Our holistic curriculum is designed around key elements which underpin our vision for the school… that our young people leave us prepared for their future. Our curriculum offer is flexible and supported by a commitment to inclusion and age-related experiences for all. We know that at any time our students will need varying levels of support and extension depending on their need.

At Orchard Manor School we have refreshed our approach to grouping pupils to ensure that we are targeting the right curriculum and resources to support the children to make progress,  and to give each child the education and care that suits them best. These pathways are based on each student’s needs, independence, and communication style and students can move between them when they are developmentally ready. 

Every child, no matter their pathway, is part of our inclusive community and receives a rich, personalised curriculum. This includes a strong focus on communication, life skills, literacy, maths and science, creativity, and physical development like swimming, hiking, and woodland learning.

The Pathways

The strategic grouping above allows us to tailor our educational approach to meet the unique needs of each child. By doing so, we can plan effectively, ensuring that our curriculum, environment, and resources are perfectly suited to support each individual's growth and development.

Our dedicated staff receive high-quality training to provide the best care and education possible within the pathways that they work in, and when we assess and place pupils within a pathway, we consider their presentation and needs, levels of independence, and the type of support required for their progress.

This approach may result in some mixed year groups, but additionally, pupils can move between the pathways as they grow, develop, and become more communicative and independent.  Regardless of the pathway, we are still committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, and our universal offer still underpins every aspect of our school life.  For example, we continue to maintain small class sizes to allow students to receive the individualised learning and attention they need. Each pathway tailors the curriculum offer and prioritises the needs of the pupils within them.

A considerable proportion of curriculum time is dedicated to our intuitive approach to Communication, Language & Literature.  We use a Total Communication approach, but this can look a little different, depending on the developmental needs of pupils. All our young people are positively supported to engage in social communication opportunities with peers, family, and other key people in their lives.

Our students will continue to engage with the local community through various activities and outings, increasing their confidence and ensuring they can participate fully. For all pupils, there is a strong focus on reading and enjoying stories and literature, helping to develop ways to communicate effectively, including writing.

In the curriculum area of MIST: Mathematics, IT, Science, and Technology, we provide pupils with essential skills and knowledge. By focusing on this, we ensure students are well-equipped to engage with the modern world, fostering problem-solving abilities, technological literacy, scientific curiosity, and practical skills.

Our students will also learn about the world around them through the Humanities. They will engage with topics tailored to their key priorities and ensure they develop an understanding of history, beliefs and values, geography, and careers, as appropriate and relevant to their level. Additionally, they will also experience the arts and other cultural activities too.

We will continue to teach essential Personal Development skills, such as keeping safe, learning about positive relationships, and other life skills such as cooking, travelling safely, and learning to look after ourselves and create things we need and enjoy.  At Orchard Manor School, we create opportunities for students to take on responsibility and make their own choices, helping to build their confidence.

As part of our universal offer, we continue to provide activities through our Physical Development curriculum that enhance body awareness and coordination, such as woodland learning and horticulture, physical education, walking safely, hiking, swimming, and even learning to ride a bike or trike. These activities promote physical fitness, motor skills, confidence, and social interaction, supporting overall well-being.

We believe that our pathway system is crucial in fostering an environment where every student can flourish. We are dedicated to ensuring that each child at Orchard Manor School receives the best possible education and care, tailored to their individual needs.

Provision Map