Walton Hall Pathways
At Walton Hall our students have a vast range of learning needs. To enable us to deliver the most appropriate curriculum to each of them, students are placed in one of three pathways. Although students will remain in their identified pathway, we do acknowledge that young people learn at different speeds and have strengths and areas for development in certain subject areas. We ensure that we assess our students regularly, and when required students are given the opportunity to access lessons in different pathways, or move into a different pathway to ensure that they are appropriately challenged or supported on their learning journey.
At Walton Hall Academy we offer a completely individualised creative curriculum for students in our Seekers pathway. This develops skills in all 4 key areas of need that are reflected in each student’s EHCP including: communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health, and physical and sensory.
We are committed to nurturing out students ensuring that they fully immerse themselves in their learning, and work within a flexible framework that is responsive to their needs. Through a synergy of care and education it will enable all students to grow and develop meaningful communication in a range of contexts, that will support them throughout their lives and flourish into adulthood.
As student’s progress through Walton Hall Academy, we ensure that we build on meaningful progress and embed core skills. Our ultimate aim is to prepare students for life beyond school. We want them to be as independent as they can be, to develop self-care skills and to have the ability to live healthy and happy lives.
In key stage 3, we support each student with a pre-formal curriculum that emphasises on preparation for adult life, with a focus on communication, numeracy, and literacy as core skills. In key Stage 4, students build on their ability to manage sensory needs with self-regulation strategies. The ASDAN ‘Towards Independence’ programme aligns with Preparation for Adult Life pathways, focusing on practical skills in areas like health, relationships, and employment. Further building on this in key Stage 5 we encourage greater independence. Students engage in community-based experiences and complete accredited ASDAN modules whilst working towards Functional Skills Entry Level 1. These opportunities support their transition to adulthood, fostering confidence in navigating everyday life.
The Seekers curriculum is enriched with sensory interventions and therapeutic programmes, including sensory rooms, outdoor education, music therapy, and mindfulness activities. These tools help students develop awareness and adaptability in various environments.
Teachers of our Seekers pathway are encouraged to be always thinking why the chosen skill or learning matters to each individual student; what learning and using it means to them, and how we can extend this learning in a meaningful way. This makes all the teaching and learning as purposeful and valuable as possible.
At Walton Hall Academy we offer a creative curriculum to our Explorers learners that endorses building connections, problem-solving and building independence which is alive in every classroom. The Explorers curriculum at Walton Hall has our school motto ‘Nurture, Grow, Flourish’ at the heart of it. It provides meaningful, fun and engaging learning opportunities which enable students to reach their full potential and to become as independent as possible. We aim to enable all learners to communicate, think and problem solve in a range of contexts and lessons.
We support students in this pathway to develop their communication skills though encouraging them to listen to others and to engage in conversation with their staff and peers. We ensure that they are listened to by giving them the freedom to ask questions and communicate key information from home, the school day and topic related vocabulary. We ensure that we use a range of communication methods to enable all students to have a voice that is heard and valued by others.
Literacy and numeracy skills are developed through a variety of meaningful, engaging and practical lessons. These skills are further embedded across all subjects to ensure over-learning, repetition and retention of skills and knowledge.
Explorers students are encouraged to take ownership in developing their independence, social and life skills and physical development through our Preparation for Adulthood curriculum. We provide them with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to keep themselves self and healthy in their future life beyond school.
All of the Explorers curriculum is delivered in a nurturing, purposeful and enjoyable environment by a consistent teacher and class team. High staffing ratios ensure that students receive a bespoke education and learning experience personalised to their needs and individual targets.
The Key stage 3 Explorers curriculum establishes the foundation of knowledge and skills that is built on as the student progresses through the school. The ultimate aim for these students as they progress into our Post 16 provision is to apply all of the skills and knowledge gained into a practical setting that will enable them to be prepared for supported living and supported employment as a young adult. This curriculum is designed to prepare students for independence and to enable them to become a valued and active citizen in their local community.
At Walton Hall we work collaboratively with our Navigator learners to ensure that they are delivered a curriculum that best fits their individual needs and prepares them effectively for their future destination. We aim to nurture our students enabling them to grow through challenging them to be the best that they can be, ensuring that they flourish as they leave us and move onto further education or employment.
Through personalised learning we strive to unlock our students potential and maximise their progress. We want our students to become healthy, safe, happy, successful and valued young people who make positive contributions to society.
In key stage 3, our curriculum offer is broad with the aim to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in many subject areas. We want our students to enjoy their education and to develop an intrinsic motivation to learn. Our curriculum offer is shaped as students move through the school depending on their key interests. In Key stage 4 and 5 students study a wide range of subjects, building on their key stage 3 foundations to complete both internal and external qualifications including Entry level, Level 1/2 Functional skills, BTECs and GCSEs.
In this pathway our curriculum offer includes: core subjects where basic skills and key learning is priority; subjects and courses that develop personal, social development and that prepare students for adulthood; and a vast range of vocational options that aim to encourage students to think about future jobs and give them the skills and knowledge to build on as they enter further education or the world of work. Alongside this we focus on developing their resilience, their social, emotional and mental health and their coping strategies to manage life successfully.
Our school always aims to provide a nurturing and safe environment that empowers and enables all students. Specialist and dedicated staff meet the needs of the individual, with a holistic approach to ensure every student achieves to their full potential.
