Curriculum
Progressive, holistic and supportive
Our curriculum aims to prepare students for their next steps by providing a range of academic pathways and social skills development that will benefit them throughout their adult lives.
It takes a holistic approach, enabling students to progress from their individual starting points and experience learning successes, all while developing their social, emotional, and mental well-being.
This approach builds the foundation for future success in their employment and independent lives and enables them to play a positive role in society.
Our curriculum consists of three elements, which includes:
- Self-regulation
- Independence
- Social interaction
These drivers are vital for developing our students’ emotional awareness so that they’re able to continue their education, employment, or training.
We support and challenge our students to become successful learners who can apply the skills they’ve gained to build stable relationships, engage productively in the community, and establish a fulfilling work life.
Our curriculum is broad and balanced and includes a range of subjects that are personalised to our student’s individual needs. Students can gain GCSEs and Functional Skills qualifications at Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1, and Level 2, as well as ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) and vocational accreditations.
We offer work experience opportunities with local colleges and in the community, enabling students to demonstrate and grow their self-regulation, independence, and social interaction skills in the wider world.
The three streams
We encourage all our students to take ownership of their learning and become engaged, independent, and motivated learners.
Following a 6-week assessment period, we’ll design a personalised curriculum with each student based on their goals and interests, prior attainment, gaps in learning and previous experiences of education and trauma. There are three curriculum streams available.
The Stepping Stones curriculum
This curriculum is aimed at key stage 2 or entry level learners, and it focuses on helping students learn to read, write, and communicate, alongside gaining skills in mathematics.
These core skills are embedded in broader curriculum opportunities that provide focus and challenge, deepening their knowledge and understanding of the world and enhancing how they communicate with it.
Subjects:
- English and mathematics (including phonics)
- PE (physical education), PSHE (personal, social, health and economic), and science
- Humanities
- Beliefs and values
- Creative arts and food
- Design & Technology
- Computing
The Elements curriculum
The Elements curriculum is aimed at key stage 3 learners studying the national curriculum. It covers the core subjects, alongside themed projects which add depth and breadth to a student’s knowledge to prepare them for key stage 4.
Subjects:
- English and mathematics
- PE, outdoor education, PSHE, and science
- Humanities, food, art, and beliefs and values
- Computing
The Futures curriculum
Our Futures curriculum at key stage 4 and 5, is aimed at preparing students for life beyond school while helping them gain accredited qualifications in the core subjects.
We offer a range of vocational opportunities during our Futures curriculum, and this includes links with local colleges.
Subjects:
- English and mathematics
- PE, outdoor education, PSHE, Preparation for Adulthood, and science
- Beliefs and values
Options:
Humanities, food, creative arts, D&T (design and technology), ICT (information and communications technology), DJ (disc jockey) skills and College-Links vocational courses (including bricklaying, mechanics, hair and beauty, and carpentry).