Curriculum Pathways

Autism Spectrum Specialist Pathway

This pathway is designed for those learners with more complex Autism and who therefore require a more specialised learning environment and approach to teaching and learning. There are currently four Autism Spectrum specialist classes: Within these classes we understand that the students all have their own specific barriers to learning and require a personalised curriculum tailored to meet individual needs.

Each class adheres to the Autism Education Trust (AET) Progression Framework in conjunction with the Lower, Middle or Upper School planning framework. For our 14 – 19 year old students there is a shift in focus so that there is a greater emphasis on preparation for life after school, whatever their pathway may be.

Complex Needs Specialist Pathway

This pathway is for learners with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties) and those who have more complex learning needs and therefore require a more sensory based approach to learning. These classes span all the Key Stages of a child’s educational journey at Exeter House School (Early Years to Post 16). There are currently two Complex Needs Specialist classes.

Within the PMLD/Complex Needs specialist classes we understand that the students all have their own specific health, physical and/or cognitive barriers to learning and require a personalised curriculum tailored to meet individual needs. Classes follow The Equals Pre-Formal Curriculum in conjunction with the Lower, Middle or Upper School planning framework. A few pupils may also access aspects of Development Matters and The Semi-formal Curriculum as part of their personalised learning. In our oldest Complex Needs class, we move away from The Equals Curriculum and work towards ASDAN Personal Progress Certification in the PMLD modules. Within these modules, we aim to consolidate the skills that pupils have learnt over their time in previous classes, and maintain them through a variety of activities. We work on broadening their experiences, particularly in regards to communication and social skills, in mind that this will aid in their transition from school into adult provision when they leave.

At every stage of their education, each child’s strengths and needs are considered carefully and the best Curriculum pathway for them is chosen and reviewed regularly. This means that challenge is pitched at just the right level for each learner to make the best progress possible from Early Years right through to Post 16 and beyond.

Curriculum Strands

Regardless of which Curriculum Pathway learners take there are five overarching strands that are built into all aspects of our curriculum. At each phase of their educational journey the balance of these strands may be different based on the identified priorities for that age group and/or individual. However, each phase is designed to build on what has come before and prepare for what is coming next, with the overarching aim of preparing all learners for life after school.

These 5 strands are evaluated within the Annual Review process as well as being tracked through the core curriculum targets.

These five strands are:

• Social and Emotional
• Cognition and Learning
• Communication and Interaction
• Sensory and Physical
• Independence

Find out more about the Curriculum

To find out more about the curriculum at Exeter House, please contact your child's teacher who will be able to help.