--- title: "Our Curriculum" url: "https://moorheyschool.co.uk/our-curriculum" school: "Applebee Wood School" --- # Our Curriculum - Our Approach to the Curriculum - Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - Primary Curriculum - Secondary Curriculum - Music Development Plan ## Our Curriculum Model: At Applebee Wood School we aim to provide a curriculum that meets the needs of all our children and young adults offering a broad, balanced, differentiated and relevant education which reflects continuity and maximises progression. Three curricula operate within all departments of the school and each child’s curriculum is personalised by drawing on the each of these curricula in accordance with individual need. **Formal Curriculum:** this is an age appropriate curriculum and includes the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and National Curriculum in Key Stages 1 – 4. All pupils access content from the appropriate Key Stage as defined by their chronological age although skills may be selected from earlier Key Stages as individual needs dictate. **Developmental Curriculum:** this is an age appropriate curriculum designed to enable all our pupils to make recognisable small steps of progress and to develop pre-requisite skills to allow learners to access the formal curriculum. **Additional Curriculum:** this is an individual curriculum designed to address the holistic needs of each individual. This curriculum may include advice from other agencies including therapeutic services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Sensory Integration Therapy. ### 3 Part Curriculum Model [![](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/aws-design/Applebee_Wood_School_Curriculum_Design_diagram_(1).png)](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/images/gallery/aws-design/Applebee_Wood_School_Curriculum_Design_diagram_(1).png) ## Life Long Learning Woven throughout our curriculum are opportunities for children and young people to develop skills in life long learning skills. Teachers meticulously plan for children and young people to develop: | **Aspiration for Life** | **Language for Life** | **Learning for Life** | |---|---|---| | Accurate assessment Challenging targets Effective questioning Timely feedback. | Explicit teaching of subject related vocabulary Effective communication environments | Inquiry based learning from EYFS to Key Stage 4 Transferrable skills Programmed opportunities for independence | ## Faculty Model Our subjects are organised in to faculties where there is likely to be similar pedagogy. Each faculty is led by a senior teacher who is responsible for leading the family of subjects in their faculty. This allows us to continually focus on curriculum improvement. | **Humanities & Vocational Learning** | **Expressive Arts** | **Cognition** | **Language & Communication** | **Healthy Lifestyles** | **Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)** | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Geography, History, Religious Education, Horticulture, Work Experience & Careers | Art & Design, Drama, Music & Dance | Science, Computing & Maths | English, French, AAC-ICT | PSHE, Food Technology, Physical Education, Leisure & Catering. | Early Years & Nursery | ## Assessing your child’s needs On entering school, each child is assessed with reference to the objectives within their Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) to ensure they receive an individual and prioritised education. Key areas for assessment are: · Speaking and listening (including early communication); · Literacy skills (including reading, writing and phonics); · Mathematics (including early cognition); · Physical skills; · Personal and Social Development; · Computing skills. Assessments are regularly updated to maximise pupil potential and each child’s progress is monitored through the Key Skills Care Planning system which includes an acknowledgement of prior learning, clear assessment and setting individual targets. Parents are encouraged to contribute to the development of these plans. Schemes of work and medium term planning ensure maximum progress is made in all curriculum areas. Each term, teachers revise pupils’ individual priority targets which are delivered through Key Skill lessons. **Further Information** For any further information or enquiries you may have regarding any stage curriculum, please send an email to: [office@applebeewood.co.uk](mailto:office@applebeewood.co.uk?subject=Curriculum%20Enquiry%20via%20Website) ## The Annual Review process All pupils and students have a formal Annual Review to discuss their progress and their future needs. The review consists of written reports, a review meeting and a summary of the recommendations and individual targets. The review is the opportunity to appraise and amend the Education, Health and Care Plan. Parents and professionals are advised of dates and documentation well in advance of the meeting and are given every encouragement to attend. Pupils are also encouraged to take an active part in their Annual Review. ## **Curriculum for EYFS** ### **Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact** At Applebee Wood School our EYFS Curriculum is carefully planned and implemented. Please click on a tab below for more information about the intent and implementation of our curriculum. - Overview - PFA - EYFS Mapping - EYFS Policy ![](https://moorheyschool.co.uk/images/background/Copy_of_Primary_Curric_Letterbox_image.png) **Applebee Wood School – EYFS Overview** At Applebee Wood School, our vision for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is **“Together we learn, play and grow!’