Our Year 7 and 8 curriculum is designed to support students with learning difficulties, disrupted educational experiences, and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. To ensure it is accessible, the curriculum is pitched approximately two years below the National Standard. This helps students build confidence and make meaningful progress in their learning. However, our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum remain age-appropriate, focusing on skills and knowledge relevant to their development.

We use the Thrive approach to support the social and emotional development of our students. Thrive helps children understand and manage their feelings, build positive relationships, and develop confidence. Through fun and engaging activities, students learn how to express themselves, deal with challenges, and feel more secure in their learning environment. This approach is especially helpful for children who have experienced difficulties, as it provides them with the tools they need to grow emotionally and socially. Classes have Thrive lessons as part of curriculum. 

Students in Years 7 and 8 also benefit from a range of enrichment activities to support their personal growth and well-being. They take part in Challenger Troop outdoor education sessions, which promote teamwork, resilience, and confidence. In addition, they attend Forest School- Willowbank, where they engage in hands-on activities such as fishing and learning about the natural world. These experiences help to develop practical skills, independence and a sense of achievement outside the classroom.

To support literacy development, we teach phonics using Fresh Start Intervention, which is specifically designed for older students who need extra help with reading and phonics. This tailored approach ensures that all students continue to improve their reading skills, fostering a positive attitude toward learning and literacy.

We use the White Rose scheme to teach mathematics, which provides clear and structured lessons to help students build their skills step by step. The program focusses on understanding and applying mathematics, making learning engaging and accessible for all students. More information about White Rose can be found here.

Student progress and expectations in mathematics and English are described through three assessment pathways. These pathways reflect the different levels of support and challenge needed by each student, ensuring that every student has realistic goals that match their abilities and needs.

Due to our students’ learning difficulties, disrupted prior educational experiences, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, progress and curriculum expectations vary from student to student. This individualised approach allows us to support their unique learning journeys, ensuring that every student can achieve their personal best.

If parents would like to withdraw their child from any aspect of the RE curriculum please could you make contact with your class teacher or form tutor initially. 

If you would like to know more about our secondary curriculum please contact the school office to arrange an appointment with Gareth Nicholls, our Assistant Headteacher for Learning.