Secondary School Sensory Curriculum

In the upper school, the sensory curriculum framework is structured to promote the engagement, interaction and multi-sensory needs of all of our students in Lavender and Primrose classes.

The curriculum design allows each student to follow their own unique pathway through a variety of modules, accessing specialist strategies which are personalised for the individual.

The sensory curriculum follows a thematic approach and is based on the four areas of the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) outcomes; Employment, Independent Living, Friends, Relationships and Community and Good Health.

There are five curriculum maps:

  • Independence 
  • My Communication 
  • My Thinking and Cognition 
  • Physical
  • Sensory Social and Emotional

These areas are linked to Pond Meadow’s core areas of learning. The curriculum encompasses a variety of specialist strategies such as TacPac, Sensology and Dance Massage​ which are tailored to maximise the engagement, interaction, curiosity and enjoyment of each student.

PSHCE and RSHE topics are based on the PSHCE Association SEND Curriculum which has been developed for the Department for Education (DfE). These are taught in discreet sessions as well as continuously embedded ‘in the moment’ throughout the school day to ensure that students have regular opportunities to relate this teaching to relevant aspects of their everyday lives and routines. All students following the sensory curriculum have an individualised Engagement Profile which identifies their learning and engagement presentation. This allows for a truly personalised curriculum pathway which is individually assessed against the Quest for Learning framework and EHCP and IEP outcomes.

Please find the curriculum maps and curriculum overview below:

My IndependenceMy CommunicationMy Thinking and CognitonMy Physical and Sensory skillsMy Social and Emotional developmentKS3 Long Term PlanKS4 and KS5 Long Term Plan

Example of a weekly timetable:

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Curriculum Enrichment

The secondary (upper) school sensory curriculum offers a variety of opportunities for students to take part in a number of enrichment activities both on and offsite.

These are designed to enhance the curriculum offer and support students to access a range of multisensory experiences which link to curriculum modules and PfA outcomes.

Examples of this would be visits from the Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog to enable students to make direct links to the ‘Pets’ module and offsite visits to the Stoke Park sensory garden to promote a multisensory experience of the ‘Horticulture’ module.   

These experiences not only enhance student’s curriculum experiences but also encourage them to develop their confidence, interaction, curiosity and engagement but also promote the exploration and enjoyment of the wider community environment.

Equality in the Upper School Sensory Curriculum

All students, regardless of their learning needs or profile have equal access to a broad and balanced curriculum to equip them with the skills they need to succeed.

We ensure that this is embedded throughout the curriculum by:

  • Ensuring the curriculum is structured in a way that promotes equality of access for all groups of learners and best prepares them for their next stage. 
  • Using teaching resources that reflect the diversity of the school community and wider society, including race, religion and gender.
  • Providing a variety of opportunities for pupils to celebrate their own culture and learn about the culture of others. 
  • Involving parents and carers in the curriculum and encouraging them to be active participants in their child’s education. 
  • Celebrating differences and promoting attitudes and values that challenge prejudice and discriminatory behaviour.
  • Using teaching strategies that are personalised and inclusive of the learning needs of individual pupils.

Assessment in Key Stage 3 and 4

ASDAN Life Skills Challenge  

Students follow the ASDAN Life Skills Challenge program in Key Stages 3 and 4. 

For more information about ASDAN, please click here.