** In Acorn Class, our youngest pupils learn, play, and grow in a positive, nurturing environment where every child is supported to achieve their full potential. Our curriculum lays strong foundations for future learning, celebrates individuality, and builds on each child's unique strengths and interests. Children in our EYFS class follow the **Prime** and **Specific** Areas of Learning as set out in the Early Years Framework. **Prime Areas of Learning** These core skills are at the heart of early learning and development: - **Personal, Social and Emotional Development** - **Communication and Language** - **Physical Development** **Specific Areas of Learning** These areas strengthen and deepen children’s learning through meaningful, engaging activities: - **Mathematics** - **Literacy** - **Understanding the World** - **Expressive Arts and Design** As part of the Physical Development prime area, children have dedicated opportunities to access the hall and take part in activities aligned with their curriculum targets. RE is delivered through the Understanding the World area—specifically within “People and Communities.” This learning is further enriched during whole‑school assemblies. Each pupil at Applebee Wood School has personalised targets linked to their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). These are delivered through a blend of one‑to‑one focused sessions, small group learning, and whole‑class activities. These sessions—known as Key Skills—are guided by each child’s Key Skills Care Plan, which outlines their priority developmental targets. These often include essential “learning to learn” skills such as: - Attention and listening - Turn‑taking - Engagement - Participation in adult‑led activities Key Skills sessions are embedded into the daily routine across the school. Our EYFS curriculum is immersive, theme‑based, and play‑centred, taking a holistic approach. Half - termly topics and hands‑on activities support progress across all developmental areas—cognitive, social, physical, and emotional. While we offer a structured curriculum, we fully recognise and respond to the individual learning profiles of each child. To support this, pupils have access to additional elements of our wider 3‑Part Curriculum, ensuring they receive the tailored support and opportunities they need to thrive. We believe that strong, trusting relationships between home and school are essential for children’s success. Our approach to home learning is designed to help pupils generalise their skills across different settings. We offer a range of opportunities for families to engage in their child’s journey, including: - Workshops and training sessions - Meet‑and‑greet opportunities - Parents’ evenings - A target‑setting review in the first term - On-going communication and support By working together, we ensure that the skills pupils develop in school are meaningfully reinforced at home, enabling every child to flourish. We are committed to supporting families every step of the way. PFA 285 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/Preparing_for_Adulthood.pdf) EYFS Curriculum Mapping 238 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/EYFS_Curriculum_Mapping.pdf) EYFS Policy 2026 156 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/EYFS_Policy_2026.pdf) ## **Curriculum for The Primary Department** ### **Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact** At Applebee Wood School our Primary Curriculum is carefully planned and implemented. Please click on a tab below for more information about the intent and implementation of our curriculum. - Primary Overview - PFA - Key Stage 1 Curriculum Mapping - Key Stage 2 Curriculum Mapping ## ![](https://moorheyschool.co.uk/images/PagesImages/Primary_Curric_Letterbox_image.png) ## Our Primary Journey: Learning Through Our Values In the Primary Department, our specialist team of Teachers and Additional Needs Teaching Assistants (ANTAs) works tirelessly to ensure your child’s education is built on a foundation of care, expertise, and shared values. ### **Respect: A Total Communication Approach** We respect that every child is an individual who learns and communicates in their own unique way. - **How we learn:** By utilizing a **Total Communication approach**, we ensure every voice is heard and valued. We respect the personal dignity of our learners by integrating self-help, feeding, and personal hygiene skills into our daily curriculum. - **Our delivery:** From EYFS to Year 6, our "Learning to Learn" skills—such as turn-taking and listening—teach pupils to respect the needs and boundaries of their peers, creating a harmonious learning environment. ### **Belonging: Rooted in Our Community** Every child has a place within our "tree-themed" classes, from the youngest in Acorn to our leavers in Oak. - **How we learn:** We foster a deep sense of belonging through ability-based teaching groups. This ensures that whether a child is in Cherry Blossom or Hazel, they are learning alongside peers at a pace that feels right for them. - **Our delivery:** Belonging extends to our families. Through **Class Dojo**, "Friday Photos," and our open-door communication policy, parents and carers are an essential part of our department's family. ### **Trust: Safe to Explore and Regulate** Trust is built when children feel safe, understood, and supported in their physical and emotional needs. - **How we learn:** Our pupils trust that their individual needs will be met through specialized equipment, movement breaks, and tailored regulation opportunities. - **Our delivery:** We build trusting relationships through our dedicated Form Tutors and ANTAs who oversee Key Skills Care Plans and Annual Reviews. This consistency ensures pupils feel secure enough to take the risks necessary for deep learning. ### **Resilience: Building Small STEPS to Success** Resilience is