Curriculum, Assessment and Outcomes
A curriculum is the basis for any school to provide a meaningful and effective education to the pupils who attend.
At Briarwood we believe this should be a broad and balanced approach which identifies and meets the needs of our pupils.
The curriculum, alongside specialist teaching approaches, provides consistency throughout the school, whilst recognising developmental and age related aspects to learning.
Intent
At Briarwood School our curriculum aims to ensure that the journey our pupils take through their education is informed. Through ensuring their access to the appropriate curriculum model - Acorn (Pre-Formal), Woodland (Semi-Formal), Forest (Formal), we aim to secure outstanding outcomes to develop their academic achievement, independence, engagement and social development as they transition through school and move towards adulthood. Our skills-based curriculum promotes preparation for adult life through ensuring learners have access to age and developmentally appropriate education that encourages all students to:
Enjoy - learning that develops curiosity, creativity, expression and confidence.
Engage - in the opportunities that our curriculum provides; whether this is academic, social, and emotional or a bespoke provision.
Learn – Our curriculum aims to enable pupils to develop knowledge, understand concepts and acquire skills, and be able to choose and apply these in relevant situations.
This includes;
- Being equipped with skills that support them to be numerate and literate
- Communicating effectively within their own means
- Building independence, resilience and self-help skills
- Equipping pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to be active members of their communities, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
- Leading as much of an active life as possible through developing independence skills to look after their body including the development of mobility skills
- Learning strategies for social and emotional development to promote them to access successful relationships
- Having positive interactions with the community and gain a sense of belonging Our curriculum provides a broad and balanced education for all pupils that is coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge for skills and future learning.
Curriculum Design
The Briarwood curriculum has been designed as a multi stranded approach in order to provide pupils with the most appropriate approach and content. In order to provide pupils at Briarwood with experiences that are relevant, interesting and challenging, and to identify opportunities for progression, we have adopted a curriculum structure which encompasses 3 broad levels:
Acorn, (previously known as pre-formal), Woodland, (previously known as semiformal) and Forest (previously known as formal).
These terms, originally developed by Whitefield SAC (2009), offer a means of making subtle distinctions between not only groups of learners but also the degree of curriculum formalisation they will experience in either building the prerequisites for, or working within, a more ‘conventional’ National Curriculum type approach.
You can find the Curriculum Policy in our Policy Library.
You can find out more about each of our curriculums by following the links at the bottom of this page.
Performance Tables
At Briarwood School, students do not undertake national curriculum assessments as their educational needs require a highly personalised and flexible curriculum.
Instead of following the standardised national curriculum, which includes assessments like SATs or GCSEs, Briarwood offers a bespoke curriculum tailored to each student’s abilities, focusing on developing life skills, independence, and functional learning. As a result, traditional performance data, which relies on standardised testing, is not collected.
This individualised approach ensures that students are assessed based on their personal progress and achievements rather than through comparisons to national academic standards, which may not be suitable for their unique learning journeys. Consequently, Briarwood, like many other special schools, is not included in the national school performance tables, as the standardised metrics used for mainstream schools do not reflect the outcomes of their bespoke educational programs.
You can still find lots of information and data about Briarwood at the School Performance link below.
Curriculum Overview for Parents
Briarwood School provides a broad, balanced and highly personalised curriculum for pupils aged 3 to 19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), guided by our curriculum intent: Enjoy, Engage, Learn.
Our curriculum is designed to help pupils enjoy learning through positive and meaningful experiences, engage in ways that reflect their individual communication, sensory and developmental needs, and learn and make progress through carefully planned and accessible opportunities. It supports pupils’ learning, communication, physical development, independence and wellbeing, while preparing them for adult life.
Learning is adapted to pupils’ developmental stages, individual needs and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.
- Across all phases, teaching prioritises:
- communication and engagement
- independence and life skills
- emotional wellbeing and regulation
- inclusion, dignity and respect
Early Years and Key Stage 1
In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, Briarwood delivers a bespoke, developmentally appropriate curriculum that is aligned with the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and extended into Key Stage 1 where this best meets pupils’ needs.
Learning is play-based, experiential and rooted in pupils’ interests and developmental stages.
