Greenbank School
Curriculum
Curriculum Statement
Intent: Learning and Succeeding Together
At Greenbank School, our curriculum is driven by our vision of Learning and Succeeding Together. We provide an ambitious, inclusive and highly personalised curriculum that equips every pupil with the knowledge, communication skills, independence and cultural capital they need to succeed in adult life.
Our curriculum is specifically designed for pupils with SEND and reflects their diverse starting points, strengths and aspirations. It is structured around a Dual Curriculum model, which integrates both a Formal Curriculum (academic learning, knowledge and qualifications) and a Holistic Curriculum (communication, personal development, wellbeing, independence and life skills). This ensures that pupils’ academic and personal outcomes are developed in equal measure.
The Dual Curriculum is underpinned by continuous communication and review, including short-term outcome targets, termly reports, annual reviews and ongoing parental engagement across the academic year, ensuring that learning remains responsive to individual need and holistic progress.
Implementation
Our Dual Curriculum approach ensures that pupils access a balanced blend of formal academic learning alongside holistic development. The Formal Curriculum provides structured, sequenced learning across subjects, enabling pupils to build knowledge, skills and understanding over time, while the Holistic Curriculum supports communication, emotional regulation, independence, social interaction and Preparation for Adulthood.
Teachers carefully consider pupils’ individual needs and EHCP outcomes when planning learning. Lessons are adapted through appropriate resources, scaffolding and personalised strategies to ensure all pupils can access the curriculum and make meaningful progress. Staff deliberately plan opportunities for pupils to revisit and practise key concepts to strengthen retention and deepen understanding.
Reading is a central priority across the curriculum. Pupils are supported to read widely and develop fluency, comprehension and confidence through targeted interventions and carefully selected, engaging texts. This enables pupils to access the wider curriculum and develop essential literacy and communication skills.
The curriculum is enriched through real life experiences, personal development opportunities and community engagement. Pupils develop resilience, organisation, leadership and social communication skills through structured personal development activities, whole school events and collaborative learning experiences.
Careers education is embedded from Year 7 onwards and is woven through both the Formal and Holistic Curriculum. Pupils learn about careers, develop employability skills, engage with work related experiences and explore post-16 pathways, including college, internships and employment. In the sixth form, the curriculum further broadens to include Employability, Sports Leadership, Enterprise, Arts Award independence and functional qualifications in English, Mathematics and Digital Skills, ensuring strong Preparation for Adulthood outcomes.
Strong communication with families is integral to the Dual Curriculum model. Parents’ evenings, termly reports, annual reviews, home/school communication and opportunities for feedback ensure that pupils’ holistic outcomes are reviewed and supported throughout the year in partnership with families.
Impact
Pupils enjoy learning, achieve well and develop both academically and personally through the Dual Curriculum. They build strong literacy, communication and life skills that enable them to access learning with increasing confidence and independence.
Pupils demonstrate high levels of resilience, self-confidence and positive relationships with staff and peers. They develop the ability to listen to others, express their views and manage their emotions effectively. Knowledge gaps are identified and addressed through responsive teaching and personalised support, ensuring sustained progress from individual starting points.
There is no significant gap in progress between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of education, employment or training, with pathways that reflect their interests, strengths and aspirations. Effective transition planning, careers provision and holistic development ensure high engagement and successful post school outcomes. Sustained destination tracking shows that all pupils move successfully into education, employment or training, maintaining a consistently strong record of 0% NEET.
Our curriculum is unique in meeting the needs of every learner through a carefully balanced focus on academic achievement, personal development and Preparation for Adulthood. It continues to evolve in response to pupil voice, research, and best practice to ensure the highest quality of education and holistic outcomes for all pupils.
Ofsted 2025
“Pupils behave exceptionally well and display impeccable manners.”
“The school’s happy and supportive ethos shines through.”
“The school has high expectations for all pupils. Pupils rise to these and achieve well.”
“For the most part, the curriculum is well designed and allows pupils to build on their prior knowledge and skills.”
“Reading is a high priority across the school. Staff have the expert knowledge that they need to provide effective support to pupils with their reading.”
“Pupils read widely and often… This helps these pupils to become confident and fluent readers.”
“Pupils develop strong positive relationships with staff. They feel that staff always look at the positives and help pupils to do the same.”
“Careers education starts in Year 7 and runs successfully through all year groups.”
“Pupils are well prepared to make informed decisions about their next stage in education, employment or training.”
If you wish to find out more about our curriculum please send an e-mail to: [email protected]