at the heart of our "Learning to Learn" philosophy. We support our students as they navigate the challenges of the National Curriculum. - **How we learn:** We break down big goals into **small STEPS**, allowing children to build the persistence needed to master literacy, numeracy, and gross motor skills. - **Our delivery:** Whether it is attending a residential trip away from home or performing in the annual Nativity, we encourage our pupils to step out of their comfort zones and find strength in their growing independence. ### **Aspiration: Celebrating Every "WOW" Moment** We have the highest aspirations for our learners, focusing on what they *can* achieve. - **How we learn:** Our curriculum is designed to stretch every pupil. We look toward the future by celebrating "Aspiration for Life" and "Language for Life" in our weekly departmental assemblies. - **Our delivery:** We provide innovative learning experiences—from outdoor education to themed days—that inspire children to dream big. We shine a light on every success, choosing a "Star of the Week" to celebrate the incredible heights our pupils reach. PFA 285 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/Preparing_for_Adulthood.pdf) KS1 KS2 PSHE(1) 58 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_KS2_PSHE(1).pdf) KS1 Design Technology and Food and Nutrition 298 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_Design_Technology_and_Food_and_Nutrition.pdf) KS1 SCIENCE PLANNING 475 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_SCIENCE_PLANNING.pdf) KS1 RE 487 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_RE.pdf) KS1 Physical Education 515 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_Physical_Education.pdf) KS1 Music planning 472 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_Music_planning.pdf) KS1 MATHS PLANNING 516 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_MATHS_PLANNING.pdf) KS1 History-Geography 556 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_History-Geography.pdf) KS1 English 483 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_English.pdf) KS1 COMPUTING PLANNING 434 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_COMPUTING_PLANNING_2yr_cycle.pdf) KS1 ART - DESIGN MAPPING 538 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_ART_-_DESIGN_MAPPING.pdf) KS1 KS2 PSHE 58 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS1_KS2_PSHE.pdf) KS2 Design Technology and Food - Nutrition 502 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_Design_Technology_and_Food_-_Nutrition.pdf) KS2 SCIENCE PLANNING 544 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_SCIENCE_PLANNING.pdf) KS2 RE planning 498 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_RE_planning.pdf) KS2 PE PLANNING 505 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_PE_PLANNING.pdf) KS2 Music planning 490 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_Music_planning.pdf) KS2 MFL Cycle B 637 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_MFL_Cycle_B.pdf) KS2 MATHS PLANNING 524 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_MATHS_PLANNING.pdf) KS2 History-Geography 500 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_History-Geography.pdf) KS2 English 572 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_English.pdf) KS2 COMPUTING PLANNING 4yr cycle 627 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_COMPUTING_PLANNING_4yr_cycle.pdf) KS2 ART - DESIGN MAPPING 467 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS2_ART_-_DESIGN_MAPPING.pdf) ## **Curriculum for The Secondary Department** ### **Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact** At Applebee Wood School our Secondary Curriculum is carefully planned and implemented. Please click on a tabs below for more information about the intent and implementation of our curriculum. - Secondary Overview - PFA - Qualifications - Key Stage 3 Curriculum Mapping - Key Stage 4 Curriculum Mapping **Welcome to the Secondary Department** At Applebee Wood, our Secondary Department is a place where learners enjoy their learning and work hard to develop their independence skills. Our teachers provide learners with a range of engaging opportunities to develop new skills and apply them in many different ways. In the secondary department, learners discover new facts and skills which will help them as they grow up and transition into adulthood, working towards an appropriate level of independence. **The Vision** We aim to provide a stimulating, happy and creative learning environment that enables all learners to reach their full potential. This is achieved through a carefully planned child-centred curriculum that has been designed to reflect the individual needs of our learners. We strive to be kind and work hard. **Teaching Groups** We currently have nine classes in the secondary department, five of which are Key Stage 3 and four of which are Key Stage 4. Learners are taught in ability based teaching groups. This allows teachers to match work closely to learners’ unique abilities whilst providing an appropriate level of challenge. It also enables learners with greater needs to access higher levels of staff support and ensures that the curriculum can be adapted to meet their specific needs. Our classes are arranged in Key Stage groups; Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11). Occasionally, we may have groups which incorporate both Key Stages, depending on the needs of the students. **Form Groups** All learners in the Secondary Department have a form tutor who is responsible for overseeing the personal and social needs of their form, updating Key Skills Care Plans, and making contact with parents/carers.  The form tutor is the first point of contact for parents/carers and is keen to establish positive relationships.  