Pathways
Our Curriculum: Pathways to Success
Our curriculum is designed to help every student reach their full potential. We call this approach Curriculum Pathways.
We use these pathways to guide our teaching and learning, making sure it's a great fit for all our students, both in their groups and as individuals. Our goal is to prepare them for a successful future after they leave us.
Students are placed in a group based on their primary learning pathway. This helps us plan lessons that are right for them. However, our teachers have the flexibility to adapt and offer new opportunities to meet the needs of each student in the classroom.
Pathway 1: Sensory and Exploratory Learning
This pathway is for students with severe or complex learning difficulties, including those with sensory, physical, or medical needs. Our goal is to empower these students and help them gain more control over their learning and daily lives.
We use a variety of subjects, exploration activities, and sensory experiences to help students:
- Make Choices: Students learn to explore what they like and prefer.
- Find Their Voice: We help them gain confidence in expressing their needs and wishes.
- Engage in New Experiences: Students will participate in a wide range of activities, including exploring early work-related skills.
We pay close attention to each student's unique way of communicating so we can personalise their learning journey and support them every step of the way.
Pathway 2: Building Connections & Confidence
This pathway is for students who need extra support with communication and emotional regulation. Our goal is to help them feel more comfortable and confident so they can connect with others and take part in daily life.
Through a variety of subjects and activities, we focus on:
- Social and Emotional Skills: We support students to manage their feelings and regulation needs.
- Communication: We help them find their voice and express their wants and needs.
- Daily Life Skills: Students will learn to take care of themselves, including personal care.
- New Experiences: We encourage them to try new things, explore their interests, and gain valuable work-related skills.
We tailor every experience to the individual child, helping them build attention, concentration, and the ability to handle changes and new situations.
Pathway 3: Preparing for the Future
This pathway provides a supportive environment for students to explore and develop skills essential for their future. We focus on communication, independent living, social, and employability skills to prepare them for life after school, helping them become more confident and independent.
Our focus is on helping students develop:
- Communication Skills: We encourage them to express themselves clearly and effectively in different situations.
- Independent Living Skills: We help them learn the practical skills they'll need for daily life.
- Social & Employability Skills: Students will learn how to work with others, make informed decisions, and prepare for future jobs.
- Emotional Regulation: We teach them strategies to manage their emotions and navigate challenges on their own.
We encourage students to take ownership of their learning and become more confident and independent. The goal is to help them make significant progress toward their personal goals and future aspirations.
Core Learning Across All Pathways
Every student, regardless of their pathway, will learn essential skills that are important for their development and future. These topics are included in our curriculum in a way that is right for each student's needs, whether that's in specific lessons or as part of their daily activities.
Reading and Writing: We help students develop their literacy skills by connecting them to real-life situations. This might involve using picture symbols to follow a daily schedule, reading a recipe to bake a cake, or using a communication board to express a want or need. We focus on helping each student understand stories and express their own ideas. For some students, this means learning to read and write words. For others, it involves using alternative methods like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices or simple gestures to share their thoughts and understand the world around them.
Sounds and Words (Phonics): We teach students about the connections between letters and sounds. This helps them learn to read and write words. For our students, this is a hands-on process. We use fun activities, songs, and sensory tools to make learning sounds a positive and engaging experience. We teach at a pace and level that is just right for each individual.
Numbers: Learning about numbers is made practical and fun. We teach numeracy skills that are useful in everyday life, like counting items, recognizing numbers, and using money. Students learn through play, songs, and daily routines, helping them build a strong foundation in maths.
Staying Safe: Our "So Safe" curriculum teaches students about personal boundaries and healthy relationships. We use simple, clear language and visuals to help them understand who they can trust and how to ask for help if they feel unsafe. This learning is gentle and happens through stories, activities, and conversations.
Health and Life Skills: We help students learn important personal, social, and health skills. This includes everything from how to stay healthy and make good choices to getting along with others and being a good friend. The goal is to help them feel confident and ready to be a positive part of their community.
Everyday Practical Skills: These are the real-world skills that help our students become more independent. We focus on tasks that are meaningful to them, like personal care, getting dressed, or helping to prepare a snack. These skills are taught through repetition and routine, empowering students to take more control of their daily lives.