Curriculum Pathway 1

Curriculum Pathway 1

Curriculum Pathway 1

Adapted National Curriculum Pathway.


At Old Windebrowe School, Pathway 1 is designed for learners with a range of barriers to learning, typically associated with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These learners require specific and specialist teaching approaches, drawing on the most relevant aspects of the National Curriculum to meet their individual needs.

Pupils with SLD often experience difficulties with everyday learning and tasks and require a high level of support to take part in day‑to‑day activities. They may take longer to learn and need additional support to develop new skills, process information, and communicate with others (MENCAP website, accessed July 2020).

At Old Windebrowe, learners on this curriculum pathway may have Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) identified as either their primary or secondary need within their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Alternatively, they may have Autism (ASD) identified as either a primary or secondary need on their EHCP.

Learners accessing this pathway follow a subject‑specific curriculum model. Within this model, outcomes identified within each pupil’s EHCP are embedded throughout the curriculum and reviewed through Individual Education Plan (IEP) reviews. National Curriculum subjects deemed most beneficial to our learners are identified as Curriculum Fundamentals and are planned for on a termly basis.

Some learning is delivered through project‑based approaches to ensure that curriculum content is meaningful, engaging, and relevant to the students’ experiences.

In addition to subject‑specific learning, pupils also participate in a range of enrichment and life‑skills activities. These activities are designed to build confidence, independence, and resilience, and to prepare learners for adulthood and life beyond school.

 

Structure of the Learning Day.
Mornings are structured around more traditional lesson sessions. Lesson length varies depending on the subject and the individual needs of the students. Learners are taught in small class groups of no more than four to five pupils. During morning sessions, pupils may also take part in bespoke interventions tailored to their individual needs.

Afternoons focus on life skills, project work, and experiential learning. This learning may take place on‑site or off‑site and can include activities such as swimming, hiking, real‑life learning within the community, cooking, and baking.

Defining characteristics of learners who will access Pathway 1:

  • Communication difficulties.
  • Difficulties with abstract concepts.
  • Autism.
  • Difficulties with working memory.
  • Difficulties with concentration and attention.
  • Poor general knowledge.
  • Difficulties with sequencing.
  • Difficulties with thinking and problem-solving.