Curriculum

At Connex we believe that every learner possesses the potential to succeed. It is our responsibility to identify and nurture each young person, empowering them to achieve more than they may have thought possible.

Many young people and children enter Connex already disconnected from learning, often questioning the value of education. Our role is to reverse this trend by eliminating barriers and providing every learner with the support, skills and experiences needed to succeed and reach their full potential. 

The Connex curriculum follows the National Curriculums, although content is adapted to meet our learner’s needs and difficulties. All learners work on the Core curriculum (English, Maths, Science, Computing PSHE and British Values). Learners access the other curriculum areas through an immersive curriculum designed to focus on key knowledge and skills. In addition, learners spend time focusing on their placement targets and EHCP outcomes.

At Connex we provide a balanced, accessible and relevant range of learning experiences. We know our learners, their strengths, interest and needs. We use this knowledge to make the best personalised offer for them. Teaching is structured and sequenced to build on prior knowledge, ensuring that learners achieve the maximum amount of academic progress. Staff use effective strategies such as modelling, scaffolding, and breaking learning into small, manageable steps to support understanding, reduce cognitive load, and secure learning.

We provide a consistent and supportive learning environment through a small, stable team of adults. This approach promotes positive relationships, emotional security, and readiness to learn. As a result, learners make meaningful academic and personal progress, develop confidence and resilience, and are well prepared for positive post-16 destinations or successful reintegration into specialist school settings.

Alongside academic learning, learners take part in dedicated therapeutic sessions designed to support their social, emotional, and mental health needs. These sessions help to identify and address barriers to learning, with individualised support focused on improving motivation, confidence, attendance, and engagement. Where learners experience emotional dysregulation, tailored strategies are in place to support their social, emotional, and mental health needs and to help them re-engage positively with their learning.

PSHE and British Values form a core part of our curriculum, recognising the importance of preparing learners for life beyond the classroom. British Values—including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance—are promoted through our curriculum, enrichment and daily reflection. Staff also focus on developing a broad range of essential skills, including social and self-awareness skills, building and maintaining positive relationships, life skills, coping strategies, emotional regulation, self-esteem and confidence, managing challenging situations, and supporting mental health and well-being.

We are committed to ensuring we met the needs of our learners, so we carefully review the special educational needs outlined in their EHCP, monitor their social and academic progress, and set individual targets accordingly. We share these with parents/carers, and learners’ also have opportunities to reflect on their own progress and achievements.