Other curriculum areas

What do we do?

At Walton Hall Academy, the Computing curriculum is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and purposeful, ensuring all students, regardless of their SEN needs, can access a broad and balanced programme. The intent is to develop essential digital skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities while embedding EHCP targets to support individual development and prepare students for adulthood. By exploring various aspects of computing, such as Digital Literacy, Information Technology, and Computer Science, students gain confidence, self-expression, and an understanding of how technology contributes to personal and professional opportunities. The curriculum also emphasises digital safety, preparing students to navigate and thrive in a digital society.

How do we do it?

The Computing curriculum is delivered through differentiated pathways—Seekers, Explorers, and Navigators—each tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners. In KS3, lessons focus on introducing and integrating computing concepts, with an emphasis on e-safety and the practical use of technology. Students also engage with creative projects, such as media creation and problem-solving tasks. In KS4 and KS5, students build on prior learning with a more structured computing curriculum, and for Navigators students they are prepared for accredited qualifications such as BTECs. Topics include using Microsoft Office tools, programming, and applying ICT to real-world scenarios, such as budgeting and organizing events. Modules focus on independence, such as using assistive apps, online safety, and managing digital footprints. Each pathway ensures that lessons are adapted to be meaningful, engaging, and aligned with EHCP targets, providing students with the skills and confidence to use technology effectively in their daily lives.

Why do we do it?

The curriculum's impact is demonstrated through students’ increased confidence, self-expression, and transferable skills. By embedding digital literacy and computing skills into their learning, students are better prepared for future pathways, including further education and employment. The focus on EHCP outcomes ensures that progress is personalised, with students developing key life skills, communication abilities, and digital awareness, equipping them for a successful transition to adulthood. The emphasis on e-safety and responsible technology use prepares students to live and work safely within a digital society, ensuring they can navigate challenges and opportunities effectively.

What do we do?

At Walton Hall Academy, the Cookery curriculum is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and purposeful, ensuring all students, regardless of their SEN needs, can access a broad and balanced programme. The intent is to develop skills like decision making, problem solving, and teamwork while embedding EHCP targets to support individual development and prepare students for adulthood. Through exploration of various cookery skills and techniques, students develop confidence, self-expression, and nurture an understanding of how food contributes to healthy eating, balanced diets and career opportunities.

How do we do it?

The curriculum is delivered through differentiated pathways and aims to teach students how to cook and grow their understanding of healthy eating.  Seekers, Explorers, and Navigators—each tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners. In Key Stage 3, lessons are sensory and kinaesthetic to promote engagement, while Key Stages 4 and 5 integrate Cookery techniques, where food comes from, food safety and hygiene, how it’s produced and the impact on the environment.  For Navigators, accredited qualifications such as BTEC Level 1 and Level 2 in Home Cooking Skills are available, providing students with the opportunity to gain formal recognition of their skills. Each pathway ensures that lessons are adapted to be meaningful and aligned with EHCP targets.

Why do we do it?

The curriculum's impact is demonstrated through students’ increased confidence, self-expression, and transferable skills. By embedding practical skills into their learning, students are better prepared for future pathways, including further education and employment. The focus on EHCP outcomes ensures that progress is personalised, with students developing key life skills, communication abilities, and cultural awareness This equips students with essential skills that will enable them to flourish and develop their independence, preparing them for their next steps into adulthood. 

What do we do?

At Walton Hall Academy, the Humanities curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and a deep understanding of the world and its history, geography, RE and cultural diversity. Students are encouraged to explore interactions between people, environments, and societies, fostering resilience, confidence, and transferable skills. The curriculum embeds EHCP outcomes to support individual development, aiming to prepare students for adulthood as responsible global citizens. Through engaging topics, students will gain a foundation of historical, geographical and religious knowledge, critical thinking, and respect for diverse beliefs, religions and cultures.

How do we do it?

The Humanities curriculum is delivered through our adapted pathways. For Seekers students, humanities topics are integrated into core skills lessons, focusing on sensory engagement and foundational concepts. For Explorers students, they have a weekly humanities lesson that adopts a holistic approach, incorporating elements of history, geography, and religious education. Lessons are linked to English topics and emphasize understanding the world through thematic studies. Navigators’ students receive subject-specific lessons, guided by the National Curriculum. Topics are explored on global and local scales, enabling in-depth study and comparisons.

Why do we do it?

The Humanities curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate and contribute to an ever-changing world. Students develop critical thinking, cultural awareness, and the ability to make informed decisions. Progress is personalized through alignment with EHCP targets, ensuring every student achieves their potential. The curriculum prepares students for further education, employment, and active citizenship, instilling a lifelong appreciation for the complexities of the world and its history.

