Our Curriculum at Abbot’s Lea School – Rationale
Abbot’s Lea School is a specialist school for students with autism, learning differences and associated needs. Guided by our philosophy of education, the ASD Model©, we promote:
- Academic Progress
- Specialist Support
- Development of Life Skills
These principles underpin every aspect of our curriculum and are central to our vision of preparing students for successful, fulfilling and meaningful adult lives.
As a school, we aspire to be the International Centre of Excellence for Autism Education, Research and Professional Development. Our curriculum reflects this ambition and is designed to provide every student with a personalised learning experience that enables them to thrive both within school and beyond.
We define curriculum as the totality of a student’s experience at Abbot’s Lea School. It encompasses not only academic learning, but also personal development, wellbeing, communication, independence, employability and preparation for adulthood. Every interaction, intervention, experience and opportunity contributes to the curriculum journey of our students.
We recognise that we are not simply educating children; we are developing the adults who will lead lives within our communities, workplaces and wider society. Our curriculum therefore prepares students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they will encounter throughout their lives.
Our Curriculum Intent
At Abbot’s Lea School, our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive, broad and highly personalised.
We aim to develop:
- Successful learners who make strong progress from their individual starting points.
- Confident communicators who can express themselves, build relationships and advocate for their needs.
- Independent young people who are equipped with the practical skills required for adulthood.
- Resilient individuals who understand their strengths and can navigate challenges positively.
- Active members of their communities who develop a sense of belonging and contribution.
- Aspirational young adults who are prepared for employment, further education and meaningful future destinations.
Our curriculum promotes students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development whilst supporting their emotional wellbeing and mental health. It is designed to ensure that every student develops the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to achieve their potential and participate successfully in society.
Our Three Tiers of Curriculum
We recognise that every learner has a unique profile of strengths, interests and needs. For this reason, we deliver our curriculum through three curriculum tiers.
- Adapted National Curriculum
- Bespoke Provision
- Flexible Provision
Adapted National Curriculum (ANC)
Students accessing the Adapted National Curriculum study a broad range of subjects aligned to the National Curriculum programmes of study.
Learning is carefully adapted to ensure that students can access ambitious content whilst working at an appropriate level of challenge. Curriculum sequencing allows students to build knowledge over time, revisit key concepts and develop increasingly sophisticated understanding across all subjects.
We believe that all students should have access to a rich academic curriculum and the cultural capital that comes from studying a wide range of subjects.
Our Bespoke Provision is designed for students whose learning needs require a significantly more personalised approach.
Learning focuses on communication, engagement, regulation, independence and functional skills, whilst remaining ambitious and purposeful. Teaching is informed by ongoing assessment, EHCP outcomes, SCERTS and specialist therapeutic input.
Students access highly individualised learning experiences which support progress across all areas of development and enable them to build the foundations required for future success.
Our Flexible Provision offers personalised programmes for students whose needs require an alternative approach to learning and engagement.
The curriculum balances academic learning with personal development, therapeutic support, community engagement, employability and preparation for adulthood. Students are supported to develop the confidence, resilience and practical skills necessary to successfully transition to their next stage of education, employment or adult life.
At Abbot’s Lea School, we believe that success looks different for every student. Our curriculum is therefore designed to provide the right support, challenge and opportunities for each individual to achieve their fullest potential.
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