Semi-Formal Curriculum
Semi-Formal Curriculum Pathway
Semi-formal students ‘do to learn’ with our semi-formal curriculum designed for our students
with severe learning difficulties working at higher pre-key stage levels and towards some
national curriculum expectations.
Students following our semi-formal curriculum learn best when experiencing relatable
learning experiences – this could be through play, functional activities or through a topic-
based approach.
The semi-formal curriculum enables students to develop independence and functional life
skills. Pupils who are in the semi-formal pathway can engage in adult led learning and have
the attention skills to attend to an activity. Some aspects of their learning will be ‘subject led’
We embed real life experiences within our semi-formal approach to develop appropriate and
meaningful life skills. Modelling, repetition and the gradual withdrawal of support will enable
our students to develop increasing independence. Once a range of skills have been
mastered the teaching shifts to being able to generalise the skill, exploring application in a
range of different contexts within school sessions and in the wider school and local
community.
Through our semi-formal approach, pupils learn skills and strategies to self-regulate, access
the community and interact, play and socialise with other people without high levels of
anxiety. Pupils learn to make their own choices and develop preferences which can be
fostered into lifelong hobbies, enriching activities as well as leading to increasing autonomy
in future life.
The semi-formal curriculum covers key areas of learning – Communication and Literacy,
Cognition and Numeracy, Physical Development, Personal and Social Education,
Independence, The World and Creative Arts.
Students accessing the informal curriculum benefit from being in specific class groups taught
mainly by the same class teacher with some specialist subject input where appropriate. They
will be supported with a consistent team of TA’s.
