At Orchard House High School, we provide a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum designed specifically for young people aged 11–19 with severe and profound learning difficulties, including those with autism and complex communication needs. Our curriculum is shaped by our ethos of inclusion, independence and preparation for adulthood.
It is our belief that every student deserves access to learning that is meaningful, challenging and relevant to their own development. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to help students build knowledge and skills over time, while promoting communication, emotional regulation, personal development and lifelong learning.
Our curriculum is organised around five key pillars:
These link to our Aims for students and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes:
Communication and Interaction
Building functional communication and understanding through a total communication approach, including speech, symbols, signing and assistive technologies.
Cognition and Learning
Developing knowledge, skills and understanding across core subjects including literacy, numeracy and science through practical, engaging learning experiences.
Independence and Life Skills
Equipping students with the confidence, resilience and self-care skills they need to live as independently as possible.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Supporting students to understand and manage their emotions using tools such as the Zones of Regulation, fostering self-awareness and positive relationships.
Employment and Community Participation
Providing opportunities for enterprise, work experience and careers education, enabling students to explore their aspirations for adult life.
We currently offer two curriculum pathways to ensure each learner accesses the right level of support and challenge:
Structured Pathway – for learners with more complex needs, with a strong focus on communication, sensory regulation, and functional skills.
Independent Pathway – for learners working towards greater independence and employability, including access to accredited courses and work-related learning.
Each pathway is highly personalised and aligned to pupils’ Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.
Learning takes place through a combination of subject-specific teaching, hands on learning, and practical, real-life experiences. Lessons are structured using a consistent format across school to support predictability and engagement. Teachers use visuals, structured routines and sensory approaches to ensure that all pupils can access learning in ways that meet their individual needs.
Our curriculum is further enriched through creative arts, physical education, outdoor learning and a programme of cultural and community activities designed to promote confidence, curiosity and wellbeing.
Assessment at Orchard House celebrates every small step of progress. We assess pupils against our bespoke Orchard House Curriculum Framework, tracking achievement in each subject as well as monitoring progress against softed skills using the Skillsbuilder Partnership. Progress is also tracked against independence, social development and physical wellbeing. EHCP outcomes are tracked and progress is reviewed with parents and carers in the annual EHCP review.
Personal development is at the heart of everything we do. Through PSHE, RSE and the Skills Builder framework, students learn the essential skills for life, relationships and employment. Our Careers and Enterprise programme is assessed against the Gatsby Benchmarks and provides opportunities for employer encounters, work experience and vocational learning within and beyond the school.