Pupils access learning through:
- communication and interaction
- physical development and sensory experiences
- understanding the world around them
- early creative and expressive opportunities
This approach supports pupils to develop confidence, curiosity and early learning behaviours within a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.
Key Stages 2 to 4
From Key Stage 2 onwards, pupils follow a structured, skills-based curriculum that is adapted to meet a wide range of learning profiles.
Learning includes:
- English and communication
- Mathematics
- Science and understanding the world
- Physical development and wellbeing
- Creativity, music and the arts
- Personal development, independence and community learning
Subjects are taught in developmentally appropriate ways and are adapted to ensure pupils can engage meaningfully, make progress and apply learning in real-life contexts.
Key Stage 5 Sixth Form
In Sixth Form, the curriculum focuses increasingly on:
- preparation for adulthood
- independence and self-care
- communication and functional skills
- community participation
- personal wellbeing and confidence
Learning is practical, age-appropriate and tailored to support pupils’ next steps, including transition to further education, supported employment, community provision or adult services.
How learning is delivered
Across all ages and stages, learning at Briarwood is:
- highly personalised and responsive
- supported by visual communication and AAC where needed
- experiential, practical and meaningful
- embedded across daily routines and real-life contexts
Pupils may experience learning through lessons, themed learning, enrichment activities, community visits and therapeutic or specialist provision where appropriate.
Assessment and Progress
Progress is measured in ways that recognise the unique achievements of pupils with SEND. Assessment focuses on:
- engagement and participation
- communication and interaction
- skill development and application
- independence and confidence
Assessment information is used to inform planning, support progress and review EHCP outcomes.
Further information
If you would like more information about Briarwood School’s curriculum, including subject-specific handbooks or curriculum policies, please contact the school to arrange a discussion or request further information.
Religious Education at Briarwood
At Briarwood School, Religious Education (RE) supports pupils to understand the world around them through meaningful, accessible and carefully planned experiences. RE is inclusive, non-confessional and adapted to meet the needs of pupils with SEND.
What does Religious Education focus on?
Religious Education at Briarwood does not teach religious belief or expect pupils to express faith. Instead, it helps pupils to explore people, values, traditions and communities in ways that are appropriate to their age and development.
Through Religious Education, pupils may explore:
- Celebrations and traditions that are important to people and communities
- Shared human values such as kindness, helping others, respect and belonging
- Stories, symbols and artefacts from a range of world religions
- Special places, including places of worship, explored in accessible ways
- Understanding that people live, believe and celebrate in different ways
Learning may include sensory experiences, stories, discussion, visits, visitors and shared reflection.
How is Religious Education taught?
Religious Education is delivered through planned, purposeful and integrated learning experiences;
- EYFS and Key Stage 1
RE is explored through Understanding the World and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, focusing on people, routines, celebrations and community life. - Key Stage 2 onwards
RE is mainly taught through the My World curriculum, where pupils experience festivals, stories, artefacts and special places in structured and accessible ways. - Key Stage 5 (Post-16)
RE is explored through Personal Development and Preparation for Adulthood learning, focusing on values, identity, respect and participation in the community.
Pupils are not expected to adopt, practise or express religious beliefs as part of their learning.
Parental right to withdraw
Parents have a legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education.
If you are considering withdrawal, we encourage you to contact the Headteacher to discuss:
- the nature and content of Religious Education at Briarwood
- how RE is delivered in an inclusive and experiential way
- what withdrawal would mean in practice for your child
If a parent chooses to withdraw their child, the request should be made in writing to the Headteacher. Appropriate supervision and suitable alternative educational experiences will be provided.
Further information
If you would like more information about Religious Education at Briarwood School, including our full Religious Education policy, please contact the school to arrange a discussion or request a copy.
Swimming at Briarwood
At Briarwood School, swimming is an important part of our physical development and wellbeing offer. Our approach recognises that pupils have a wide range of needs and abilities, and that traditional swimming outcomes are not appropriate or achievable for all pupils.
Swimming at Briarwood focuses on participation, confidence, movement and physical development, ensuring that pupils have meaningful access to water-based activity in ways that are safe, supportive and beneficial.
