Sybil Elgar School curriculum
Our mission and vision
At Sybil Elgar School, we are dedicated to providing each autistic student with an equitable, fulfilling educational experience, tailored to their unique needs. Our vision is to prepare our students for future opportunities, responsibilities, and the complexities of adult life. We aim for all students to access a broad, balanced, and motivating curriculum that enriches their quality of life.
"Pupils receive an exceptional education at this school. Leaders have planned a high quality curriculum that is taught by staff who have expertise in working with pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)."
Key principles
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We put our children and young people at the forefront of all we do.
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We believe in transparent partnerships with parents, carers, and other professionals.
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We celebrate diversity and are non-judgmental, accepting all our students as integral parts of our culture and community.
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We strive for our students to become confident communicators, develop independence skills, and gain qualifications.
Key curriculum features
- Autism specific education: All our students are autistic and have EHCPs.
- Innovative and specialised: The curriculum adheres to best practices and legislation, offering an autism-specific, outstanding educational framework.
- Tailored learning: Each student’s curriculum is individualised, differentiated, and therapeutic. It concentrates on amplifying strengths, fostering learning, and holistic development.
- Assessment-driven: Grounded in comprehensive and rigorous assessments, the curriculum acknowledges the unique challenges faced by autistic students, aiming for each to reach their maximum potential.
- Life skills and resilience: The curriculum is designed to impart transferable skills useful in adult life and the workforce. It emphasises the development of resilience, self-management, and communication skills, supported by integrated therapeutic approaches.
- Community and inclusion: The curriculum also focuses on risk-assessed community access, outdoor learning, sensory and physical activities, promoting equality of opportunity and inclusion for all students.
- Personal interests and relaxation: Opportunities for developing personal interests are enhanced by creative and expressive arts, along with planned relaxation and self-occupancy skills.
Quality of life (QoL) framework
The curriculum is shaped by the National Autistic Society's Quality of life framework, aiming for each student to have the best possible developmental opportunities. This includes:
- Centering the student's voice and family in planning and assessments.
- Measuring quality of life through various indicators and surveys.
- Offering a multi-faceted support system that incorporates academic, vocational, life skills, and various therapeutic inputs.
- Collaboration with partner organisations for best practices.
- Nominated keyworkers for each student to serve as advocates and liaisons with parents.
By prioritising the holistic needs and aspirations of each student, the Sybil Elgar School curriculum aims to equip students with the skills and experiences they need for a fulfilling life beyond school.
Implementation of curriculum at Sybil Elgar School
Teaching and learning approaches
Early years and primary
Students are taught in nurturing chronological groups. The teaching approach is multifaceted, involving individual, small group, and independent learning methods, and is overseen by class teachers, keyworkers, and TDT.
Secondary phase
Pathways are confirmed, and a more detailed approach to teaching in various Key Stages is laid out.
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The curriculum at Sybil Elgar School is designed to serve students from ages 4 to 22.
Three primary pathways are available for students: Individual Sensory Explorers, Global, and External Challengers.
Based on extensive ongoing assessments, students are channeled into one of the three broad pathways, which are further broken down into specific areas. These pathways are not hierarchical but tailored to provide optimal learning experiences for individual autistic students.
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Each pathway has defined outcomes and key areas of study, with flexibility for students with ‘spiky profiles’ to move between the pathways based on progress and engagement.
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The curriculum is further personalised according to the student’s EHCP (Education and Health Care Plans).
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Students have enhanced access to physical activities, sensory outdoor experiences, and creative and expressive arts.
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Cohesive pathways ensure planned skill and knowledge progression that takes into account not just cognitive levels but also developmental and chronological needs. Assessment is designed to track progress in skill refinement, generalisation, and engagement.
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For students facing learning or physical difficulties, the pathways ensure key concepts can be revisited at all stages without repetition, thus improving the quality of experience and engagement.
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Pathways also focus on social skill development and encourage learning with compatible students.
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While ambitious goals are set for every student, realistic expectations are also maintained. The curriculum accommodates periods of variable progress and possible regression.
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Regardless of the pathway, each student’s curriculum is individually tailored.
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Schemes of Work have been established for "Global Students," and are personalised accordingly. "Individual Sensory Explorers" and "External Challengers" are aligned to the global group as much as possible for shared experiences.
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The curriculum is informed by developmental factors, qualifications, and guidelines from the Department for Education (DfE).
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Our curriculum is also aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, which provide a framework for career guidance. These benchmarks ensure stability, inclusivity, and personalized career education for each student. Learn more about the Gatsby Benchmaks here.
"Leaders have organised the curriculum based on the goals and outcomes that they know pupils need to attain."
Transdisciplinary team (TDT)
Our school's commitment to this model is reflected in our full-time onsite occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology support, and a dedicated family liaison manager, ensuring comprehensive support for every student.
Contact
If you have any additional questions about the curriculum, please contact Sybil Elgar School, one of our teachers will answer via reception.
To learn more about what our children and young adults learn when they are with us, please read our Curriculum policy below.