Discovery
Pupils follow a semi-formal curriculum, carefully designed around their Education, Health and Care Plan outcomes, with a strong emphasis on communication, engagement, independence and preparation for adulthood. Learning takes place in small, specialist classes where pupils are supported by skilled staff who understand the importance of structure, regulation and trusted relationships.
The Discovery Pathway begins in the primary phase and continues through into Key Stage 3, providing continuity of support and allowing pupils to build confidence, communication and independence over time within a familiar and nurturing environment.
Communication
Engagement
This pathway is particularly suited to pupils who:
- are developing early or pre-verbal communication skills
- experience significant sensory processing differences
- require a highly adapted and individualised curriculum
- benefit from high levels of adult support
- are developing early social interaction skills
- require structured support with transitions
- may have autism and complex learning needs
- may require support with safety awareness and personal care
A structured and supportive learning environment
Classrooms on the Discovery Pathway are carefully designed to create calm, predictable and secure learning environments where pupils feel safe and able to engage.
Learning environments include:
- small class sizes and high adult-to-pupil ratios
- low-stimulus classroom design
- clearly zoned learning areas
- access to outdoor learning spaces
- sensory regulation and exploration areas
- adapted toileting facilities to support intimate care needs
- predictable routines supported through visual structures
These environments support pupils to feel secure, develop engagement with learning and build confidence within our Healthy Minds, Happy Hearts school community.
A curriculum built around academic learning and life skills
Pupils on the Discovery Pathway follow a semi-formal curriculum that balances communication development, life skills and meaningful engagement with the wider world.
Learning is carefully planned around:
- EHCP outcomes
- communication development
- preparation for adulthood
- sensory regulation
- social interaction skills
- independence in daily routines
- engagement with structured learning activities
Learning experiences are designed to be meaningful and relevant to pupils’ everyday lives, helping them build understanding, confidence and participation both in school and beyond.
Support for social interaction is carefully structured so pupils can develop confidence in working alongside others, forming relationships and participating in shared activities.
Therapeutic support within learning
The Discovery Pathway uses a Total Communication approach, ensuring pupils can communicate in ways that are meaningful and accessible to them.
Staff support communication development through:
- PECS
- Signalong
- PEIC-D strategies
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- modelling and scaffolding communication throughout the day
Pupils also benefit from:
- sensory processing support
- structured regulation strategies
- social and leisure opportunities such as swimming and horse riding
- Preparation for Adulthood learning
- therapeutic-informed classroom practice
High levels of adult support ensure pupils can develop routines, communicate their needs and successfully participate in adult-directed activities.
Curriculum structure
Teaching time across the week is carefully balanced to support communication, engagement and independence:
44% — Key Skills
Communication, early literacy and numeracy engagement, wellbeing and independence
20% — Life Skills and EHCP Target Time
Preparation for adulthood, regulation, communication and personalised outcomes
10% — Personal and Physical Development
Relationships, physical development, emotional wellbeing and sensory regulation
19% — Knowledge and Understanding of Our World
Understanding routines, environments, community awareness and topic-based learning
7% — Creative Enrichment
Music, art, sensory creativity and enrichment experiences
Developing independence and confidence
A central aim of the Discovery Pathway is to help pupils develop effective communication, engagement and independence skills at a pace that is right for them.
Pupils are supported to:
- communicate their needs, choices and preferences
- develop engagement with structured activities
- build early social interaction skills
- participate in daily routines
- develop awareness of safety and the world around them
- increase independence across personal development areas
Learning environments and routines are carefully structured to support regulation and participation throughout the school day.
Preparing for the future
The Discovery Pathway supports pupils to develop the communication, confidence and life skills needed for meaningful participation in school and the wider community.
Over time, pupils develop:
- effective communication strategies
- engagement with learning and routines
- early social interaction skills
- greater independence in everyday activities
- confidence navigating familiar environments safely
Through our Healthy Minds, Happy Hearts ethos and Learn & Thrive curriculum, pupils are supported to become engaged, present and safe members of their community, equipped with the skills they need for their next stage of learning as they progress through Key Stage 3 and beyond.
Curiosity Pathway
Curriculum
“Leaders and staff are knowledgeable about the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities in the school. The curriculum is tailored to meet their needs.”