Curriculum Pathways

At Vermont School, we recognise that every child learns differently. Our curriculum pathways ensure that all pupils access learning at a level that is appropriate, ambitious and tailored to their individual needs.

Our pathways provide a graduated approach to learning, enabling pupils to access a curriculum that is matched to their current stage of development whilst maintaining high expectations for achievement and personal growth.

All pupils benefit from our trauma-informed, SEMH-focused approach, which prioritises emotional regulation, positive relationships and readiness to learn alongside academic development.

Formal Pathway – Foxes
Pupils within the Formal Pathway access a broad and ambitious curriculum that closely reflects the National Curriculum. Learning is designed to develop subject-specific knowledge and skills across all curriculum areas whilst promoting independence, resilience and confidence as learners.

A strong emphasis is placed on identifying and securing the foundational skills required for success within each subject. Teachers ensure that pupils develop secure prior knowledge before introducing new concepts, enabling learning to build progressively over time.

Teaching is carefully adapted to meet individual needs whilst maintaining high expectations and providing appropriate academic challenge.
 

Semi-Formal Pathway - Badgers and Squirrels
The Semi-Formal Pathway provides pupils with access to an ambitious curriculum that is adapted to bridge gaps in learning and build confidence.

• Access National Curriculum content that has been carefully scaffolded and adapted.
• Develop core literacy, communication and numeracy skills alongside wider curriculum learning.
• Benefit from structured teaching approaches and additional opportunities for overlearning and consolidation.
• Build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make sustained progress.
• Secure the foundational skills and knowledge required before progressing to more complex learning.

Learning is delivered through engaging, practical and meaningful experiences that support both academic development and personal growth.

Engagement Pathway – Deer and Owls
The Engagement Pathway is designed for pupils who require support to engage in learning.

The focus is on building the foundations that enable successful learning, including attention and concentration, communication and interaction, emotional regulation, participation and engagement, and independence and self-confidence.

Learning focuses on the earliest foundational skills required for learning and development. Staff carefully support pupils to develop engagement, communication, regulation and readiness to learn, recognising that these are essential building blocks for future academic success.

Learning is personalised, highly practical and responsive to individual needs. Progress is measured through increased engagement, participation and developmental achievement alongside academic learning where appropriate.

Foundation Pathway - Hedgehogs and Rabbits
The Foundation Pathway is primarily designed for pupils in Years 1 to 3 who are working within developmental stages typically associated with the Early Years Foundation Stage.

This pathway does not reflect a pupil's age but rather their current stage of learning and development.

• Learn through play, exploration and discovery.
• Develop communication, language, early literacy and mathematical understanding.
• Build independence, confidence and positive learning behaviours.
• Access a curriculum that supports both developmental and academic progress.
• Develop the foundational skills that underpin future success across the curriculum.

Teaching is highly practical and experiential, allowing pupils to develop secure foundations for future learning.

Enrichment Opportunities
At Vermont School, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Enrichment opportunities are carefully planned to support pupils' personal development, independence, confidence and wellbeing, whilst bringing learning to life through meaningful real-world experiences.

All pupils access swimming at least once during the academic year.

• Formal Pathway and Semi-Formal Pathway (Badgers and Squirrels) access enrichment opportunities at the QE2 Activity Centre.
• Foundation Pathway access learning experiences at City Farm.
• Engagement Pathway participates in Forest School.

These opportunities form an important part of our curriculum and support our aim to ensure that every pupil develops the knowledge, skills, confidence and independence needed to thrive both in school and beyond.