Curriculum Overview
Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
Key Stage 2
This key stage builds on early learning and supports students in developing secure foundations in core academic skills. Students follow a structured timetable based on the National Curriculum for England.
We offer short-term placements that support learning and complement, rather than replace, mainstream education. The aim is to build confidence, reduce barriers to learning, and support positive engagement in education.
Core Subjects
English, Maths, Science and Computing are taught using Base School resources alongside Key Stage 2 curriculum materials. Lessons focus on developing:
- Reading, writing and communication skills
- Number skills and problem solving
- Basic scientific understanding and enquiry
- Early computing and digital skills
Learning is adapted to individual needs to ensure steady progress and confidence in learning.
Personal Development
Students develop key life skills through PSHE, focusing on:
- Relationships and communication
- Health, safety and wellbeing
- Sharing, teamwork and turn-taking
- Understanding rules and responsibility
- Building confidence and independence
There is a strong focus on supporting positive behaviour for learning and emotional wellbeing.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is introduced through structured activities and supported learning. Students begin to understand their feelings and how to manage them appropriately. This includes:
- Recognising and naming emotions
- Understanding how feelings can change during the day
- Learning simple calming strategies (e.g. breathing, asking for help)
- Developing sharing, listening and cooperation skills
- Beginning to understand how actions affect others
- Building early empathy and awareness of others' feelings
Progression: These skills form the foundation for the more independent emotional development expected at Key Stage 3.
Our Approach
We focus on building strong foundations in learning, communication, and emotional development. Our aim is to support confidence, engagement, and readiness for the next stage of education at Key Stage 3.
Key Stage 3
This key stage builds on Key Stage 2 and supports students as they move into more subject-based and independent learning. Students follow a structured timetable based on the National Curriculum.
We offer short-term placements that support learning and complement, rather than replace, mainstream education. The aim is to remove barriers, build confidence, and prepare students for Key Stage 4.
Core Subjects
English, Maths, Science and Computing are taught using Base School work or KS3 curriculum resources. Lessons build on KS2 skills and focus on developing subject knowledge and independence. Learning is adapted to individual needs to support steady progress.
Personal Development
Students develop skills through PSHE, focusing on relationships, health, safety, responsibility, and decision-making. There is also a focus on building independence, routines, and resilience in preparation for Key Stage 4.
Emotional Intelligence
Students learn to understand and manage emotions and improve relationships. This includes:
- Reflecting on behaviour and choices
- Managing stress, frustration, and anxiety
- Developing coping strategies and self-control
- Understanding how actions affect others
- Building empathy and communication skills
- Developing resilience and motivation
Progression: These skills prepare students for the increased independence expected at Key Stage 4.
Personality Types
Students explore the Enneagram personality model to build self-awareness and understand behaviour patterns, strengths, and challenges.
Learning Pathways
KS3 prepares students for Key Stage 4 pathways, including:
- GCSEs (where appropriate)
- Functional Skills (English, Maths, ICT)
- Entry Level and personal development qualifications
All pathways are agreed with Base School and tailored to the learner.
Workshops
Workshops include communication, teamwork, resilience, managing change, conflict resolution, anti-bullying, and preparation for KS4 and reintegration into mainstream schooling.
Our Approach
We support re-engagement with learning, build independence, and strengthen academic and emotional readiness. We work closely with Base School to ensure consistency and positive progression.
Key Stage 4
During this key stage, we focus on academic achievement, personal development, and preparation for future pathways. Students are supported in a structured and familiar environment to help re-engage with learning.
We offer short-term and longer-term placements, supporting but not replacing mainstream education.
Core Subjects
English, Maths, Science and Computing are delivered through GCSE or Functional Skills pathways using Base School work or other curriculum resources. Learning is adapted to meet individual needs and may include bespoke Schemes of Learning linked to accredited outcomes (subject to approval).
Personal Development & Careers
Students develop life and employability skills alongside weekly careers sessions. This supports progression into college, apprenticeships, training, or employment. Where appropriate, students may access ASDAN programmes such as:
- Personal & Social Development
- Personal & Social Effectiveness
- Award of Personal Effectiveness
- Employability qualifications
Emotional Intelligence
Students develop emotional awareness and regulation through structured teaching and real-life scenarios. Key areas:
- Self-reflection and behaviour awareness
- Managing emotions and stress
- Empathy and communication
- Motivation and goal setting
- Social skills and relationships
Personality Types
Students use the Enneagram model to understand themselves and improve relationships, behaviour, and decision-making.
Courses Offered
- GCSE English and Maths
- Functional Skills (English, Maths, ICT)
- ASDAN programmes
- Other agreed qualifications with Base School
Workshops
CV writing, interviews, money management, leadership, conflict resolution, anger management, time management, and anti-bullying.
Our Approach
We support students to achieve qualifications and build life skills, preparing them for further education, training, or employment.
Key Stage 5 / A-Level
We prepare students for adulthood, further education, training, or employment. Students follow a personalised timetable focused on independence and real-world skills.
We offer short-term and longer-term placements, supporting post-16 learning where needed.
Learning & Qualifications
Students may study Functional Skills, GCSE resits, or vocational programmes based on their pathway. Learning is personalised and focused on progression and independence.
Employability Skills
Students develop work-ready skills including:
- CV writing and applications
- Interview skills
- Workplace behaviour
- Communication and teamwork
- Time management
- Budgeting and money skills
- Employment rights and responsibilities
Work-related learning or supported experiences may be included where appropriate.
Personal Development
Students build independence in daily life, decision-making, and adult responsibilities. PSHE supports wellbeing, relationships, and safe choices.
Emotional Intelligence
Students develop advanced emotional skills for adult life:
- Self-awareness and reflection
- Managing stress and pressure
- Emotional regulation
- Professional communication
- Resilience and coping strategies
- Workplace behaviour and relationships
Career Guidance
Students explore:
- College and further education
- Apprenticeships
- Employment routes
- Supported pathways where appropriate
Our Approach
We prepare students for adulthood by combining academic learning with life, emotional, and employability skills to support successful next steps.