A curriculum that meets needs. A community that inspires growth.

At The Orchard School, our curriculum is more than just subjects and lessons – it is a carefully designed framework that supports the academic, emotional and social development of our pupils.

We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils in Years 2 to 11, underpinned by the principles of Therapeutic Thinking and shaped by our belief that Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares.

Many of our pupils have experienced disrupted learning, trauma or complex needs. Our curriculum is built to re-engage them with learning, develop their confidence, and prepare them for successful futures – both in school and beyond.

Our Curriculum Is:

• Inclusive: tailored to meet the needs of each pupil through personalised pathways and EHCP outcomes
• Therapeutic: built around emotional safety, regulation, and restorative relationships
• Ambitious: high expectations for every learner, with flexible and creative teaching approaches
• Skills-Based:  focused on academic progress, communication, independence and resilience

How It Works

• The Primary Phase (Years 2-6) focusses on early recovery, routine, emotional literacy and core skills in reading, writing and maths.
• The Secondary Phase (Years 7-11) builds on this foundation, offering a mix of subject learning, PSHE, life skills, enrichment and accredited outcomes (e.g. Entry Level, Functional Skills, GCSEs).

• Early Reading, Phonics and Fluency

  In the Primary Phase, early reading is a key priority. We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, a validated systematic synthetic phonics programme, to support pupils in developing secure foundations in reading and writing. Teaching is structured, consistent and carefully adapted to meet individual needs, recognising that many pupils require additional time, repetition and emotional support to succeed.

  In the Secondary Phase, phonics and reading intervention continues where needed, with a strong focus on developing reading fluency, accuracy and comprehension. Pupils are supported to build stamina, confidence and independence as readers through targeted intervention, guided reading and opportunities to apply reading skills across the wider curriculum. This ensures that gaps in learning are addressed and that all pupils are supported to access subject learning and accredited outcomes.

  Across all phases, early reading and fluency are delivered through predictable routines, strong relationships and a therapeutic approach to learning, supporting pupils to develop a positive, confident and purposeful relationship with reading as part of our wider Reading for Life approach.

• Each pupil has a personalised learning plan linked to their EHCP and reviewed regularly in partnership with families.

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