About Our Classes
Semi-Formal Pathway
There are 8 Semi-Formal Pathway classes: Ash, Bay, Lime, Cedar, Fir, Birch, Juniper and Elm.
Ash (mixed Seniors and Primary), additionally has some key stage 2 pupils.
For Pear and Maple (mixed Primary and Seniors), please see the Primary About Our Classes page.
Ash (mixed Primary and Seniors)
Please see our Ash Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Ash is a mixed class of Key Stage 2, 3 & 4 semi-formal pupils. Ash is class-based and follow the EQUALS Schemes of Work for semi-formal pupils. The curriculum is built around promoting and developing independence skills and developing skills in the wider community. We focus on functional literacy and numeracy skills alongside lessons in physical well-being, play skills and the world around us. Pupils also benefit from sensory input to support their regulation and learning, the MOVE programme, and rebound therapy. .
The class is split into 2-3 groups for focus tasks, each led by an adult, with activities designed to meet individual needs.
Bay
Please see our Bay Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Bay is a mixed class of Key Stage 3, 4 & 5 semi-formal pupils having a predominantly class-based curriculum based on the EQUALS Scheme of Work that enables pupils to develop their communication, independence and practical skills.
The Key Stage 4/5 pupils access ASDAN/OCR accreditations such as ASDAN Transition Challenge, ASDAN Personal Progress and OCR Life and Living Skills. Pupils also access TCL Arts Award within their Creativity lessons. Pupils mainly work in one of three small ability groups across most activities each day, with an adult linked to each group. Time for social interaction, communication and independence is promoted and there are cognitive breaks when needed.
Some pupils engage in daily sensory diet activities throughout the day, both in the classroom and with our Sensory Diet practitioners.
Each pupil’s emotional and social well-being is supported through PSHCE, Zones of Regulation, Relationships and Sex Education, and Physical Well-Being lessons.
Lime
Please see our Lime Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Lime is a Key Stage 3 class accessing a predominantly subject-specific-teacher curriculum on the EQUALS Scheme of Work that enables pupils to develop their communication, independence and practical skills. Pupils in Lime are typically working at the higher end of the EQUALS curriculum and access more formal Maths and English lessons. These pupils will access either Entry Level or ASDAN Personal Progress at Key Stage 4, depending on their development/progress.
Cedar
Please see our Cedar Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Cedar is a Key Stage 3 class having a predominantly class-based curriculum based on the EQUALS Scheme of Work that enables pupils to develop their communication, independence and practical skills. These pupils will access either ASDAN Transition Challenge or ASDAN Personal Progress at Key Stage 4, depending on their development/progress.
Fir
Please see our Fir Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Fir is a Key Stage 3 class having a predominantly class-based curriculum based on the EQUALS Scheme of Work that enables pupils to develop their communication, independence and practical skills. These pupils will access either ASDAN Transition Challenge or ASDAN Personal Progress at Key Stage 4, depending on their development/progress.
Birch
Please see our Birch Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Birch class are our Sixth Form pupils who follow a differentiated ‘semi-formal’ pathway. Their curriculum has been specifically designed to develop communication, independence, work and life skills.
Work/Life Skills learning activities are organised on a termly carousel, where lessons are rotated between the classroom and the community. In this way, our pupils have the opportunity to gain experience in real-life situations, which includes work experience at two local farms and on-site work experience. Pupils also visit Northop College to prepare for college transition. Their curriculum also includes Home Management, Cookery and general community visits where pupils will be supported with personal safety, including road safety and shopping.
The Sixth Form curriculum also includes lessons in ICT, Creativity, PfA (Preparing for Adulthood), Social Communication, PSHCE and RSE.
Pupils complete mainly OCR Life & Living Skills qualifications (Entry Levels 1-3) throughout their subjects, except for Creativity where they work towards Arts Award ‘Explore’.
Juniper
Please see our Juniper Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Elm
Please see our Elm Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Elm is a Key Stage 4 class following a semi-formal pathway designed to develop communication, independence and life skills, preparing pupils for adulthood through meaningful, real-world experiences. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in the community, where pupils benefit weekly from a half-day link visit to a local college and a half-day of work experience. Each pupil’s emotional and social well-being is supported through PSHCE, Relationships and Sex Education, and PE and Wellbeing lessons. Pupils also complete an Arts Award programme delivered through their Creativity lessons.
Formal Pathway
There is 1 Formal Pathway class: Satellite
Satellite
Please see our Satellite Yearly Planning Overview for a detailed termly breakdown of delivery.
Satellite is a Key Stage 3 class having a predominantly class-based curriculum, based on-site at Upton-By-Chester High School. Satellite follows a formal curriculum with the addition of Life Skills. The class accesses facilities on-site at Upton-By-Chester High School, such as the food technology rooms, art rooms and science labs to further enrich their school experience. Satellite pupils are working towards accessing Entry Level courses when they transition into Key Stage 4.
Residentials
Residential experiences are offered on a rota basis.