Primary Semi-Formal and Formal Curriculum Overview
The Grove Primary Curriculum is broad and balanced, and is underpinned by an in-depth knowledge of each individual pupil, and how they learn.
The intent of the Primary curriculum is to introduce our pupils to a wealth of new experiences to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
Pupils in the Primary department follow either the semi-formal or formal curriculum. The semi-formal pathway is for pupils who are working at pre key-stage standard levels and uses an adapted curriculum that aligns with the National Curriculum. The formal curriculum is for pupils who are working at National Curriculum level. All learning is accessible, meaningful and relevant to all students. Every lesson is planned to be challenging, enjoyable and successful for each pupil and there are many opportunities for practical hands-on activities and visits to places that enhance learning and extend cultural capital, ensuring learning is fun!
The Primary Curriculum is organised into 5 Pathways:
- Engagement Pathway
- The Semi-Formal Pathway 1
- The Semi-Formal Pathway 2
- Formal Curriculum Pathway 3
- Formal Pathway 4
All pathways are delivered in three year cycles. Pupils are able to work flexibly between pathways if appropriate. (Primary Curriculum Overview)
The three year cycle provides pupils with the opportunity to move smoothly from one pathway to the next, and to consolidate and enrich skills learnt. Each pathway has been carefully mapped out in order for pupils to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in English, Maths, Science and other curriculum areas in a purposeful and concrete way. The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced ensuring coverage of Humanities, PSHE / RSHE, The Arts, Technology, Music, PE and Cultural Studies/MFL.
The Pathway 3 Formal Curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum, whilst also providing other experiences and opportunities which best meet the learning and development needs of the pupils in our school. The aim of our Pathway 3 curriculum is for pupils to have the requisite skills to be successful, independent and motivated learners in readiness for their next stage of education.
At The Grove, play takes a central part in our curriculum. We see play as being fundamental to the development of both the pupil and the adult that the student will become. Play is an essential part of learning, so we provide our pupils with a safe and secure environment, to explore and engage in play and leisure skills.
Our Life Skills Curriculum provides a broad framework for pupils to work from, with the intent on preparation for independence and adulthood. It includes many opportunities to develop many aspects of important life skills through the experience of daily activities both in school and off site, and is incorporated throughout the day as well as taught in discrete lessons. The Life Skills curriculum draws on aspects of the Autism Education Trust (AET) progression framework, and has been developed and adapted drawing on areas of the Equals schemes of work, which complement the wider life skills curriculum content.
Primary Overview
