Curriculum Overview

Introduction

Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of young people who may not thrive in mainstream education. We focus on building confidence, resilience, and core skills that enable pupils to progress academically, socially, and personally. Teaching is delivered by fully qualified teachers, supported by experienced teaching assistants, in a calm and structured environment.

The curriculum prioritises English, Mathematics, and PSHE, with a strong emphasis on Functional Skills. It is flexible and adapted to meet the needs of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Core Curriculum Areas

English

• Aim: To develop literacy skills essential for learning, communication, and everyday life.

• Content:

  • Reading comprehension and analysis
  • Writing for different purposes (creative, transactional, functional)
  • Speaking and listening activities to build confidence and communication skills

• Functional Skills: Real-world literacy tasks such as reading timetables, completing forms, and writing for employment contexts.

Mathematics

• Aim: To strengthen numeracy skills and practical problem-solving abilities.

• Content:

  • Number, calculation, and measure
  • Ratio, proportion, and data handling
  • Practical maths including budgeting, shopping, and travel planning

• Functional Skills: Application of maths in practical contexts such as money management, workplace problem-solving, and independent living.

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)

• Aim: To prepare pupils for life beyond school, supporting personal development, wellbeing, and social responsibility.

• Content:

  • Emotional literacy and self-regulation
  • Relationships, respect, and consent
  • Health and wellbeing, including mental health awareness
  • Employability skills and financial literacy

• Delivery: Sessions are interactive, discussion-based, and tailored to pupils’ developmental levels.

Adaptations for EHCP and SEMH Pupils

We recognise that each learner has individual needs. Our provision includes:

• Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs): Linked to EHCP outcomes and reviewed regularly.
• Differentiation: Lessons are tailored to ability, learning style, and emotional readiness.
• Flexible Delivery: Opportunities for 1:1 teaching, small group work, and personalised timetables where needed.
• Therapeutic Approaches: Staff trained in trauma-informed practice and de-escalation strategies.
• Emotional Support: Daily check-ins, mentoring, and safe spaces for regulation.
• Communication Support: Use of visual aids, scaffolding, and simplified instructions where required.
• Behaviour Support: Clear boundaries with a focus on restorative practice and positive reinforcement.

Teaching and Learning Approach

• Small group sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratio
• Consistent routines and predictable structures to reduce anxiety
• Practical, applied learning opportunities to reinforce Functional Skills
• Ongoing assessment and feedback, with progress tracked against EHCP targets and academic goals

Staffing

• Qualified Teachers deliver high-quality subject teaching across English, Maths, and PSHE.
• Experienced Teaching Assistants provide additional guidance, therapeutic support, and classroom management.

Outcomes

By following this curriculum, pupils will:

• Progress in core literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to achieve accredited Functional Skills qualifications at year 11
• Gain confidence in applying knowledge to everyday contexts
• Develop strategies for emotional regulation and social interaction
• Build resilience, independence, and self-esteem
• Be better prepared for reintegration into; mainstream education, alternative full time education, further education, training, or employment.