Pathway Overview

Pathway Overview

At the Meadows School, we offer a range of curriculum pathways designed to cater to the diverse learning needs and aspirations of our students. These pathways allow learners to follow a curriculum and pedagogical route that aligns with their interests, strengths, and future goals, whether they are academic, creative, or vocational.

Pathways are designed as flexible organizational tools that allow us to place students into the most appropriate pathway based on what we believe will benefit them both now and in the future. Recognizing the individuality and evolving nature of each student, these decisions are not permanent; students can move between pathways if such a transition will better support their personal growth and development. The selection of a pathway is based on both academic and social abilities, enabling us to tailor an individualized curriculum to meet the needs of each pupil at every Key Stage. Our students are regularly assessed, and their pathway can be adjusted throughout their time at the Meadows School to ensure they receive the best possible support and opportunities. Cross-pathways hybrid classes will be considered where children's learning characteristics require elements of two or more pathways.

Our pathways focus collectively on supporting the diverse needs of our students, promoting their development and engagement at every stage of their educational journey.  There is an emphasis on a student-centred approach that values individual interests and strengths, encouraging meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond traditional academic boundaries. We aim to prepare students for success in an increasingly complex world while considering individual student needs and promoting personal growth.

We embrace an approach that acknowledges all behaviours serve a purpose, whether it be for communication, emotional regulation, or engagement in adaptive skills. Learning experiences should be meaningful, functional, and developmentally appropriate, while also providing opportunities to encourage participation in everyday social experiences and routines.

Our learners typically follow one of the following curriculum pathways based on their primary needs.

 

 

 

This pathway supports pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) through a highly personalised, sensory-based curriculum. Learning is centred around engagement, communication, emotional regulation and physical development, using routines and immersive experiences to promote interaction, exploration and early responsiveness.

Designed for pupils with complex autism and/or complex learning disabilities and difficulties, this pathway provides a structured, low-arousal environment with a focus on functional communication, independence, emotional wellbeing, and positive routines. The curriculum is tailored to support interaction, flexibility of thought and sensory regulation.

This pathway supports pupils with severe learning difficulties through a broad, skills-based subject specific curriculum that includes elements of literacy, numeracy, topic-based learning, and personal development. Teaching is highly practical and meaningful, enabling pupils to build independence and access a range of subject areas at an appropriate level.

Our formal curriculum pathway offers an adapted version of the National Curriculum, tailored to pupils with moderate learning difficulties. It includes subject-specific learning, and life skills development, enabling pupils to prepare for further education, vocational training or supported employment. Our learners are working below age-related expectations.

In our Transition to adult life (Sixth Form) provision, the focus is on preparing students for adulthood. Pupils follow a personalised programme of study that includes functional skills, life skills, community access, careers education and work-related learning. Each student’s pathway is shaped by their aspirations and destinations, supporting a smooth and successful transition beyond school.