Fun in the Sun, Duke of Edinburgh, lunchtime clubs and fundraising events.