Curriculum - New Bridge School

Our Curriculum Is Based on 7 Destinations 

Everything we teach is underpinned by seven key long-term outcomes – what we call our 7 Destinations. These guide our planning, teaching, and assessment, ensuring every learning experience moves your child closer to their individual goals for adulthood. 

These destinations reflect not only academic progress, but also personal development, life skills, and preparation for adulthood, employment, and community inclusion. 

 

Our Curriculum - Learning for Life 

At New Bridge School our curriculum is designed to empower every pupil to lead a fulfilling, meaningful, and independent a life as possible. We offer a personalised, flexible learning experience that meets the unique needs of our learners. 

A Structured School Day 

Our curriculum is delivered through a secondary model timetable, helping students prepare for the structure and expectations of adulthood. Pupils have six lessons each day, providing variety, routine, and the opportunity to access a broad and balanced curriculum throughout the week. 

How We Deliver Learning 

At New Bridge School, we know that strong, trusting relationships help our pupils feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. That’s why we use a blended teaching approach that combines consistency with specialist expertise. 

Your child will spend the majority of their week - around 70% of their time - with their Form Tutor, who delivers most of the core subjects such as English, Maths, Science, and Learning for Life. This helps to build a strong, supportive relationship and creates a calm, predictable routine. 

In some of our more personalised learning pathways (like our pre-formal pathway), pupils may spend even more time with their Form Tutor to support their individual needs. 

The remaining part of the timetable - about 30% - is taught by specialist Teachers. These Teachers bring their expertise and passion to subjects like Art, Dance, Drama, Music, PE, and Swimming, offering exciting, creative experiences that help pupils discover their interests and talents. 

This balance ensures that every learner benefits from consistency, connection, and high-quality specialist teaching across a wide and enriching curriculum. 

Key Curriculum Strands 

All of our learner’s access subjects from the National Curriculum, carefully adapted to meet their individual needs, learning styles, and abilities. Lessons are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and meaningful - ensuring that every pupil can experience success, make progress, and enjoy their learning journey. 

Our lessons are designed to be inclusive and engaging, allowing every pupil to: 

•      Make progress at their own pace 

•      Experience a sense of achievement 

•      Develop confidence and enjoyment in learning 

We ensure that all pupils are supported to reach their full potential across the following key curriculum areas: 

Core Subjects 

These subjects form the foundation of our curriculum and are closely linked to the development of communication, cognition, and essential life skills: 

•      English – Focused on communication, reading, writing, speaking and listening, with emphasis on functional literacy and self-expression. 

•      Mathematics – Practical and functional numeracy, including number, money, time, and problem-solving skills that apply to everyday life. 

•      Science – Hands-on exploration of the world, developing curiosity and understanding through sensory and experiential learning. 

•      ICT (Information & Communication Technology) – Basic digital literacy, using technology for communication, creativity, and learning how to stay safe online. 

•      RSHE (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education) – Supporting personal development with a focus on friendships, healthy choices, consent, safety, and emotional well-being. 

•      Living Skills – Promoting independence through daily life skills such as hygiene, cooking, laundry, personal organisation, budgeting, and shopping. 

Foundation Subjects 

Our creative and expressive subjects allow pupils to explore talents, build confidence, and develop fine and gross motor skills. They also contribute to emotional regulation and social interaction: 

•      Art – Expressive, therapeutic and skills-based visual arts. 

•      Music – Developing rhythm, listening, coordination, and enjoyment. 

•      Dance – Movement and creativity to enhance physical development. 

•      Drama – Role-play, storytelling, and social communication. 

•      Humanities – Understanding the world, culture, and community through simplified Geography, History, and RE themes. 

•      PE (Physical Education) – Adapted physical activities to support health, fitness, coordination, and teamwork. 

•      Swimming – Water confidence, life-saving skills, and physical therapy. 

 

Learning for Life  

In addition to subject-based learning, all of our pupils take part in Learning for Life sessions. These sessions are specially designed to help each child make steady progress towards their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes. 

Each pupil has personalised goals - sometimes called small step targets - that break down their annual EHCP targets into manageable, achievable milestones. These goals might focus on areas such as: 

•      Social and emotional well-being 

•      Mental health support 

•      Physical or sensory development 

•      Communication and interaction 

•      Building independence and confidence 

These sessions are delivered by your child’s Form Tutor, who knows them well and plans bespoke, meaningful activities to support their development in these areas. Whether it’s learning how to manage emotions, improving communication, or developing key physical skills, Learning for Life helps ensure your child is supported in every aspect of their growth—not just academically, but as a whole person. 

This targeted, nurturing approach is at the heart of our commitment to preparing every pupil for their next steps in life, both in and beyond school. 

Curriculum Pathways 

We understand that every pupil learns differently. That’s why we offer personalised learning pathways that match each child’s needs, strengths, and stage of development. These pathways guide how we teach and support your child throughout their school journey: 

Pre-Formal Pathway 

For pupils who benefit from a sensory-based and experiential approach to learning. 
This pathway focuses on early communication, physical development, and emotional well-being through highly personalised and hands-on activities. 

Found in: Pathway 1 in the Autism Base (AB) and Interactive Base (IB) 

Semi-Formal Pathway 

A more structured, topic-based and practical curriculum, helping pupils build skills in communication, independence, and learning through real-world experiences. 

Found in: Pathway 2 (AB and IB) and Pathways 2 and 3 in the Mainbody  

Formal Pathway 

For pupils who are working closer to age-related expectations and benefit from a more academic approach, with appropriate adaptations to support success. 

Found in: Pathway 1 in the Mainbody 

Each pathway is flexible and regularly reviewed to ensure your child is in the right place to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Progress and Assessment 

We use a variety of approaches to track progress in a meaningful and personalised way. 

We use a secure online platform called Evidence for Learning to gather photos, videos, and written observations that capture your child’s achievements across both academic subjects and personal development areas. This helps us build a clear picture of how your child is progressing—not just in their learning, but in areas like communication, independence, social skills, and emotional well-being. 

Progress is measured in several key areas: 

•      Academic progress – through personalised subject targets across English, Maths, Science, and more 

•      EHCP outcomes – by tracking small-step targets linked to your child’s individual plan 

•      The 7 Destinations – our long-term life goals that guide everything we teach, including independence, community involvement, and personal control 

Every pupil has their own set of tailored targets, which are reviewed regularly and updated in response to their needs. You’ll be invited to take part in review meetings, and you’ll also receive updates through Evidence for Learning, where you can even contribute your own comments and observations from home. 

This joined-up approach helps us celebrate every success, identify areas for support, and ensure that your child is always moving forward on their own unique pathway. 

Curriculum Communication Throughout the Year 

 

At New Bridge School, we believe that strong communication with families is key to supporting each child’s learning journey. Over the course of the year, you will receive regular updates about your child’s progress and the curriculum they are following. Each term, we will share a Curriculum Newsletter giving you an insight into what your child is learning in class.

You will also be invited to attend Parents’ Evenings in the Autumn and Summer Terms, where you’ll have the opportunity to speak with staff about your child’s progress, strengths, and next steps. In Spring and Summer, you will receive a written report covering both academic progress and EHCP outcomes. In addition, your child’s Annual Review will provide a further opportunity to discuss curriculum engagement and progress in relation to their individual needs and targets. We’re committed to working in partnership with you every step of the way.