Our Curriculum: Lighting the Way for Every Learner

All of our pupils are on a learning journey, and for many children, one of the biggest journeys they embark upon is within their schooling. At The St. Christopher School, we recognise that this journey must be carefully considered and thoughtfully designed to nurture, inspire, and empower each individual learner.

Personalised Learning Through Three Distinct Routes

Our curriculum offers three carefully structured pathways:

• Subject Core Route – for learners developing academic skills alongside life skills
• Blended Route – combining functional academics with enhanced life preparation
• Pathway Route – focusing on sensory engagement and fundamental communication skills

Our Therapeutic Foundation

Building a holistic understanding of our pupils and their individual needs is paramount. We create a positive, supportive environment that ensures our curriculum is engaging, inspiring, and effectively prepares pupils for life beyond their school years.

As a Therapeutic Thinking school, we prioritise the prosocial and positive experiences and feelings of every individual. We understand that feeling safe, loved, and understood is the foundation for all learning. Our therapeutic approach ensures pupils are regulated and ready to learn, creating the optimal conditions for growth and development.

Universal Communication and Language Support

We embed specialist speech and language approaches throughout our school community, working collaboratively with our in-house Speech and Language Therapy team to ensure these elements are naturally woven into our curriculum. Our universal approaches include:

• Intensive Interaction – developing meaningful communication and social connection through shared experiences
• Core communication boards – ensuring every learner has access to expressive communication tools
• Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) approaches – honouring how many autistic learners naturally acquire and use language
• Neurodiversity-affirming practices – celebrating different ways of thinking, learning, and communicating

Personalised Specialist Support

Our dedicated staff incorporate a comprehensive range of evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs, including:

• Access to mentoring and 1:1 support when needed
• Alternative communication systems such as Communication Core Boards, Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), Proloquo2go, and Makaton
• Attention Autism and structured teaching approaches
• Objects of Reference and visual support systems
• Positive Handling Strategies that empower pupils to manage their own behaviour where possible

A Living, Evolving Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to constantly evolve, ensuring the changing needs of our pupils and the developing expertise of our staff remain the motivation for everything we do. We continually evaluate our provision to ensure it remains relevant, meaningful, and aspirational as our learners progress through the school.

Through our commitment to achieving the National Autistic Society’s Advanced Autism Accreditation and implementing SCERTS approaches, we ensure our practice remains at the forefront of autism education, always lighting the way for everyone to thrive.