Parents/carers are can get in contact with their child’s form tutor to discuss any issues via their child’s Class Dojo page. As well as a form tutor, each form also has two or more Teaching Assistants (TAs).  TAs have an important role in supporting the work of the form tutor and meeting the needs of the students. **Behaviour and Conduct** In the Secondary department, we follow a conduct policy. Learners are encouraged to collect merits throughout the week for positive conduct and being on task with learning. Merits are then rewarded with TGI time on a Friday where learners can choose an activity to enjoy such as sports, arts and crafts, music or games. **Options Groups and Placements** In Key Stage 4, learners take part in options afternoons twice a week in subjects such as Duke of Edinburgh, graphic design, computing, textiles and art. We also access external placements in Key Stage 4 to PNE media, PNE football, Creativity Works Preston (CWP) and Preston Vocational Centre (PVC). We have links with a variety of colleges and attend transition meetings throughout the year. PFA 285 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/Preparing_for_Adulthood.pdf) **Accreditations and Qualifications** Our learners are supported to gain nationally recognised qualifications across a range of subjects. Where appropriate, and with guidance from subject specialists and tutors, some learners work towards a variety of GCSEs and accredited courses. We focus on each learner’s strengths when supporting them in preparing for and completing their examinations. For learners in Year 11, where suitable, we provide opportunities to achieve Functional Skills qualifications in: - English – covering Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening - Maths Learners are entered for entry level qualifications (EL1, EL2, or EL3) based on their individual ability. In some cases, learners who are working above entry level may be entered for nationally recognised Level 1 or Level 2 qualifications in these subjects. Learners in Key Stage 4 can also access a range of additional courses and accreditations, through offsite provision and options including the Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze or Silver), Arts Award, LAMBA and Home Cooking and Work Skills. KS3 and KS4 PSHE 59 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_and_KS4_PSHE.pdf) KS3 Technology, Textiles, Cooking 238 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_Technology,_Textiles,_Cooking.pdf) KS3 Dance and Drama 251 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_Dance_and_Drama.pdf) KS3 SCIENCE PLANNING 530 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_SCIENCE_PLANNING.pdf) KS3 RE Planning 460 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_RE_Planning.pdf) KS3 PE PLANNING 493 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_PE_PLANNING.pdf) KS3 Music Mapping 478 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_Music_Mapping.pdf) KS3 MFL (French) 463 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_MFL_-_Cycle_B.pdf) KS3 MATHS PLANNING 539 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_MATHS_PLANNING.pdf) KS3 History-Geography 477 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_History-Geography.pdf) KS3 English 470 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_English.pdf) KS3 COMPUTING PLANNING 585 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_COMPUTING_PLANNING_3yr_cycle.pdf) KS3 ART-DESIGN MAPPING 461 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_ART-DESIGN_MAPPING.pdf) KS3 and KS4 PSHE(1) 59 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS3_and_KS4_PSHE(1).pdf) KS4 Food Tech Mapping - 232 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_Food_Tech_Mapping_-.pdf) KS4 Dance and Drama(1) 236 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_Dance_and_Drama(1).pdf) KS4 SCIENCE PLANNING 509 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_SCIENCE_PLANNING.pdf) KS4 RE 478 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_RE.pdf) KS4 PLANNING DIGITAL MEDIA 2yr cycle 524 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_PLANNING_DIGITAL_MEDIA_2yr_cycle.pdf) KS4 PE PLANNING 551 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_PE_PLANNING.pdf) KS4 Music Mapping 716 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_Music_Mapping.pdf) KS4 MATHS PLANNING 497 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_MATHS_PLANNING.pdf) KS4 English 462 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_English.pdf) KS4 COMPUTING PLANNING 2yr cycle 584 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_COMPUTING_PLANNING_2yr_cycle.pdf) KS4 ART-DESIGN MAPPING 428 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/KS4_ART-DESIGN_MAPPING.pdf) D of E Mapping 397 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/D_of_E_Mapping.pdf) Music Development Plan Applebee Wood School 129 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/files/documents/Music_Development_Plan_Applebee_Wood_School.pdf) ![Applebee Wood School](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/images/logo/Untitled_design(5).png) ### Applebee Wood School Far Croft Lostock Hall Preston PR5 5SS 01772 336976 ### Policies - [Website Policy](https://moorheyschool.co.uk/website-policy) - [Accessibility Statement](https://moorheyschool.co.uk/accessibility-statement) ### Translation [![The Sea View Trust (Reg in England and Wales)](https://files.schudio.com/applebee-wood-school/images/logo/SVT_logo_-_white_lettering(1).png)](https://theseaviewtrust.co.uk) © Copyright 2025–2026 Applebee Wood School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://moorheyschool.co.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)