Our Curriculum Offer
At Coombswood School, we pride ourselves on providing education that is engaging and innovative. We will always consider the SEMH and SEN needs of our learners and understand that they have not all had the best educational experience previously. We aim to inspire our learners to believe in their full potential, build confidence and resilience, and where appropriate provide a pathway to reintegrate back into mainstream education. Our staff provide motivation, support, and guidance to our learners in every way possible to cater for their educational, social, and emotional needs whilst raising their overall aspirations and personal self-esteem.
The school’s restorative culture underpins all aspects of planning including curriculum intent, implementation and assessment, and supporting individuals to reach their full potential. Practices ensure that learners are fully supported with diverse opportunities to succeed where they have experienced difficulty or failure in the past.
Our curriculum is underpinned by the ethos and values of our school: DREAM – Determination, Respect, Empowerment, Appreciation and Motivation.
The school organises class groupings by social and curriculum accessibilities, the ability to interact with the class, and create and maintain flourishing friendships. This is with the aim that each learner placed in a class can access the environment both socially and educationally, complemented by an adaptive classroom delivery model. Cohorts are grouped KS3 and Upper KS3/KS4.
Through a varied and adaptive curriculum, and the use of adaptive teaching methods, we aim to teach learners how to grow into positive, responsible young people that can not only have a positive impact on our local community but can successfully transition into further education, employment, volunteering, and adulthood. We value the spiritual and moral development of each person, as well as their intellectual and physical growth – the ability to participate positively in society is also at the heart of our planning. The development of social skills is promoted within our curriculum and throughout the school day, where elements such as self-esteem and self-awareness, body language, the way we talk, conversation and assertiveness are explored, modelled and practised. Experiences in the community give learners the opportunity to practise their skills in external situations with the support and care of our skilled staff team.
Our curriculum promotes achievement and success regardless of starting point to build confidence and engagement. The curriculum is designed to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to fully achieve their potential, and that they follow a variety of learning pathways to prepare them for suitable qualifications in KS4, including Entry Level, Functional skills, GCSE and BTEC.
Reading Scheme
Reading is a vital skill that not only helps our learners make progress today but also inspires them towards positive future outcomes. At Coombswood School, we believe reading plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development, providing a strong foundation for learning, critical thinking, and personal growth.
We emphasise reading throughout our school, integrating it into lessons, lunchtime, and quiet reflection time. Reading is at the core of success for several reasons:
- Literacy Development – Strengthening basic skills, improving fluency, and building learners’ confidence in reading.
- Exposure to Diverse Ideas and Cultures – Encouraging cultural awareness by exposing learners to different experiences, perspectives, and worldviews through a range of genres and topics.
- Improved Academic Performance – Supporting success in subjects such as Maths, Science, and History, where comprehension of complex texts and instructions is essential.
- Emotional and Social Development – Enhancing empathy by engaging with stories about characters’ struggles and personal growth.
- Imagination and Creativity – Stimulating the imagination, particularly through fiction, where learners visualise different settings, characters, and scenarios.
At Coombswood School, we dedicate time each day to reading. Staff read to learners, and learners read independently, with each classroom thoughtfully designed to include inviting reading areas.
To ensure every child receives the support they need, we conduct phonics assessments to identify those who may require additional guidance. For learners needing extra help, we provide targeted support using the Rhino Readers Reading Scheme.
Reading is at the heart of learning at Coombswood School, helping our learners grow in confidence, curiosity, and capability.
Vocational Pathways and Work Experience
Learners have opportunities to undertake vocational activities where appropriate to needs and future aspirations. These courses are suitable for a wide range of learners of all abilities. The skills, knowledge and understanding gained during these courses also help learners prepare for work through real or simulated work situations.
These qualifications aim to give learners a solid base to further develop their skills and learning, and units offered at our school include:
· Home Cooking Skills (BTEC Level 1 and 2)
· Introductory Vocational Studies (BTEC Level 1)
· Personal Growth and Wellbeing (Entry level, BTEC Level 1 and 2)
Our aspirational careers and life skills programme ensures our learners have experiences that set them up for independence and help them to realise their talents. This is under constant review to ensure it provides our learners with the very best chances for lifelong success. We look forward to shortly be offering additional work experience and independence training opportunities for all Year 11 learners. This will involve interviewing for and attending a placement with an external organisation working within the sector that each learner is specifically interested in.
