Our Curriculum Offer
It is fundamental to the Stable School’s philosophy that we provide a rich and diverse learning environment in which every learner can have their social, emotional, and mental health needs met. Our curriculum mirrors the national curriculum at all key stages. Curriculum enrichment is paramount at The Stable school, offering all learners a range of opportunities to enhance and reclaim a positive experience of school life for them. It ensures learners are always provided with suitable levels of academic challenge which are linked to their individual academic potential and needs.
We offer our learners the opportunities they need for ‘second-chance learning’. Our aim is to relate to and support these young people on their journey to unlocking their true potential and restoring their dignity. Our teaching approach and curriculum is designed to raise aspirations and support social mobility.
The curriculum provides a rich and broad education that is coherently planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills are built on.
It has clearly defined objectives which prepare all learners for either further education, employment, or reintegration into mainstream education.
Through this varied and adaptive curriculum we aim to improve learner motivation, self-confidence, attendance and engagement, whilst equipping them with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.
The core subjects of mathematics, English, science, PSHE and PE are supplemented by a range of vocational and other academic subjects, to enable the delivery of a broad, rich curriculum which also supports learners’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Our curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure that it is broad, balanced and is the best offer for the cohort of learners at the school.
KS3 Curriculum
Our curriculum follows the KS3 curriculum framework. Learners who are new to the school are supported to address any gaps in learning by our accelerated learning programme where learners are assessed, identified and individual targets are set.
Our KS3 learners follow a programme of learning to include core and foundation subjects and PSHE, in an age-appropriate group, and at a level that meets their academic and social needs. Academic learning is taught in small groups, using the primary model to foster greater engagement and to aid in embedding skills and knowledge. The wider curriculum offers a range of activities to support the personal development of every learner to access new experiences and discover new opportunities.
KS4 Curriculum
Learners have the opportunity to study towards GCSEs, Vocational Qualifications and Functional Skills, all tailored to their individual needs and choices. We use subject specialist tutors to ensure a breadth of subject choices are available to our learners.
Learners follow an appropriately levelled academic pathway for maths, English and science to include either Entry Level, Functional Skills and /or GCSE, alongside vocational qualifications, incuding, Construction, Catering, Creative Design, Digital Technology, Employability and Development, and Duke of Edinburgh.
Reading
At The Stable School, we believe that confidence in reading is transformative. We acknowledge that many of our learners arrive with gaps in learning, and we tailor our approach to meet their individual needs.
Reading for Purpose
Reading is intentionally embedded in all lessons. We use the VIPERS model to develop comprehension skills across the curriculum and key stages. Learners also use Lexia, an adaptive software, each week to build their reading and language skills.
Reading for Pleasure
Reading for enjoyment allows learners to explore personal interests, expand vocabulary, and develop cognitively and emotionally. Weekly sessions in our newly refurbished library provide space and time for reading for pleasure.
Reading for Cultural Capital
Reading broadens learners’ perspectives and helps them engage meaningfully in society. We incorporate reading into assemblies, school trips, and off-site activities. Learner progress is reviewed termly, with interventions introduced as needed.
Vocational Pathways and Work Experience
The Stable School offer a wide range of accredited vocational courses to meet the interests and needs of our learners, including, BTEC qualifications and AIM courses at Levels 1 and 2. Vocational courses are designed to provide a smooth progression on to post-16 college vocational courses or onto apprenticeships.
Careers Offer
At our school, we are committed to continually enhancing our careers and work-related learning offer, in line with the Government’s pledge to provide two weeks’ worth of work-based activities and placements across Years 7–11.
Learners in Years 7, 8, and 9 will take part in the equivalent of four days of work-based experiences linked to areas of the curriculum. Those in Years 10 and 11 will undertake the equivalent of one day related to their vocational qualifications, with Year 10 learners also completing a further three days as part of a supported group placement during the summer term. In addition, all year groups will participate in a dedicated day of work-based activities and experiences focused on Science.
Work placements offer young people valuable opportunities to experience the workplace and explore a range of job roles first-hand. The benefits include gaining insight into the skills required for different careers, increasing self-awareness and confidence, and understanding how subjects studied in school connect to future employment pathways. Through the broad range of opportunities embedded across our curriculum, we aim to equip learners with meaningful experiences that inspire and prepare them for life beyond school.
