Our curriculum intent

At Applebee Wood School our curriculum is designed to inspire enthusiasm for learning, to ensure achievement and to support pupil well-being and happiness.

The curriculum at Applebee Wood is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all children. It provides opportunities for children to develop as independent, confident and successful learners, with high aspirations, who know how to make a positive contribution to their community and the wider society.

We provide first hand learning experiences that allow children to develop interpersonal skills and build resilience. Our cross-curricular approach at primary and within our pre-formal and semi-formal curriculum enables our children to make meaningful links with their learning.

Throughout each Key Stage, the curriculum is designed to develop the skills, attributes and knowledge that our children will need to successfully take their place in society.

Early years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Key Stage 1 – during this time, pupils learn classroom routines in a calm, learning focused environment, which is safe, caring and nurturing.  

Key Stage 2 – Pupils learn how to become more independent around school. They are provided with a holistic education which incorporates guidance and strategies from support agencies and partnerships. 

Key Stage 3 – Pupils learn how to work with other groups. Pupils are out and about in the community more. They have an increased resilience developing the skills to self regulate.

Key Stage 4 – Pupils work for a wide variety of accreditation in Functional Skills and ASDAN, alongside learning employability skills through their personalised learning programmes. They are prepared for the next stage in their education. 

We celebrate our own special school identity through the unique experiences that our curriculum provides. We have developed a rich and varied menu of enhancement opportunities to engage learning and recognise individuality.

Our curriculum enables us to build strong relationships, celebrate diversity, encourage respect and build a sense of community. It provides and acknowledges success for all children, in all aspects of their development and it recognises, encourages and celebrates all types of talent.

Our house teams, PSHE lessons and assemblies promote positive attitudes which reflect the values and skills needed for future learning and success.

Teamwork and responsibility are an essential part of our curriculum and we enable children to take on key roles, becoming involved in the community, through celebration of local traditions, by learning new skills and enabling them to take an active part in events throughout the year.

Children leave Applebee Wood School with a sense of belonging and are proud that they have developed the confidence and skills needed to be learners for life.

For further information on subject specific curriculum please see the subject pages and the curriculum maps.