Aims of the Curriculum
Aims of the Curriculum
To develop successful learners, who have a joy for learning, make rapid progress and achieve their full potential.
To develop resilient learners and positive young people who are respectful and polite and able to recognise and celebrate achievement.
To develop responsible citizens who make a positive contribution in a safe, healthy and purposeful way.
To follow an ambitious curriculum with appropriate stretch and challenge which is underpinned by Quality First Teaching.
At Expanse Learning Wigan School (ELWS) there is a recognition of the barriers to learning our students face daily. This underpins how we approach learning and behaviour and the curriculum pathways seek to make reasonable adjustments in order to address the curriculum aims. We place an emphasis on sensory processing and communication which supports the student’s learning.
Whole School Strategies
Philosophy
Environment
Development
ELWS recognise that:
- basic needs must be met before a student feels safe enough to relax and learn;
- all staff need to demonstrate good communication and are responsible for creating good inter-personal relationships;
- all staff need to be trained in de-escalation techniques;
- small successes need to be recognised and celebrated;
- building a safe space means students are free to learn.
The staff seek to ensure that:
- timetables are displayed in the most appropriate form;
- lessons have structure and have clear learning objectives;
- students access appropriate interventions to support learning and emotional wellbeing;
- tasks are active and encourage communication;
- tasks are multi-sensory and appropriately differentiated;
ELWS recognise that:
- personal and social development are our core purpose;
- our curriculum pathways are designed to help students be active citizens who are able to make informed choices on moral, social, health and economic issues;
- we seek to develop knowledge, skills and understanding they need to live confident, productive, independent and healthy lives;
Curriculum Pathways
At ELWS, we believe that ‘curriculum’ should be viewed in the widest sense. It is every planned learning experience that students have as a member of the school, formally within timetabled lessons or informally through all the interactions within our community. It is all the planned activities that are organised to promote learning, personal growth and development. Experiences are structured to ensure that they have the most positive effect on attainment..
Nurture Pathway
Explore Pathway
Inspire Pathway
The Nurture Pathway is put in place for students who benefit from a more nurturing environment. Students may have complex learning needs and/or present as extremely vulnerable including extreme anxiety.
Strategies include:
- Quality First Teaching;
- Targeted Interventions;
- Suitable accreditation;
- Alternative curriculum;
- Personalised timetable.
The Explore Pathway is to engage young people at their point of learning.
The Explore Pathway offers the opportunity of a more vocational curriculum with individual needs identified within relevant learning contexts.
Strategies include:
- Quality First Teaching;
- Targeted Interventions;
- Suitable accreditation;
- Alternative curriculum;
- Personalised timetable.
The Inspire Pathway is to stretch and challenge students by raising their aspirations for achievement. The Inspire Pathway enables the opportunity for high attaining pupils to access a more academic curriculum which is underpinned by social and communication support.
Strategies include:
- Quality First Teaching;
- Targeted Interventions;
- Suitable accreditation;
- Alternative curriculum;
- Personalised timetable
Engage Pathway
The Engage Pathway is a highly individualised support led curriculum for students who are in crisis. The Engage Pathway is highly differentiated and focused on supporting students who have become disengaged with learning or need crisis intervention support. Learner’s access fully personalised intervention which is discussed with a solution-focussed approach by all stake-holders.
Curriculum Impact
Improved rates of progress
Increased engagement
Decrease in behaviours that challenge
Improved attendance
Increased family engagement
Healthy and positive lifestyle choices
Increase in emotional wellbeing and self-esteem
Increased positive attitude to themselves as learners.
