Curriculum Overview

At Salmons Brook School, our curriculum is designed to provide a broad, balanced and ambitious education that prepares students with social, emotional and academic skills for life. We serve a diverse community of learners with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and our curriculum reflects our therapeutic, personalised and inclusive ethos. 

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) 

All students at KS3 study the following core subjects: 
- English 
- Mathematics 
- Science 
- Physical Education (PE) 
- Food Technology 
- Character Education (PSHE and RSE content, blended with careers and our CREATE values) 

Students also have access to a wide and enriching foundation curriculum, which includes: 
- Art, Craft and Design 
- Design & Technology (DT) 
- Computing 

The KS3 curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time, and to spark students’ interests through practical and creative learning. It is underpinned by strong assessment systems and is mapped closely to national curriculum guidance while being adapted to meet the individual needs of our learners. 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) 

At KS4, students continue to study core subjects: 
- English (offered at Entry Level, Functional Skills and GCSE) 
- Mathematics (offered at Entry Level, Functional Skills and GCSE) 
- Science 
- Core PE 
- Food Technology 
- Character Education (PSHE and RSE content, blended with careers and our CREATE values) 

Students also choose two option subjects based on their interests and strengths. These currently include: 
- Art & Design 
- Design Technology 
- Personal Development 
- Creative Media 
- Sports Studies 

This pathway model provides flexibility for students to access academic, vocational and therapeutic learning suited to their EHCP outcomes and long-term goals. 

Key Stage 5 (Post-16 / Years 12–13) 

Our Sixth Form offer is tailored through a bespoke Life Skills programme, with a focus on preparing students for adulthood and the world beyond school. All KS5 students study: 
- English (Functional Skills or GCSE) 
- Mathematics (Functional Skills or GCSE) 
- Food Technology 
- Life Skills (including travel training, personal finance, and employability skills) 

In addition, students can choose two practical/vocational programmes from: 
- Art 
- Creative Media 
- DT/Construction 
- Hair & Beauty 

This approach equips our post-16 learners with essential qualifications, personal independence, and real-world experience to support positive destinations into further education, training or employment. 

Intervention Support 

Alongside the taught curriculum, Salmons Brook offers a comprehensive intervention programme led by our dedicated Interventions team. These are personalised to address barriers to learning—whether academic, emotional or social—and include: 
- Phonics and reading interventions 
- Academic catch-up and mentoring 
- Social communication and emotional regulation support 
- SEMH and therapeutic programmes (e.g., ELSA, Zones of Regulation) 

Interventions are targeted using EHCP outcomes, academic data, and staff referrals, ensuring students receive the right support at the right time. 

Religious Education (RE)

At Salmons Brook School, Religious Education forms part of our broad and balanced curriculum and is delivered in accordance with statutory requirements. RE encourages students to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of religions, beliefs and worldviews, whilst promoting respect, tolerance and mutual understanding.

Parents/carers have the legal right to request that their child is wholly or partly withdrawn from Religious Education lessons. Students aged 18 and over may exercise this right themselves.

Parents/carers wishing to discuss a withdrawal request should contact the Headteacher. The school will discuss the request with parents/carers to ensure they are fully informed about the RE curriculum and the educational opportunities that may be affected by withdrawal.

Where a withdrawal request is agreed, appropriate supervision arrangements will be made. The school is not required to provide alternative Religious Education or curriculum content during the period of withdrawal.

Salmons Brook School respects the rights of parents/carers while remaining committed to promoting understanding, inclusion and respect for people of all faiths and beliefs.

Requests for withdrawal from Religious Education should be made in writing to the Headteacher.