Learning
A curriculum shaped around the student
At Co Adventurers St Thomas, learning is personalised to each student’s needs and starting point. Our curriculum is designed for children aged 5 to 14 with special educational needs and disabilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs.
We take account of each student’s interests, emotional readiness and education, health and care plan (EHCP) outcomes. Teaching builds from what they already understand, with appropriate support and challenge as they develop.
Our curriculum uses the National Curriculum as a foundation for subject breadth and progression. We bring learning together through themes, practical projects and experiences beyond the classroom.
Pathfinders and Pioneers
Students learn in small, supportive mixed-age groups called Bases. Placement and teaching take account of developmental stage and readiness, rather than age alone.
Pathfinders
Pathfinders broadly covers Key Stage 1 and lower Key Stage 2. Learning is organised around themes, with shorter, supported activities and opportunities for movement or sensory breaks.
Students explore questions with their teachers and mentors, building confidence in sharing ideas and beginning to investigate for themselves.
Pioneers
Pioneers broadly covers upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. Students take increasing responsibility through Project-Based Enquiry, helping to shape questions and apply their learning to real-world projects.
Teachers and mentors guide the process, adapting support so students can develop greater independence at a suitable pace.
Connected learning through themes
Our four-year thematic cycle connects subjects through shared topics. Themes include growth and belonging, healthy living, history and habitats.
For example, a sustainability project might bring together science investigations, geographical knowledge and persuasive writing. Students can explore an issue from different perspectives while developing subject knowledge and putting it to use.
Themes provide a clear framework, with activities adapted to the needs and interests of each group.
English and maths
Reading is prioritised daily, with personalised support to develop fluency and understanding. Where appropriate, Read Write Inc. phonics helps students build early reading foundations.
Communication and writing develop through purposeful activities across the curriculum. Students might explain an investigation, record observations or present their ideas.
Maths combines targeted teaching with practical application. Personalised digital tools can support learning, while projects give students opportunities to use mathematical skills in meaningful contexts.
Outdoor Learning
We plan one full Outdoor Learning day each week, linked directly to the term’s curriculum theme.
This is structured learning beyond the classroom. It may involve science fieldwork, geographical investigation or environmental projects, with clear learning intentions and opportunities to reflect on what students discover.
Activities are sequenced across the term so students can revisit ideas and deepen their understanding.
Adventurous Learning
A second outdoor curriculum day focuses on Adventurous Learning. This develops skills progressively, preparing students for a purposeful challenge.
Activities may include climbing, swimming and water confidence, cycling or bushcraft. For example, students might develop climbing skills indoors before applying them outdoors, or practise navigation in preparation for a team challenge.
Participation is adapted to individual needs and readiness. Activities are appropriately risk assessed, with specialist experiences led by suitably trained and qualified professionals.
- Outdoor Learning and Adventurous Learning StatementAvailable on request
Personal development and relationships
Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) runs through teaching, mentoring and everyday school life. Students learn about wellbeing and how to build respectful relationships, alongside practical skills for greater independence.
Relationships and sex education is adapted to age and developmental stage, with attention to individual needs and partnership with parents and carers.
Religious education and worldviews give students opportunities to explore religious and non-religious beliefs. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, together with fundamental British values, supports learning about responsibility and participation in community life.
- Relationships and Sex Education PolicyAvailable on request
Support to take part
Trusted relationships with teachers and mentors underpin learning. Staff help students prepare for activities and manage emotions, responding to their needs throughout the day.
Adaptations may include visual timetables, preparation visits or sensory support. Students can have flexible ways to participate, with time to consolidate learning before moving forward.
EHCP outcomes and personal learning goals help guide planning and review.
Understanding progress
Assessment helps staff and students understand what is developing and what to work on next. Teachers and mentors gather evidence through observation, discussion and practical work, alongside personalised learning portfolios.
Students contribute their own reflections. We consider academic progress together with participation, independence and the ability to apply skills.
Assessment informs subsequent teaching, helping us keep learning responsive to each student.
Preparing for next steps
Our curriculum connects education with everyday life. Practical experiences, such as preparing food or taking part in community activities, offer opportunities to develop responsibility and increasing independence.
Where appropriate to a student’s readiness and pathway, the curriculum provides for access to recognised achievements such as Functional Skills or vocational awards.
We work towards each young person’s next stage of education and life, guided by their needs and aspirations.
Curriculum information
Our curriculum policy explains the school’s approach in more detail.
- Curriculum PolicyAvailable on request
Documents will be available to download here. For a free copy now, email office@coadventurersstthomas.co.uk.
To discuss how learning at St Thomas could support your child or a young person you work with, please get in touch.