Pathways 1 to 3 Curriculum Overview
The Grove KS1 & KS2 Curriculum provides a broad and balanced learning experience, underpinned by a thorough understanding of each pupil and how they learn. The intent of our curriculum is to introduce pupils to a rich range of meaningful experiences that help them become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
Our curriculum pathways are aligned to the National Curriculum and adapted to ensure learning is accessible, meaningful and relevant for all pupils. Lessons are planned to be engaging, appropriately challenging and enjoyable, with frequent opportunities for hands-on learning and experiences that extend cultural capital and bring learning to life.
Curriculum Pathways
The KS1 & KS2 Curriculum is organised into five pathways:
- Engagement Pathway
- Pathway 1
- Pathway 2
- Pathway 3
- Pathway 3+
Pupils follow the pathway that best matches their needs and level of attainment. Some pathways incorporate thematic learning where this supports engagement, relevance and cross-curricular connections, while others follow a more subject-specific structure. Where themes are used, they sit within a three-year cycle and provide shared overarching ideas that allow pupils to make meaningful links in their learning and, where appropriate, to work flexibly between pathways.
Themes are chosen for their relevance and interest to pupils and are designed to extend knowledge and skills across the curriculum. They offer opportunities for pupils to apply their learning in English, Maths, Science and other subjects in purposeful and concrete ways. When thematic learning is used, it provides a broad and balanced approach that may include Humanities, PSHE/RSHE, Art, Design & Technology, Music, PE and Cultural Studies.
National Curriculum Pathways
Pupils who are beginning to work within the National Curriculum follow Pathway 3 and Pathway 3+. These pathways incorporate the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum (2014) alongside carefully adapted learning experiences that meet the developmental and learning needs of our autistic learners.
Teaching is delivered through subject-specific lessons that ensure pupils access a broad and balanced curriculum in a meaningful, accessible and appropriately challenging way. The focus is on developing confident, independent and motivated learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
Curriculum Review Notice
We currently follow the National Curriculum (2014 statutory framework), adapted to meet the needs of our autistic learners. The Government has announced a full revision of the National Curriculum, with updated programmes of study expected in 2027 and implementation planned from September 2028. As a school, we remain committed to reviewing and updating our curriculum in line with national guidance. We will ensure our curriculum continues to be ambitious, accessible and reflective of the strengths and needs of our pupils as further information becomes available.
Play and Learning
Play is a central feature of our KS1 and KS2 curriculum. We recognise play as fundamental to pupils’ development and to the adults they will become. Play provides essential opportunities for exploration, communication, social interaction and enjoyment. We provide a safe and supportive environment where pupils can develop play and leisure skills through structured activities and integrated opportunities across the school day.
Life Skills Curriculum
Our Life Skills Curriculum provides a broad framework rather than a linear sequence of learning. Pupils develop life skills through daily routines and real-life experiences both in school and in the community. Each topic or area taught includes an explicit focus on life skills, which are reinforced throughout the day as well as through discrete sessions.
We use an adapted AET Progression Framework to support planning and assessment across all areas of life skills and independence. This ensures consistency, clarity and meaningful progress for every pupil.