What do we do?

At Walton Hall we aim to promote a love for music. We use these lessons as an opportunity to work towards students individualised EHC outcomes whilst also developing their musical skills and knowledge. We aim to create opportunities for students to flourish and improve their self-confidence though skill development and performance. Through our lessons we work on the 8 facets of music: enjoyment, attentive listening, absorption in the music, commitment to the process, inclination to explore, inclination to lead, memory, and being expressive. This allows teacher to identify and nurture the potential of all students and appropriately structure lessons to support and foster this potential, providing meaningful opportunities for them to grow develop further.

How do we do it?

At Walton Hall Academy students access the Charanga Musical School Units of Work enabling them to understand musical concepts through a repetition-based approach to learning. Their learning is about the same musical concepts, embedded through different musical activities which nurtures a secure, deeper learning and mastery of musical skills.

The music curriculum is delivered through differentiated pathways—Seekers, Explorers, and Navigators—each tailored to meet the diverse needs of our learners and allowing them to grow their curiosity and understanding of music. For Seeker students, a more holistic approach to music is used supported by sound baths and sensory massage sessions. For Explorers, all activities are based around a song. Games embed the interrelated dimensions of music through repetition. Singing is at the heart of all the musical learning as well as playing instruments with the song to be learnt. For Navigator students, the curriculum works on a more practical level where students learn how to access and develop instrument skills and reading music. Using the Rock School framework, students develop their knowledge and skills in drums, guitars and ukulele and they work towards composing their own music.

As Explorers and Navigators learners move into Key Stage 4 and 5, they can select music as an option and where appropriate, BTEC units are completed to recognise their skills, knowledge and understanding of music and performance. Music is also offered as an enrichment option for those students who love to sing and perform.

Music interventions are used to support students on a 1:1 basis for many reasons, whether it is to build their confidence and self-esteem, to nurture a talent, to improve their communication skills, or to improve fine motor skills.

Finally, music is also offered as an extra-curricular activity, whether it be through our School of Rock bands or our Shine On Choir – students are provided with many opportunities to develop skills and to perform.

Why do we do it?

The curriculum's impact is demonstrated through students’ increased confidence, self-expression, and transferable skills. By embedding musical practice into their learning, students are better prepared for future pathways, including further education and employment. Working alongside EHCP outcomes ensures that progress is personalised and allows each individual to flourish. Students will develop key life skills, communication abilities, and cultural awareness, preparing them for a successful transition to adulthood.

What do we do?

At Walton Academy, Drama and Performing Arts aim to provide a creative and inclusive environment where every student is nurtured to grow and develop confidence, communication, collaboration, and creativity. We offer high-quality, accessible experiences that encourage self-expression, empathy, and resilience through performance, dance and music.  

How do we do it?

• The Drama and Performing Arts curriculum at Walton Hall is designed to engage learners through kinaesthetic, auditory, and visual teaching methods, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for all. Progression is achieved through three pathways—Seekers, Explorers, and Navigators—each tailored to individual needs and abilities.

• Seekers Pathway (KS3–KS5): Students experience sensory learning through dance, music, and role play. Confidence and communication are developed through creative expression, choir, and school performances. Learning is personalised to EHCP targets and delivered through a sensory and practical approach.

• Explorers Pathway (KS3–KS5): Students participate in weekly drama lessons and explore acting, singing, and dancing. Themes are delivered through 4D experiences, and students rehearse and perform short pieces, building towards larger productions and live performance opportunities.

• Navigators Pathway (KS3–KS5): Students follow a structured programme developing the 5 Cs of drama—Confidence, Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, and Concentration. KS3 students explore stagecraft, mime, characterisation, and script work. At KS4 and KS5, students have the option to complete BTEC Performing Arts units, gaining experience in acting, musical theatre, and production roles.

Why do we do it?

Drama and Performing Arts have a profound impact on students’ personal, social, and academic development. Through participation, students gain confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills that extend beyond the classroom. They learn to collaborate, problem-solve, and express emotions safely and creatively. Students develop cultural awareness, empathy, and appreciation for diversity through varied performance experiences.

Progress is measured through performance outcomes, reflective discussions, self-assessment, and feedback linked to individual EHCP targets. Many students showcase their achievements in whole-school productions and community events, celebrating their creativity and growth. Ultimately, our Drama and Performing Arts curriculum prepares students to flourish into further education, employment, and independent living, fostering confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of the arts.