Curriculum
The curriculum has been written by using and extending the National Curriculum alongside relevant, evaluated educational research which is relevant to our school community. The curriculum provides a broad and balanced progressive, sequential, long term plan with consideration of the local area, context and resources. All aspects of the curriculum comply with legislation and national guidance, including the teaching of Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) and Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) across school. We have designed an innovative curriculum, which teaches knowledge and skills which matters to our learners, to enable them to know, remember and understand more, as well as ensuring that the skills and knowledge gained in phases 1-3 prepares learners for subject specific qualification based learning in phases 4 and 5. At Epinay School we set our students in phases based on academic ability in English. Students generally start in Phase 1 and work through to phase 5. Each year, the number of classes within each phase is changeable, depending on student need and numbers.
More about our phase approach
Within each phase there are bespoke pathways and lifeskills classes that some students may access. Students within these groups will follow a progressive bespoke scheme of work which encompasses the key skills required in maths, English and foundation subjects to ensure they are fully prepared for adulthood. The phase 2 and 3 groups access personal development afternoons, the phase 4 groups take option choices and phase 5 groups follow bespoke timetables based on next steps.
Phases
Phase 1
Children follow a bespoke curriculum based on the early years framework and development matters and adapted to meet our pupils’ learning, communication and sensory needs.
Phase 2
Students access a curriculum covering maths, English, science, RE, history and geography with their pastoral teacher. They receive specialist teaching in PSHE, music art and DT. Our Phase 2 life skills provision is available for those students who need a little extra nurturing.
Phase 3
Access to a varied curriculum of core and foundation subjects, where students can build their skills and knowledge to achieve their maximum potential. Lessons are delivered by specialist teachers in areas such as science, DT, music and art. Our bespoke life skills provision is available for students who require a more nurturing approach.
Phase 4
Core and vocational lessons provide students with an educational offer where they can gain a range of qualifications suitable for their level of learning. Our life skills provision in this phase focuses on giving students who need it extra support to develop skills needed for adult life.
Phase 5
Core and vocational lessons provide students with an educational offer where they can gain a range of qualifications suitable for their level of learning as well as practical hands-on learning developing skills for employment.