Our approach to swimming
We do not measure pupils against national swimming outcomes. Many of our pupils will not reach these outcomes, and this does not reflect the value or success of their swimming experiences.
Our swimming offer focuses on:
- Water confidence and safety
- Gross motor development
- Coordination and movement
- Body awareness and control
- Sensory regulation and wellbeing
For many pupils, simply entering the pool environment, tolerating water, or moving with support represents significant progress.
Swimming as part of the curriculum
All pupils are offered swimming opportunities as part of their curriculum, particularly in Key Stage 2, where swimming forms part of the physical development and physical education offer.
Swimming sessions are planned to be:
- developmentally appropriate
- adapted to individual needs
- supported by trained staff
- focused on positive experiences in the water
Progress is understood in terms of individual development, rather than fixed outcomes.
Additional and specialist swimming provision
Some pupils access additional swimming opportunities, depending on their individual needs and provision. This may include:
- Extra swimming sessions to support physical development or confidence
- Hydrotherapy or specialist hydro swimming, where appropriate
- Swimming sessions linked to physiotherapy programmes, planned in consultation with therapists
These sessions support:
- muscle strength and flexibility
- controlled movement and posture
- relaxation and regulation
- therapeutic goals identified for individual pupils
What progress looks like
Progress in swimming at Briarwood may include:
- increased comfort and confidence in the pool
- improved balance, movement or coordination
- greater tolerance of sensory experiences
- increased independence with support
- enjoyment and engagement in water-based activity
All progress is celebrated and viewed in relation to the individual pupil.
Further information
If you would like more information about swimming at Briarwood School, including how swimming is provided for your child, please contact the school to arrange a discussion.
Music at Briarwood
At Briarwood School, music is an important part of our curriculum and wider school experience. Our Music Development Plan reflects our commitment to providing inclusive, meaningful and accessible music opportunities that support pupils’ communication, wellbeing, creativity and engagement.
Music at Briarwood is designed to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and is delivered in ways that allow all pupils to participate and succeed, regardless of ability or starting point.
Curriculum Music
Music is taught as part of our wider creative curriculum and is embedded across the school in developmentally appropriate ways.
- In our Infant provision, music supports early communication, creativity and expression through sound, rhythm, movement and sensory exploration.
- In Key Stages 2–4, pupils access structured music learning as part of their creative curriculum, including opportunities to explore rhythm, sound, performance and musical choice.
- In Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form), music continues to be embedded within learning and daily provision, supporting wellbeing, communication, leisure skills and preparation for adulthood.
Across all phases, pupils engage with music through singing, signing, movement, instruments and alternative communication methods, depending on individual needs.
Singing, instruments and ensembles
All pupils have opportunities to:
- explore a range of percussion instruments
- engage in singing and musical play
- take part in group music-making experiences
Our Secondary site has an established Makaton Choir, providing inclusive opportunities for pupils to perform using voice, signing and movement.
Our Infant site currently benefits from drumming workshops, supporting rhythm, coordination and enjoyment of music.
Musical experiences
We are committed to ensuring pupils can experience live music and performance, both as participants and as an audience.
Pupils take part in a range of musical experiences across the year, including:
- class and group performances
- assemblies, celebrations and festivals
- visits from musicians and orchestras
- workshops and live performances in school
We also host an inclusive annual music festival, welcoming families and partner schools, giving pupils a safe and supportive opportunity to perform and enjoy live music.
Partnerships and staff development
Our music provision is supported through partnerships with external organisations, including Bristol Beacon. Staff have taken part in whole-school music professional development, with a focus on:
- inclusive music-making
- effective use of percussion instruments
- building confidence in delivering music for pupils with SEND
We also work with specialist providers, including music therapy services, where appropriate.
Looking ahead
We continue to develop our music offer by:
- strengthening partnerships with music organisations
- expanding opportunities for group music-making and performance
- further developing staff expertise
Further information
If you would like more information about music at Briarwood School or our Music Development Plan, please contact the school to arrange a discussion.
Relationships and Sex Education at Briarwood
At Briarwood we have a carefully designed out Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Curriculum to meet the needs of all our pupils.
Please see the video below for more information.
The RSE Policy can also be found in our policy library.
