The Curriculum

The communication underpins all areas of the curriculum.  At Woodlands we ensure that all pupils are fully included in learning activities by utilising a wide range of styles of communication.  Spoken communication is supported through the use of signing, visual cues such as photographs and symbols as well as high or low tech communication aids.

Learning at all levels is designed to be fun, purposeful and relevant to individual needs.  Pupils learn from each other as well as from the adults and we place great emphasis on students recognising, respecting and valuing first themselves and then their peers.

Our SLD Curriculum

Lower School SLD

The Lower School SLD curriculum is designed to provide a smooth and supportive transition from primary to secondary education.

By aligning closely with the schemes of work used in students’ previous schools, we ensure continuity in learning and help to build confidence during this important stage.

Students are carefully grouped according to their individual needs, and timetables allow for targeted support and challenge, ensuring that each learner can make meaningful progress.

In addition to core subjects such as English, Maths, and Computing, students engage with Science, Music, Art, PE, RE, and PSHE through an integrated Creative Curriculum that promotes curiosity, engagement, and cross-curricular learning.

Weekly community visits are a vital part of the lower school experience, providing students with opportunities to develop early life skills, apply classroom learning in real-world settings, and begin building the independence they will need in later years.

Upper School SLD

In Upper School we endeavour to build on the skills students have developed in Lower School SLD.  All students will access English, Maths, Computing, PSHE, RE, Careers, PE, Art and Music.  Some students will work towards their Functional Skills Entry Level exams in English and Maths and AQA accreditation in ICT.  All students will work towards achieving OCR Life and Living Skills accreditation.

Our priority is to equip students with the personal, social, and independent living skills necessary to help them achieve their individual goals and aspirations, and to ensure they are well prepared for adulthood. Classrooms are equipped with specialist facilities designed to support the development of practical life skills, and students are encouraged to apply their learning in real-world contexts. To this end, they regularly access local community facilities beyond the school grounds, enabling them to gain valuable, hands-on experiences that enhance their readiness for life after school.

Some students will also be working on their employability skills both in school and in the wider community.  The school employs a part-time work experience coordinator, who supports students to access meaningful work placements. 

Students will have opportunities to participate in college link course opportunities and visits to post school providers including a range of options funded by both Education and Social Care. 

Our WISERR & WISERR SLD Curriculum

• Well-being
• Independence and Co-operation
• Social Communication
• Enjoyment
• Resilience
• Regulation

The WISERR and WISERR SLD curriculums prioritise the development of functional skills that are transferable outside and beyond school. It is hoped that the development of these functional skills will enable our young people to be as independent as possible in activities of daily living and to develop and maintain relationships that are significant to them.

In the WISERR curriculum, Maths, Literacy and PSHE are not taught as discrete subjects, instead, opportunities to develop an understanding of key concepts from these areas is practised throughout the day in activities that could also be experienced in a home or supported living environment.

In the WISERR SLD curriculum, discreet reading, writing and maths lessons are taught.

On a daily basis we aim to provide a "work life balance" as the balance is necessary to well-being in life.

Students who follow the WISERR curriculum may also have communication difficulties, sensory difficulties and/or health issues. Some students may also present with a considerable level of challenging behaviour.

Our PMLD Curriculum

Our PMLD curriculum provides opportunities for all of our students with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) to fulfil their potential and to participate in all activities, as independently as they can. Each of our students are individuals and the degree of independence that they will demonstrate will vary accordingly. It is vital that students with PMLD have their complex medical, physical, sensory and therapeutic needs addressed and timetables are adapted accordingly to ensure these needs are addressed, to keep the students safe and well and to place them in a position of readiness to learn.

Our PMLD curriculum aims to: 

• Promote functional communication skills, including the use of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).
• Facilitate student voice and listen to what students say, what matters to them and what makes them feel safe.
• Ensure that learning is functional and is focused on developing skills which will support transition to adulthood.
• Focus on individual wellbeing by supporting students to develop confidence and positive self- esteem.
• Meet students’ physical, sensory, medical and therapeutic needs, in collaboration with other professionals.
• Promote physical wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle.
• Equip students with the tools which will enable them to successfully develop their resilience (dealing with disappointment and managing change) both in school and into adulthood.
• Encourage independence, confidence and involvement in the school and wider community.

Careers Education

Learning begins, where appropriate, in Lower School SLD and continues throughout a student’s time with us, growing in depth and relevance as they progress.

Our approach focuses on developing essential employability and life skills such as confidence, communication, creativity, and problem-solving. Teachers and support staff work collaboratively with students to help them recognise the skills they are gaining and encourage them to reflect on and record their achievements in meaningful ways.

Students take part in a structured programme that includes information on work placements and opportunities, starting with enterprise activities in Lower School. As they move into Upper School, they engage in practical work experience within the school community, such as working in the school café, and may access external placements with support from our dedicated work experience coordinator.

The aim of our careers education programme is to ensure every young person develops the knowledge, understanding, and confidence needed to make informed choices about their future.

Our careers education is underpinned by three key aims:

• Self-Development – Helping students understand themselves, recognise the influences around them, and build a record of experiences and achievements.
• Career Exploration – Enabling students to investigate and evaluate opportunities in education, employment, and training.
• Transition – Supporting students to plan for their future and adapt those plans in response to their strengths, needs, and aspirations.