KS3 and KS4 Curriculum

Introduction:

At Paddock School, we treat each child as an individual and our curriculum reflects this. Each student in Key Stage 3 and 4 has an individual Learning Pathway that reflects their skills, interests and choices. It is responsive to each individual and the way the curriculum is structured enables students to engage in a range of experiences and acquire new skills. Our holistic approach encourages students to engage in active, cross-curricular and contextualised learning with a focus on Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, Emotional and Physical Development and Independence and Community Learning.

Our personalised curriculum incorporates a range of learning goals specific to student’s individual needs including Termly IEPs based on pupils EHCPs and Skills Challenges based on their individual Learning Pathway. Our Pupil Progress frameworks support teachers and teams to identify students’ areas of development and plan for students’ next steps.

Intent:

We prepare pupils for life beyond Paddock School. Our curriculum is focused on our aspirations for our learners at Paddock School.  As part of our curriculum cycle in Key Stage 3 and 4, we have a focus on skills, contextualised learning and community to ensure students are prepared for the next stage in their lives.

Implementation:

It is our understanding that students attending Paddock School have individual skills and interests. We ensure each student has a personalised Learning Pathway and that there is flexibility within each Learning Pathway to ensure students are not set limits within their learning.

Pre Formal, Semi Formal and Formal Pathways all include:

• Developing Communication Skills
• Developing Numeracy Skills
• Expressive Arts
• PSHE
• RSE
• Computing/IT Skills
• Physical Education/Sport and Leisure

In addition to this each student’s Learning Pathway consists of additional Vocational and Preparation for Adulthood modules. Our optional modules form part of each student’s Learning Pathway and are selected based on their on their interests, skills and choices.

Throughout the week, each student has a personalised timetable to allow them to attend Skills Sessions. Students are grouped based on their individual needs.

Timetable:

Certification and Accreditation

In Key Stage 3 and 4 we have selected certifications and accreditations that recognise students’ achievements in a way that is meaningful within the context of needs of pupils, curriculum and preparing them for their life beyond Paddock School.

• ASDAN Life Skills Challenge Certification
• Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Impact (Including Assessment)

Assessment is a fundamental part of our curriculum cycle. Progress of pupils is ongoing and it is ensured there are regular opportunities to assess students and acknowledge their achievements. Recording of students’ progress is made using ‘Evidence for Learning’ including the use of assessment books. By using this system, it allows all teaching staff to monitor individual student’s progress and plan for their next steps.

At the end of each term, students receive a Learning Portfolio capturing their progress in line with their individual IEPs set. In addition to this, at the end of each year students receive a Skills Session Learning Portfolio that encapsulates pupils learning and a certificate of their achievements. Learning portfolios are created based on observations, functional and summative assessment, internal moderation and annual reviews.