Our curriculum is shaped by pupils' prior learning, individual strengths and needs, and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes. This ensures that learning is meaningful, accessible and enables every pupil to achieve their full potential. 

A Total Communication Approach underpins all aspects of teaching and learning across the school. We recognise that every pupil communicates differently and therefore use a range of communication methods to support understanding, expression and interaction. These may include spoken language, Makaton, symbols, visual supports, communication aids, objects of reference and assistive technology. By embedding communication throughout the curriculum, we ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to engage, participate and develop their voice. 

Each subject leader has carefully reviewed and designed their curriculum area to ensure that learning is well sequenced, builds progressively over time and enables pupils to develop and retain key knowledge and skills.  

Balanced – All subjects contribute to pupils' learning and development across a broad range of areas. 

Coherent – Explicit links are made between subjects and learning experiences to help pupils make meaningful connections. 

Appropriate – Learning is carefully matched to pupils' stage of development and individual special educational needs. 

Focused – Key concepts and essential knowledge are identified and linked to individual learning priorities and outcomes. 

Relevant – Learning is meaningful and connected to pupils' experiences, interests and future aspirations.  

Curriculum Drivers 

Our curriculum is underpinned by six key drivers which reflect our vision for every pupil. These drivers shape the experiences, learning opportunities and outcomes that we provide. 

🗣️ Communication 

We teach pupils how to communicate effectively, listen to others, express their thoughts, needs and feelings, and develop meaningful interactions using a variety of communication methods. 

❤️ Emotional Wellbeing 

We support pupils to understand and regulate their emotions, build resilience and develop the confidence to feel safe, happy and successful in school. 

🤝 Relationships and Belonging 

We help pupils develop positive relationships, understand the importance of kindness and respect, and feel valued as part of our school community. 

🌟 Independence 

We encourage pupils to make choices, solve problems, take responsibility and develop the skills they need for greater independence both now and in the future. 

🌍 Understanding the World 

We provide opportunities for pupils to explore people, places, cultures, nature and the wider community, helping them to make sense of the world around them. 

⭐ Achievement and Dreams 

We celebrate every success and encourage pupils to develop aspirations, recognise their strengths and work towards their personal goals for the future. 

Developing Knowledge and Skills 

At Sherbrook Primary School, we recognise that pupils learn in different ways and at different rates. Our curriculum has therefore been designed to ensure that knowledge and skills are developed systematically through carefully planned experiences and repeated opportunities for practice and application. 

Learning builds on what pupils already know and can do. Key concepts are revisited regularly, enabling pupils to deepen their understanding, make connections across different subjects and retain learning over time. Staff carefully scaffold learning to support pupils to progress from supported participation to increasing levels of independence. 

For some pupils, learning is best achieved through play, exploration and sensory experiences. For others, more structured and functional approaches support the development of knowledge and skills. Throughout all curriculum areas, learning is made relevant and purposeful, helping pupils understand how new knowledge can be applied in everyday life. 

Our curriculum promotes the development of both subject-specific knowledge and the wider skills that pupils need to thrive, including communication, problem solving, emotional regulation, social interaction and independence. By building these skills progressively throughout a pupil's journey at Sherbrook, we ensure that every learner is prepared for their next stage of education and for life beyond school. 

Curriculum Pathways 

Our Pre-Formal Curriculum is designed for pupils in our Early Years Foundation Stage and Complex Needs Department who require support with communication, sensory processing, cognition and interaction. It is informed by the Birth to Five Matters guidance and the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, providing a personalised, play-based and experiential approach to learning. 

For pupils accessing a more structured curriculum, learning includes discrete teaching in English and Mathematics alongside a broad and balanced range of foundation subjects including Science, Art, Geography and History. These subjects are often taught through carefully planned themes which enable pupils to make meaningful links between areas of learning and apply their knowledge in a range of contexts. 

Our curriculum draws upon the National Curriculum and has been adapted to meet the individual needs of our pupils. Through all learning experiences, our aim is to provide children with the knowledge, skills, confidence and independence they need to flourish both in school and throughout their lives. 

Sherbrook Curriculum Overview