Curriculum Intent

Curriculum Vision

We want all students to develop the confidence, skills and values needed to live as happily and independently as possible, contributing to society as respectful citizens with a strong sense of belonging to their community.

Our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and personalised. It ensures learning is sequenced and meaningful, builds on individual starting points, and prepares students for adulthood, employment and active citizenship. It promotes cross-curricular links, cultural capital, and British Values, ensuring students develop communication skills, confidence and resilience through a spiral curriculum that builds progressively from Year 7 to Year 14. Through a creative and engaging approach, we foster enjoyment, resilience, and high achievement, while promoting cultural awareness and respect for diversity.

The curriculum is designed so that it:

• Encourages students to share their likes and dislikes, communicate their needs, make choices and feel that their decisions are respected
• Is planned to match each student’s starting point and long-term goals so learning builds step by step
• Encourages enjoyment of learning through creative approaches, helping every student achieve their best
• Takes place in a positive and motivating environment that feels safe, rewarding, and fun
• Encourages students to interact and communicate confidently with different people
• Recognises and celebrates individual talents, having high expectations for every student through personalised learning supported by their Education, Health and Care Plans
• Encourages students to understand more about their surroundings and the wider world
• Builds confidence and self-esteem through a variety of successful experiences
• Encourages students to be active citizens who live healthy, safe lives, form good relationships, and respect differences
• Prepares students for adult life with as much independence as possible

Our curriculum is delivered through carefully planned sequences that build knowledge and skills over time. Teachers use a range of strategies to reduce cognitive load, support communication and make learning accessible and engaging. We provide opportunities for practical learning, enrichment activities, and community engagement to develop independence and life skills. Assessment is ongoing and informs next steps, ensuring progress is celebrated and learning remains meaningful and aspirational.