Castledon School

The Trust’s core aim is to ensure that we enhance the life chances of all the young people within the Trust to enable them to fulfil their potential and achieve the best possible outcomes.

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Our Curriculum

Our Curriculum

Curriculum Rationale 

 

At Castledon we offer pathways but understand that every child is unique and some children coming through require a more bespoke pathway and therefore may access elements of different pathways to meet their needs. 

 

Lower Primary Curriculum

Our Lower Primary Curriculum is taught across 3 classes with a three-year rotation.

There are three distinct approaches to our Lower Primary Curriculum:

Foundation Stage Approach:

      • Play-based and explorative learning.
      • Highly practical curriculum.
  • Shorter adult-led learning tasks

ASD Approach:

      • Highly structured and rotational approach.
      • Individualised learning and bespoke timetables.

Semi-Formal Approach:

    • Whole-class timetable with small group learning.
    • Individualised aspects to timetables where appropriate.

 

Upper Primary Curriculum

 

Our Upper Primary Curriculum is taught as follows:

  • Taught in 1 class for pupils in school years 5 and 6 with a two-year rotation.
  • Learning through a whole-class timetable with small-group learning.
  • Individualised aspects to timetables where appropriate.

 

All pupils have access to a play-based learning space; the green room, with the percentage of timetabled sessions in this space varying according to individual needs. 

Please click here for an example of our Keystage 1 and 2 timetable

 

 Pathways for Key Stages 3-5


 

We offer three distinct pathways tailored to meet the unique needs of our learners: the Vocational Pathway, the Life Skills Pathway, and the Academic Pathway. Each of our students is actively engaged in a comprehensive curriculum, encompassing the following core subjects:

 

  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE)
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
  • Life Skills
  • Physical Education, including swimming (Community Fitness in Key Stage 5)

 

Additional Lessons for specific key stages:

 

Key Stage 3

  • RE
  • Employability (in vocational taster lessons)
  • Creative Topics (art, drama, music)
  • Food Technology 
  • Phonics
  • Science
  • Topics

Example Timetables: Key Stage 3

 

Key Stage 4

  • PSHE
  • Enrichment
  • Work Placement
  • Employability
  • Creative Topics (art, drama, music)
  • Science

Example Timetables: Key Stage 4 

 

Key Stage 5

  • PSHE
  • Enrichment
  • Work Placement
  • Employability
  • Peers (social skills curriculum)

Example Timetables: Key Stage 5

 

These pathways and subjects are designed to provide a well-rounded education that caters to a diverse range of abilities and interests among our students.

 

Life skills Pathway

Targeted for students with more complex learning needs and those who may be academically, socially, or emotionally challenged.

 

Curriculum Focus:

  • Increased emphasis on life skills and community-based lessons.
  • Functional learning tailored to daily life requirements.
  • Inclusion of creative subjects such as art and music to nurture a passion for learning and the arts.
  • Access to taster sessions in vocational courses so they can sample opportunities for continuing their education in colleges in pathway courses post 19.

 

Lesson format:

Lessons are pitched at entry-level standards, ensuring accessibility for students in this pathway.

 

Vocational Pathway 

This educational pathway is designed to cater to the needs of our moderate/mild learning needs students. 

 

Curriculum Overview:

 

Key Stage 3:

Students are exposed to a broad range of taster courses, including creative subjects such as music, art, and drama, as well as vocational-based subjects.

 

Key Stage 4:

During this stage, students receive two lessons a week in vocational (1 option) and creative subjects (1 option) of their choice (based on option blocks).

Qualifications are typically tailored to levels ranging from entry 3 to level 1.

 

Key Stage 5:

In this stage, students specialise in two chosen options, working towards achieving level 2 qualifications in subjects or specialisms that align with their interests. These options may include:

 

  • Photography
  • Art
  • Sport
  • Childcare
  • Animal Care
  • Lifeguarding
  • Bike and Car Maintenance
  • Graphic Design
  • Horticulture
  • Science
  • Cooking

 

This pathway is specifically designed for students currently operating at Entry 2 to Level 1 proficiency. It equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to work toward their aspirations for independent living, community engagement, and pursuing further education or vocational training beyond their time with us.

 

Academic Pathway

Designed for students with an academic profile who may also need access to SEND support for social and emotional development.

 

Offers a choice of two vocational subjects, including but not limited to:

    • Photography
    • Art
    • Sport
    • Childcare
    • Animal Care
    • Lifeguarding
    • Bike and Car Maintenance
    • Graphic Design
    • Horticulture
    • Science
    • Cooking

 

Additional Features:

  • Access to off-site provisions for higher-level courses, e.g., The Bromfords School for GCSE/A Level subjects.
  • Key Stage 4/5 students will work at Levels 1-2, including GCSE studies