Curriculum Overview 

Our principal aim at The Hawthorns is to prepare pupils for adulthood so that they can take up their place in society with pride, contribute to the community, and be able to self-advocate with confidence. To do this they will acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes for purposeful employment, independence and leisure.  

Lack of flexibility, low self-esteem and anxiety are all addressed through sensitive and focused teaching.  We work from what the pupil already knows and identify gaps in learning, carefully blending academic learning, functional ability and personal development through precise planning.   

Pupils participate in a full, broad and balanced curriculum relevant to their stages of learning and development. 

The curriculum is logical and sequenced with a clear pedagogy at every stage of learning, directing and informing our practice. The curriculum and teaching are designed to motivate engagement, ignite a desire for learning and promote curiosity and aspiration.   We want our pupils to gain the confidence to participate, develop the essential knowledge and skills for daily life and adulthood through the development of formal qualifications, where appropriate, and functional skills.  

We use an adapted National Curriculum combined with our LIFE approach to ensure we meet the emerging needs of our pupils. The Hawthorns 6 Outcomes are embedded throughout the school & residential curriculum; Social Communication, Health and Well-being, Functional Skills, Participation and Resilience, Identity and Achievement. These focus on personal and social development of our pupils so that they can keep themselves safe, healthy and self-advocate. For all these reasons, pupils have a range of opportunities both within school and in the wider community to increase their range of experiences, apply skills and develop confidence in navigating the world.  

As pupils move through the school, they will develop the skills for increased independence and necessary qualities, attitudes and qualifications for next steps in learning or employment relevant for them.   

See Curriculum Model below: