Curriculum overview

Pupils at The Grove follow one of three curricula, matched to how they learn and reviewed as they progress. Each is built around the same core areas of development, with the balance between experiential and subject-based learning shifting across the pathways.

Engagement Curriculum	Semi-Formal Curriculum		Formal Curriculum
EngagementPre-Key Stage engagement	Pathway 1Pre-Key Stage Standards 1 & 2	Pathway 2Pre-Key Stage Standards 3 & 4	Pathway 3Pre-Key Stage Standards 5 & 6 (National Curriculum KS1)	Pathway 4National Curriculum KS2	Pathway 4National Curriculum KS3 & KS4
Delivered through relevant content and active learning approaches that promote motivation and participation, with hands-on, practical activities that connect learning to pupils' own interests. The curriculum is informed by the five areas of the Engagement Model: exploration, realisation, anticipation, persistence and initiation.	Delivered through a blend of subject-specific lessons and structured learning experiences, developing key skills in communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social and emotional development, and sensory and physical needs. Subjects are taught discretely where appropriate, maintaining the integrity of each discipline and supporting clear, meaningful progress.		Follows the National Curriculum within a structured framework that develops both knowledge and skills. Content is carefully adapted to each pupil's individual needs so that learning remains accessible and meaningful, and is taught through subject-specific lessons.	Pupils work within the National Curriculum, taught through subject-specific lessons adapted to ensure content is accessible, meaningful and appropriately challenging. The curriculum supports academic progress alongside communication, independence and personal development, and prepares pupils for the accredited pathways offered at Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 4, pupils continue to follow a broad and balanced curriculum adapted to their needs, working towards a combination of AQA Unit Awards, Entry Level qualifications and GCSEs in core subjects according to their working level and individual targets. AQA Unit Awards are personalised by the Curriculum and Assessment Team to capture each pupil's strengths and achievements.
	Features of the Semi-Formal Curriculum		Features of the Formal Curriculum
	Communication and emotional regulation (SCERTS) Functional communication and symbol use Independence and life skills, including learning skills Play and leisure Thinking and problem solving, including flexible thinking		Communication and emotional regulation (SCERTS) Social skills and social communication Independence and life skills, including learning skills Play and leisure Thinking and problem solving, including flexible thinking
Curriculum cycles
Engagement Curriculum 3 years Key Stage 1 3 years, repeated Key Stage 3 3 years Key Stage 4 2 years	Key Stage 2 3 years Key Stage 3 3 years Key Stage 4 2 years		Key Stage 3 3 years Key Stage 4 2 years

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