Curiosity
Our Curiosity Pathway supports pupils who are able to access significant elements of the National Curriculum with personalised adaptations, alongside explicit teaching of life skills, emotional literacy and independence.
Learning takes place within small, structured classes where pupils benefit from predictable routines, strong relationships with staff and a carefully designed environment that supports focus, confidence and wellbeing. Through our Learn & Thrive curriculum, pupils develop both academic understanding and the practical skills they need to become increasingly independent learners and active members of their community.
Confidence
Independence
This pathway is particularly suited to pupils who:
- communicate mainly verbally
- are developing independence but benefit from structured support
- are working at or below age-related expectations
- are developing confidence in social interaction and collaborative learning
- benefit from support with transitions and emotional regulation
- may have mild to moderate learning difficulties, social communication differences or social, emotional and mental health needs
A structured and supportive learning environment
Classrooms on the Curiosity Pathway follow a therapeutic and structured approach that helps pupils feel safe, calm and ready to learn.
Learning environments include:
- small class sizes
- low-arousal classroom design
- individual workstations where appropriate
- cosy reading areas
- clear visual timetables and routines
- Zones of Regulation strategies
- access to sensory tools such as wobble cushions where helpful
These approaches support pupils to develop independence, confidence and readiness for learning within our Healthy Minds, Happy Hearts environment.
A curriculum built around academic learning and life skills
Pupils on the Curiosity Pathway follow a mainly academic curriculum based on the National Curriculum, alongside personalised EHCP targets and life skills learning.
Teaching places strong emphasis on:
- modelling and scaffolding new learning
- revisiting and recalling key knowledge over time
- communication development across subjects
- emotional literacy and self-regulation
- independence and organisation skills
- preparation for the next stage of education
Support for social interaction is carefully planned so pupils can make progress towards their Communication and Interaction EHCP outcomes, building confidence in working with others and forming trusted relationships.
Therapeutic support within learning
Our Curiosity Pathway combines structured teaching approaches with therapeutic practice so that pupils feel secure and able to engage successfully with learning.
Depending on need, pupils may benefit from:
- Speech and Language Therapy support
- Occupational Therapy strategies
- PACE-informed relational practice
- structured emotional literacy teaching
- personalised sensory regulation strategies
- opportunities for off-site learning and activities
As pupils develop confidence and independence, levels of adult support are gradually reduced wherever appropriate.
Curriculum structure
Teaching time across the week is carefully balanced to support both academic progress and personal development:
50% — Key Skills
English, Mathematics, Communication, Digital Literacy, Life Skills and Wellbeing
16% — Life Skills and EHCP Target Time
Personal independence, organisation, regulation strategies and individual outcomes
10% — Personal and Physical Development
PSHE, relationships education, emotional literacy, PE and wellbeing
16% — Knowledge and Understanding of Our World
Science, topic learning, outdoor learning and understanding the wider world
8% — Creative Enrichment
Art, music, design and enrichment opportunities
Developing independence and confidence
A key aim of the Curiosity Pathway is to help pupils become increasingly confident and independent learners.
Pupils are supported to:
- organise their learning using visual supports and routines
- work independently for increasing periods of time
- record learning in exercise books and project journals
- use laptops and assistive technology where appropriate
- develop strategies to manage sensory needs
- build confidence in social situations
Preparing for the future
The Curiosity Pathway prepares pupils for successful transitions into the next stage of education and adulthood.
Over time, pupils develop:
- strong communication skills
- emotional awareness and resilience
- independence in learning and daily routines
- confidence as members of their community
- readiness for qualifications such as Functional Skills, BTECs and GCSEs
Most pupils progress to specialist or small mainstream settings, with many moving towards supported employment pathways and meaningful participation in their local community.
Through our Healthy Minds, Happy Hearts ethos and Learn & Thrive curriculum, pupils leave the Curiosity Pathway with the confidence, knowledge and life skills they need to take their next steps successfully.
Discovery Pathway
Curriculum
“Teachers use a range of strategies to support pupils’ learning.”