Marshfields School
Curriculum
Purpose
At Marshfields School, our curriculum is designed around the needs, strengths and aspirations of our learners.
Every learner accesses a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, but how that curriculum is taught is personalised according to the learner's developmental stage, communication profile, learning needs and aspirations.
Our curriculum aims to develop much more than academic knowledge. It supports learners to develop:
- literacy and communication;
- mathematical understanding;
- scientific and digital understanding;
- creativity and curiosity;
- physical development;
- emotional regulation and wellbeing;
- positive relationships;
- independence and self-advocacy;
- community participation;
- employability and life skills; and
- Preparation for Adulthood.
The Marshfields Pathway Model
Our curriculum is organised through four interconnected pathways:
Explorers
Enrichment
Engagement
Enhancement
The Pathway Framework is at the heart of our curriculum and provision model.
Students are not placed onto a pathway simply because of their diagnosis, age or year group. Pathway placement reflects how a learner accesses education, communicates, engages with others, regulates themselves, develops independence and prepares for adulthood.
Each pathway provides a broad and balanced curriculum while adapting:
- curriculum delivery;
- communication approaches;
- pace of learning;
- assessment methods;
- learning environments;
- expectations for independence;
- therapeutic support; and
- Preparation for Adulthood.
No pathway represents a lower level of ambition. Each provides a different route towards success.
Philosophy
The curriculum we provide at Marshfields endeavours to provide a relevant curriculum which primarily addresses the diverse and complex needs of the students at the school.
Equal opportunities & Inclusion
Marshfields offers equal opportunities to every child from all backgrounds; regardless of gender, beliefs, sexuality, disability and ethnicity in all aspect of the curriculum and school life.
Curriculum Aims
The curriculum provides opportunities for each student to:
- Develop literacy, numeracy, ICT and oratory skills.
- Develop self-confidence and raise self-esteem.
- Develop emotional literacy and social skills.
- Develop cooperative skills and mutual respect for the needs and rights of others.
- Promote self-discipline, high expectations and independent enquiry.
- Acquire the knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment.
Marshfields aims to provide
Continuity of learning and early identification of individual needs by ensuring:
- accurate baseline assessments are made using information from schools and induction assessment.
- Parity with mainstream in core subjects where appropriate
- Close liaison with all schools and involved professional agencies.
- Adherence to SEN procedures (see SEN policy).
- Cross-curricular development of basic literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.
- Staff have understanding of appropriate progression routes and the links between the mainstream and post 16 curriculums.
A Shared Core Entitlement
Regardless of pathway, every learner at Marshfields is entitled to:
- safety and safeguarding;
- a strong sense of belonging;
- ambitious expectations;
- high-quality adaptive teaching;
- effective communication support;
- positive relationships;
- an appropriately adapted curriculum;
- Preparation for Adulthood;
- enrichment and participation;
- assessment that identifies meaningful next steps; and
- evidence-informed provision.
The method of delivery changes; the entitlement does not.