Curriculum | William Morris School | Independent Special School

Curriculum pathways

Our individualised and developmentally-sensitive curriculum pathways have been carefully designed to help overcome the significant impact of early childhood trauma on young people’s learning processes. They encourage pupils to explore all subjects within the National Curriculum in a practical and creative way.

All pupils are supported to achieve external accreditation for their learning via a range of examinations including GCSEs, BTECs, Functional Skills and Entry Level Certificates.

Our Curriculum

Seedling

To be able to understand and respond to sensory needs, make sense of the world around and access multi-sensory learning experiences.

Sapling

To develop awareness of emotions, learn how to self-regulate, connect meaningfully with others, and engage with learning experiences.

Sycamore

To develop positive relational health, be safe and work towards appropriate accreditations, in line with a young person’s abilities and interest

Blossom

To develop transferable skills in preparation for life and independence.

National Curriculum

Seedling and Sapling Pathways

Literacy and Numeracy (daily)
Science, Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, MfL, Humanities, Music/Drama and Physical Education
The school takes a cross-curricular approach following a topic master scheme
PSHE is studied daily
Swimming and Cycling Proficiency

Sycamore Pathway

Pupils continue to study English, Maths, Science and PSHE
Pupils are supported through an informal options process where they can select subjects of interest

Blossom Pathway (post-16 provision)

We recognise that pupils at this stage need access to a curriculum that will prepare them for adult life after leaving school. As a result, each pupil follows a highly personalised curriculum, with a timetable based on their individual needs and choice of subjects

Personal, Social Health & Economics (PSHE)

We place a great emphasis on developing each pupil’s understanding of day-to-day life skills including how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, managing money as well as the ability to keep themselves safe
Sex and relationship education forms part of the PSHE curriculum and is timetabled for all pupils. Sex and relationship education is delivered according to each individual pupil’s abilities and emotional development, and class groups may be divided into smaller groups where appropriate

Literacy and numeracy skills are taught throughout the school day and all teachers cultivate and encourage pupils’ development in these key areas. Creative and physical skills are developed through a range of activities including art, textiles, woodwork, photography, horticulture and music. In addition, various sporting opportunities are available in the school’s indoor and outdoor gym and within the school’s grounds.

The Vocational Curriculum

Preparing pupils for work and adult life is an important aspect of the school’s curriculum. Pupils at Key Stages 4 and post-16 can choose from a range of work-related and vocational opportunities which suit their individual needs, abilities and interests. These are generally in the areas of:

Land and the environment (including gardening and horse care)
Hospitality and catering
Construction
Business and administration (including office skills)
Personal and work skills development

Whenever possible, we seek to gain accreditation for their vocational learning.

Enriching the Curriculum

To enrich the curriculum we encourage pupils to access and engage in learning in all areas of the curriculum, to develop new skills including independence skills, and to access work and the community.

We strongly believe that creative activities bring various psychological, educational and social benefits. With that in mind, the Enrichment Curriculum has a strong emphasis on arts, crafts, textiles and horticultural activities.