Our Curriculum
Students at Willows School will develop their learning through engaging in a range of subjects to nurture interests and promote personal strengths. Pupils will have access to a range of teaching styles and learning outside of the classroom through activities such as Active Citizens, Forest School and educational visits.
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Our primary curriculum follows the Cornerstone Curriculum that follows a creative and thematic approach to learning. It is based on a child-centred pedagogy called The Four Cornerstones and is delivered through Imaginative Learning Projects (ILPs) and Knowledge Rich Projects (KRPs), which provide a rich menu of exciting and motivating learning activities that make creative links between all aspects of children’s learning. We believe children learn better when they are encouraged to use their imagination and apply their learning to engaging contexts.
Our curriculum provides challenges throughout the academic year that require children to solve problems, apply themselves creatively and express their knowledge and understanding effectively. Cornerstones can be used at a stage that suits the pupils individual needs; this may not be a direct correlation to the child’s chronological age. Due to the needs of our young people, and the fact that many have gaps in their education through non-attendance in previous settings, it is important to ensure that all pupils have the skills and knowledge to move forward in their learning pathway.​
​Our KS3 curriculum offers our pupils a broad and balanced curriculum comprising of the core subjects of ICT, Maths, English and Science. Our pupils also have opportunities to study PSHE, Humanities (History, Geography & RE), Art and Design, Music and Drama. All subjects and the Active Citizens programme offer the opportunity to gain AQA Unit Awards for skills they have gained. Pupils are continually assessed to ensure that they are fully supported in accessing the curriculum and are ready for their KS4 journey.
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At KS4, students will be given the opportunity to study for nationally recognised qualifications in English, Maths and Science, including Functional Skills and GCSE qualifications. Pupils that are ready and able may also gain qualification in wider subject areas such as history and art. Other accredited courses are available based on pupils’ interest and future learning goals.
At post-16 level, the emphasis is on supporting our students to obtain qualifications in core subjects and preparation for moving on to the next stage of work or education through our personal development Life Skills programme and the development of independent living skills.
