Pathway Overview
Pathway Overview
At The Meadows School, we offer a range of curriculum pathways designed to meet the diverse learning needs and aspirations of our pupils. Each pathway provides a tailored curriculum that supports individual strengths, interests, and future goals — whether academic, creative, vocational, or life-skills based.
Pathways are flexible. Pupils may move between them if a change better supports their development. Decisions are based on academic and social abilities, with regular assessment to ensure pupils always receive the most appropriate support and opportunities.
Our approach is student-centred: we value each pupil’s individuality, recognise that all behaviour serves a purpose, and create meaningful, functional learning experiences that promote communication, regulation, independence, and participation in everyday life.
Our Curriculum Pathways
???? Engagement for Life (Pre-formal; PMLD)
The Engagement for Life pathway is designed for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties. It provides a highly personalised, sensory-based curriculum focused on communication, physical development, and early interaction. Learning is delivered through structured routines and sensory experiences that encourage exploration and responsiveness.
???? Foundations for Life (Informal; Complex ASC/ CLDD)
The Foundations for Life pathway supports pupils with complex autism and/or complex learning difficulties. It offers a structured, low-arousal environment that promotes functional communication, independence, wellbeing, and sensory regulation. The curriculum is tailored to encourage interaction, flexibility of thought, and positive routines.
???? Learning for Life (Semi-formal; SLD)
The Learning for Life pathway supports pupils with severe learning difficulties through a broad, skills-based curriculum. It focuses on developing functional and life skills alongside literacy, numeracy, topic-based learning, and personal development. Pupils engage in subject-specific learning delivered in practical and meaningful ways, with the aim of building independence and preparing for adulthood.
???? Options for Life (Formal; MLD)
The Options for Life pathway is an adapted version of the National Curriculum for pupils with moderate learning difficulties. It combines subject-specific learning with functional and life skills, enabling pupils to progress in literacy, numeracy, and wider subjects. This pathway prepares learners for further education, vocational training, or supported employment. Learners are typically working below age-related expectations.
???? Transition to Adult Life (Sixth Form)
The Transition to Adult Life pathway prepares pupils for life beyond school through personalised programmes of study. It includes functional skills, life skills, community access, careers education, and work-related learning. Each programme is shaped by pupils’ aspirations and destinations, ensuring a smooth transition into adulthood.
Please click the link below to view our Preparation for Life Curriculum Pathways Overview.
