Our Curriculum: A Pathway to Success

At Wightwick Hall School, our curriculum is designed to help every learner be curious and thrive. We recognise that each student has unique strengths, needs, and aspirations, so we have created a pathways model that provides personalised learning experiences and clear progression routes.

This model is informed by the research of Penny Lacey, whose work emphasises the importance of differentiated pedagogical approaches, meaningful learning for students with a wide range of needs. By adopting this evidence-based approach, we ensure that every learner has access to a curriculum that is ambitious, inclusive, and relevant.

The Pathways Model

To ensure that learning is tailored and purposeful, we organise our curriculum into four pathways:

• Discoverers – For our most complex learners, focusing on sensory experiences, communication, and life skills in a highly personalised environment.
• Navigators – For Year 7 and 8 semi-formal and formal learners, building strong foundations in core subjects alongside practical and creative opportunities.
• Pathfinders – For Year 9 and 10 semi-formal and formal learners, offering a mix of academic study, vocational options, and preparation for accredited qualifications.
• Pioneers – For Year 11 to Year 14 semi-formal and formal learners, focusing on independence, employability, and life beyond school through qualifications, work experience, and community engagement.

Personalised and Adapted Learning

All students at Wightwick Hall School have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which sets out their individual needs and long-term outcomes. To ensure these outcomes are met, every student also has Individual Education Plan (IEP) targets that guide day-to-day teaching and learning. These targets allow us to adapt the curriculum and provide a highly personalised approach, ensuring that each learner receives the right level of challenge and support to make progress and achieve success.

Our Approach

• Personalised Learning – Every student follows a pathway that reflects their abilities, interests, and future goals.
• High Aspirations – We set challenging yet achievable targets to help students reach their full potential.
• Broad Opportunities – From academic subjects to vocational courses, enrichment activities, and life skills, our curriculum prepares students for adulthood.
• Inclusive and Creative – We use practical, interactive, and creative approaches to make learning engaging and meaningful.

Whole School Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact