Our curriculum pathways are driven by the identification of individuals personal targets, and as the needs of our pupils evolve, we continually assess the most appropriate pathway for them. Pupils can move between pathways to achieve a personalised model to meet their individual needs. This offers a degree of flexibility for pupils to progress into more appropriate pathways as they develop their learning skills.
Fairfield School
Curriculum Overview
Early Years Foundation Stage Pathway
Learning through play and recognition that each child is unique, learns at their own pace, in their own way lie at the heart of the early years curriculum. Children’s earliest experiences help to build a secure foundation for learning throughout their school years. We enjoy a wide variety of activities throughout the week, which are designed to help the children learn new skills, gain confidence and form good relationships with staff and peers.
The curriculum is organised into seven areas:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development | Communication and Language | Mathematics
Understanding the World | Physical Development | Expressive Arts and Design | Literacy
Pre-Formal Pathway (P1-P4)
Our Pre-Formal Curriculum at Fairfield is planned for our pupils with profound and complex learning needs who require a personalised approach, and where they are able to develop positive relationships with others and a sense of belonging and trust in the school environment. Opportunities are planned which are personalised and meaningful, celebrating the different abilities and achievements of every individual.
The initial areas of learning focus on communication, social and emotional and cognitive skills. It values and recognises the importance of movement and play, and the needs for multi-sensory approaches to support learning and proactively explore the world around them. All pupils will be encouraged to achieve the highest level of personal mobility and independence which will be planned into their learning opportunities.
Semi-Formal Pathway (P4-P7)
The Semi-Formal Curriculum at Fairfield recognises that many of our pupils have a range of complex learning difficulties and additional needs.
The curriculum is tailored to meet individual needs, and much of the learning opportunities are related to pupil’s experiences and interests. Some may learn through structured play, however, others will learn more effectively through functional activities.
Communication, Language and Literacy | Mathematical Thinking and Problem Solving
Personal, Social, Health and Emotional | Arts and Creativity - Art & Design, Music, Dance and Drama
Understanding the World - Science, History, Geography, ICT and RE
Physical Development - Swimming, Hydrotherapy and Rebound
Formal Curriculum Pathway (P7-Foundation Stage Expectations
The Formal Curriculum is for our pupils at Fairfield who are working at P6 to NC levels towards the end of Key Stage 2. These pupils are mainly taught through individual subjects.
English | Maths | Science | Humanities - History, Geography, Technology and RE
Personal, Social, Health Citizenship Education (including Sex Education and Citizenship), Transitions and Careers
Arts - Art & Design, Music, Dance and Drama
PE - Swimming, Hydrotherapy, Rebound, PE, Outdoor Play, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
The pupils benefit from a structure that enables personalised learning. The formal curriculum recognises that many of the pupils have a range of needs and may still access specialist provision as part of their personalised provision.
Post 16 Vocational Pathway
Many students in Post 16 undertake work related learning, including opportunities for work experience, both within school and the wider community. This is made available through personalised teaching opportunities and student interests. In Post 16, students are able to access Functional Skills accreditation units in Personal Progress, Life Skills and PSED which are accredited via AQA Unit Awards. Some students undertake work related learning, independent living skills and preparation for external accreditation with the ASDAN Award; which focuses on the key areas of life skills and personal development in preparation for adult life.
Some pupils undertake work experience placements. These experiences ensure our students have real life opportunities to practise and develop work related skills, which equip them in their adult lives. Work experience also gives our students the opportunity to explore an area of work which they may have an interest and enables them to make informed choices.