At Elms School, we have created a bespoke curriculum offer that follows the new National Curriculum as well as embracing Fundamental British Values.

“The broad and balanced curriculum successfully meets the pupils’ social, emotional and academic needs. In particular, the nurture programme provides pupils with very effective support that contributes well to their overall progress.” (Ofsted October 2017).

In addition to academic subjects, we offer a range of activities through our Duke of Edinburgh sessions for Y9-11, which occur every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.

The 21 Steps

We track our students through the use of the 21 Steps for Speaking & Listening, Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Science. The 21 Steps were designed as a response to assessment without levels by a working party that involved a number of schools within Kent. 

We have used the 21 Steps to formulate three pathways of expected progress throughout the school leading to outcomes within KS4. We use the pathways to set challenging and aspirational targets for our students from their differing starting points. 

“Pupils make good progress from their starting points” (Ofsted October 2017). All teachers assess pupils’ work against the National curriculum and then track their progress using Pupil Asset. We report to parents three times per year in addition to the Education Health Care Plan review.

If a pupil is not making expected progress, we review the provision and plan support using class provision maps. 

At Elms School, we off a wide range of accredited outcomes at Entry Level, Functional Skills and GCSE’s. We use a variety of examination boards to ensure the best possible outcomes for our pupils. We continue to research and develop our accredited outcomes for pupils in Key Stage Four, ensuring we continue to offer a relevant and broad range of accreditations.

The current core offer for examination subjects is English, Maths, Science, Food Technology, Art, RE and PE. We also offer some subjects as an option, within Computing and Design & Technology. 

In Key Stage 4-Upper School pupils have the option to take a Duke of Edinburgh Award.

More information about the National Curriculum can be found here.

At Elms School, we are committed to using a holistic approach to support our learning expectations. All staff at Elms school work in a nurturing manner that embeds the Restorative Justice ethos of our school.

We focus on removing possible barriers to learning and success. We also provide a bespoke therapeutic intervention, Thrive. This specific intervention supports students to manage their behaviour and regulate their emotions so that they can learn and succeed. We also use Zones of Regulation throughout the school which also supports students in managing their behaviour by identify emotional and strategies for regulation. 

We also offer some mentoring through Project Salis; Lego Therapy and we implement OT and Speech and Language programmes as set by therapists. We work closely with our external partners, who are crucial in supporting our Holistic Approach. They include Virtual Schools, local Colleges, NHS, Social Services and Head Start.

Some pupils follow alternative curriculum programmes, through our Inclusion Waves which focus on developing core skills and preparation for the next steps in education or training.

“Pupils are well supported to move to mainstream college after Year 11. Staff provide very effective personalised support to make sure these transitions are successful” (Ofsted October 2017.)

We have organised the subjects each with a subject leads. Within the Primary and Secondary teams, staff continue to refine the curriculum provision ensuring that we best meet the needs of all our pupils. Each subject lead is developing a development plan and is responsible for the subject budgets.