Pathway Curriculum

Pupils will leave Red Gates as lifelong learners, with the skills, knowledge and interests to access the next stage of their education.

In order to provide pupils at Red Gates with experiences that are relevant, interesting and challenging, while identifying opportunities for progression, we have created a curriculum structure which encompasses 4 pathways.

Red Gates curriculum is responsive to individual pupils, building on strengths, interests and learning styles.

Each pathway provides an individualised and creative curriculum that inspire pupils to develop skills to be effective communicators with knowledge of how to self regulate in order to maintain a calm and alert state where pupils are supported to reach their potential both academically and holistically.

Our thematic curriculums supports a balance of stimulating contexts to ensure breadth and coverage. We are continually developing our learning environments outside the confines of the classroom, promoting learning through positive outdoor experiences and play.

LISS Curriculum and Curriculum Maps

Curriculum Maps

There is a balance of academic and life skills taught in the learning, independence and social skills (LISS) pathway. Pupils have opportunities for exploration and extension during the learning of core subjects through structured learning groups.

In the LISS pathway children have regular opportunities to visit the local community to enhance and generalise their independence and social skills. Ultimately the aim is to enable pupils to develop an understanding of their role within the community and to make a positive contribution towards it.

Pupils in the LISS pathway contribute to daily routines by completing simple jobs/tasks to increase their confidence and self-responsibility.

The development of pupil’s social skills is a priority in the LISS pathway. Opportunities to develop social skills are offered throughout the day through interactions with a variety of peers across the pathway during unstructured times with greater independence. Play is incorporated into daily routines to encourage children to learn through play activities, such as role play, choosing times and games.

The Attention Autism approach is used to support pupils to jointly engage in activities alongside others for extended periods of time, and to develop turn-taking and independent learning skills.

Inclusion is a vital tool for learning and development. As well as inclusion with other schools, children in the LISS pathway will have opportunities for inclusion within Red Gates School. As well as promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. They are also prepared for key transitions throughout their lives.

ASD Curriculum and Curriculum Maps

Curriculum Maps

The ASD pathway provides a structured and predictable environment for children to access their learning.

The ASD curriculum focuses on developing children’s attention skills in order for children to be ready to learn. This is achieved through the use of daily Attention Autism sessions that are adapted to teach different skills and subjects.

Every child uses a TEACCH approach in order for learning to take place in a predictable way whilst supporting independence and communication. The environment of our ASD classrooms has been adapted to best suit the learning styles of pupils.

A strong focus is placed on developing children’s social skills and communication skills. Communication is promoted throughout the day with PECS being used to support and strengthen children’s ability to make requests and initiate communication.

Sensory Curriculum and Curriculum Maps

The sensory pathway approaches learning through a tactile methodology. This includes the use of activities such as Tacpac, PECS and Intensive Interaction to develop communication skills. Frequent body awareness activities such as Sherbourne, Story Massage and Sensory circuits help develop children’s understanding of themselves.

There is a strong emphasis on the learning of life skills in the sensory pathway; toileting, dressing, eating and drinking are incorporated throughout the day.

Child initiation is actively encouraged and highly motivating attention grabbing activities are used throughout the day. Attention skills are developed through the use of sensory exploration, Attention Autism and Sensory Stories.

Music is incorporated into every aspect of the sensory pathway in order to create an atmosphere for learning. There is a focus on building strong and trusting relationships with children in order to assist them to reach their full potential in a safe and welcoming environment.

Due to the complex nature of the children in the sensory pathway there is high therapy input from occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and the music therapist.

EYFS Curriculum and Curriculum Maps

Curriculum Maps

The EYFS curriculum is a play based, holistic curriculum that aims to prepare children to develop their basic PSHE, Literacy and Maths skills. There is a strong focus on learning school routine, communication and basic independence skills. Communication is a prime focus throughout the day and appropriate augmentative and alternative communication is used to support each pupil’s communication.

The EYFS curriculum aims to prepare pupils for their school career and prioritises supporting pupils to follow routines, respond positively to high expectations and have the strategies to be able to adapt to a variety of situations.

The curriculum is designed to follow children’s interests and motivators as well as provide opportunities for more structured activities. The curriculum is supported by a different book each half term.

Parent participation is actively encouraged in the EYFS curriculum and home visits take place for every pupil. Visits to classes to share experiences during different topics assist with generalisation of skills.