Curriculum
Creative, engaging and aspirational
Our curriculum aims to prepare students for their next steps by providing a range of academic pathways and social skills that will benefit them throughout their adult lives.
A tailored Independent Learning Plan (ILP) is written for every student when they first start with us. The curriculum is designed to be as practical and creative as possible to engage students who may have previously disengaged with school. We aim to link our students’ learning to real life scenarios as much as possible to help deepen their understanding and bring to life different concepts.
We believe 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 3 elements, which includes:
- Self-regulation
- Independence
- Social interaction
These drivers are vital for developing our students’ emotional awareness so they’re able to continue their education, employment, or training when they leave us.
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 3 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 (including phonics)
Mathematics
PE (physical education)
PSHE (personal, social, health and economic)
Science
Humanities
Beliefs and values
Creative arts, including food technology
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
Mathematics
PE & outdoor education
PSHE
Science
Humanities
Creative Arts including food technology
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
Mathematics
PE & outdoor education
PSHE including Preparation for Adulthood
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).