The curriculum at Northern Counties School adopts a child centred approach and is arranged into flexible pathways; EYFS pathway, pre-formal pathway, semi-formal pathway, formal pathway, and Post 16. Some of our learners need an informal approach to be able to access these pathways through a 鈥榝low of the day鈥� approach.
Each of these pathways has its own teaching and learning approach which is then made bespoke to each child according to their need, ability and interest. These pathways have an element of flexibility meaning that some students are able to move through the models offering challenge and ambition for all learners.
The curriculum is taught through a thematic approach to ensure our learners are motivated, engaged, and excited about their learning journeys in order for them to succeed and reach their potential.
Our Pathways
Pre-formal Pathway
These learners experience a wide range of cognitive, physical and medical needs and require a high staffing ratio to meet these needs. Their communication is often pre-intentional, and through staff responses we develop more purposeful interactions. Focus is on building skills for learners to be able to make choices, build relationships and exert control to enhance their quality of life.
Semi-formal Pathway
These learners take part in a broad, balanced and varied timetable with a focus around early play, communication and social skills.聽 Many learners may need a high level of adult support to keep safe and may need to learn about environmental and situational dangers.聽 Communication may be verbal but is supported in a Total Communication environment.聽 The continuity of staying with one teacher for most of the day helps reduce anxiety around many environmental changes and transitions.
Formal Pathway
The learners in the Formal pathway are learning to be self-reliant, manage everyday situations and resolve issues with more independence.聽 They will face individual challenges聽 and perform at a lower-level than age-related peers in a mainstream school. These learners are able to follow a curriculum adapted from the National Curriculum.
Post-16 Pathway
Integrating within the local community and exploring the world outside of聽 school is a key part of the post-16 curriculum. Opportunities are provided to participate in learning within a community context including using public transport, accessing local services and participating in work experience. These learners are preparing to move on to the next stage of their聽 lives and are prepared for this through individual transition plans.聽
Thematic Curriculum
At Northern Counties School we understand that our students learn best by following individual motivators and interests. 鈥�
An engaged student: 鈥淪tudent engagement is the product of motivation and active learning. It is a product rather than a sum because it will not occur if either element is missing.鈥濃��
We have a thematic approach to learning across all curriculum pathways over a three-year cycle. 鈥�
| 2025-2026 | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | Festivals and Celebrations | Lights, Camera, Action | Super Humans | Potions, lotions and explosions | Our Universe | The Sea, Shipwrecks and Treasure |
| 2026-2027 | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 2 | Happily Ever After | The Ancient World (Greeks, Romans, Egyptians etc) | Where We Live - the Northeast | Inventions and Inventors | Myths, Stories and Legends | Healthy Humans |
| 2027-2028 | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 3 | Detectives | Trains, Planes and Automobiles | Where We Live - the UK | Fur, Scales and Feathers | Food Glorious Food | Shakespeare |