Connex

Curriciulum Intent

Curriculum Intent

We aim to : 

  • Provide a balanced, accessible and relevant range of learning experiences to our children and young people
  • Know our learners, their strengths, interest and needs – then use this knowledge to make the best personalised offer to- for  them 
  • Support our learners to achieve the maximum amount of academic progress 
  • Develop our learners as learners and build their confidence so they are able to secure and sustain meaningful, positive post-16 destinations or be successful in reintegration back into a school 

The aim is to provide our learners with a small team of consistent adults and a truly personalised curriculum offer. The work set and the strategies used to support them is specifically tailored to their needs, through highly differentiated small-steps and flexible teaching and learning approaches.  

In keeping with mainstream schools , our curriculum is both broad and balanced, aligning with the national curriculum. We tailor our approach to each learners needs by breaking down the content into small, manageable steps , ensuring that every young person receives instruction at a level suited to them.

Additionally, the learners will have specific sessions dedicated to a more therapeutic curriculum to ensure that personal, social and academic needs of each learner are properly identified and met in order to help them to overcome any barriers to attainment.  Individual approaches focus on improving motivation and self-confidence, attendance and engagement with their education.     

Health and Fitness is also promoted through clubs, competitions and cross curricular links such as Cookery and Horse Riding. Social Emotional Mental Health & Well-being and British Values (Democracy, The rules of law, Individual liberty and Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs) is supported and promoted through a strong pastoral system of care, daily reflection and therapeutic interventions.   

Staff will focus on teaching a wide range of skills and strategies that encompass a range of the following:   

  • Social skills   
  • Self-awareness skills     
  • Developing and maintaining friendships/relationships with others   
  • Life skills    
  • Coping skills and strategies  
  • Self-regulation/emotional awareness   
  • Improving self-esteem and confidence   
  • Managing difficult moments    
  • Mental health and well-being    
  • Links with the community   

Where learners show behaviours linked to dysregulation, we have strategies in place to support their social, emotional and mental health needs and to reengage them in their learning.

We work hard to offer a hands-on experience across all subject areas.  When a learner is offered a place at Connex, we note carefully the special needs identified on their EHCP, monitor social and academic ability for the first half term and set individual targets.  Each learner’s end of year Connex Report is sent to parents/carers in the summer term and this Connex closely with the targets set in EHCP Meetings, with the addition/opportunity for learners to reflect on their own performance.