Curriculum Intent: 

At Barrs Court School, our curriculum is designed to support every child to grow, thrive and achieve in ways that are meaningful for them. We recognise that our pupils have a wide range of complex needs, and we believe that every learner can make progress when they feel safe, understood and supported.

Our curriculum is inclusive, ambitious and highly personalised, helping pupils to develop communication, independence, emotional wellbeing and life skills, alongside academic learning where appropriate. We place a strong emphasis on preparing pupils for life beyond school, supporting them to become as independent, confident and engaged as possible within their communities.

We understand that every child learns differently and at their own pace. Progress at Barrs Court is not only about academic outcomes, but also about:

• developing communication and interaction,

• building confidence and emotional regulation,

• increasing independence

• engaging positively with learning and everyday life.

Learning Pathways

To meet pupils’ individual needs, learning is organised into three pathways:

• Pre-Formal

• Semi-Formal

• Formal

These pathways ensure that learning is matched to each child’s developmental stage, communication needs and strengths. Pupils may move between pathways over time, depending on their progress and needs.

Across all pathways, learning is practical, meaningful and rooted in real-life experiences.

What We Teach

All pupils access a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes:

• Communication, Reading and Writing (English)
  We use a total communication approach, supporting pupils to communicate in the ways that work best for them, including speech, symbols, signing and communication aids.

• Mathematics
  Maths learning is practical and functional, helping pupils develop number skills, problem-solving and confidence in everyday situations.

• Health and Wellbeing
  Health and Wellbeing is central to everything we do. It includes:

  • Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

  • Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

  • Careers education

  • Physical Education (PE)

  • Food Technology

  This learning supports pupils to develop independence, safety awareness, healthy lifestyles and preparation for adulthood.

• Topic Learning
  Topic learning brings subjects together through engaging, real-life themes that help pupils apply and practise skills across different areas.

How Learning Is Delivered

Teaching at Barrs Court is carefully planned and adapted to support pupils’ needs. Learning is:

• broken into small, achievable steps,

• reinforced through repetition and familiar routines,

• supported by specialist staff and therapies where needed,

• focused on building confidence, engagement and independence.

We work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that learning is meaningful, supportive and responsive to each pupil.

Want to Find Out More?

This page provides a summary of our curriculum.
Families who would like more detailed information about:

• curriculum pathways,

• assessment,

• preparation for adulthood,

• therapeutic support,

• and how progress is measured

are warmly invited to read our full Curriculum Intent document, available on our website.