Secondary Curriculum

Whole School Approach to Learning

Subject Leaders ensure learning is sequenced across the school from Early Years to Key Stage 4. To support individual delivery and progress, rotational learning takes place in Maths and English that ensures individual quality learning with the teacher matched to EHCP targets and small-step progress.

Discover the breadth and depth of learning at MKS in our whole-school Curriculum Brochure. Find out more about our subjects, enrichment, assessment and therapy support, and how we help pupils develop communication, independence and confidence.

View our Curriculum Brochure

We Have Two Curriculum Pathways in Secondary

These two pathways aim to cover all National Curriculum areas but with the content and knowledge adapted to meet the pupils' needs at their level. The curriculum is sequenced and has a unique method of delivery to include all learners. There is a heavy focus on communication, life skills and independence across all curriculum areas.

Semi-Formal Pathway includes a multisensory approach with a high focus on life skills and independence. Speech & Language and Occupational therapies are built into the curriculum combined with the pupil’s EHCP targets. Accreditation for this Pathway as they transition to Secondary is Entry Level and ASDAN.

Formal Pathway focuses more on National Curriculum subjects taught discretely with adaptations to meet the pupils' needs at their level. In KS4, there are options to take BTECS and functional skills.

Key Stage 3 (KS3) / Lower Secondary Curriculum Summary

In KS3, our curriculum is designed to provide continuity from Key Stage 2 (KS2) and prepares our students for adult life as independent, confident, and resilient learners who can communicate and fully integrate into their community. We deliver an adapted National Curriculum through a subject-specialist timetable, focusing on skills that are meaningful to our students’ lives and interests.

The Semi-Formal Pathway focuses more on a thematic and contextual approach to support the understanding of our autistic learners. This pathway also includes a multi-sensory approach with a high focus on life skills and independence. Communication and the Speech & Language and Occupational therapies are built into the timetable combined with the pupil’s EHCP targets.

The Formal Pathway focuses more on National Curriculum subjects taught discretely. The approach also includes a focus on social communication and independent life skills. Learning is delivered in small steps that include Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy and EHCP targets.

We use a wide range of specialist interventions – including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), Makaton, TEACCH, Intensive Interaction, Occupational and Speech & Language Therapy – to ensure that learning is always accessible. Life skills and work/careers are also a central part of the curriculum.

Subjects that are covered in KS3 include:

English, Phonics, Communication and Oracy/Reading
Maths
Science
PE
Music
Food Technology/Horticulture – Life/work skills
Humanities – History/Geography and RE
PSHE
Art & Design
MFL - taught via a bespoke focus on cultural days
Speech & Language and Occupational Health interventions

Key Stage 4 (KS4) / Upper Secondary Curriculum Summary

KS4 has semi-formal and formal pathways, and the curriculum is linked to accreditation.

Semi-Formal Pathway

The Semi-Formal Pathway focuses more on a thematic and contextual approach to support the understanding of our autistic learners. This pathway also includes a multisensory approach with a high focus on life skills and independence. Communication and the Speech & Language and Occupational therapies are built into the timetable combined with the pupil’s EHCP targets.

English / Communication

ASDAN accreditation (Personal Progress)

Maths

ASDAN accreditation (Personal Progress)

ASDAN – Towards Independence

Outdoor Learning
Art and Design
Life Skills

Other Subjects

Digital Life Skills
PSHE
PE
Humanities (RE, Geography, History)
Phonics

Formal Pathway

English

Yr 11 Pearson Edexcel Accreditation (2025/26)
Yr 10 AQA Step up to English qualification (2026 onward)

Maths

AQA Entry Level Maths accreditation

BTEC Courses:

BTEC -Applied Science
BTEC - Sport
BTEC - Art & Design
BTEC - Land Based Studies
BTEC - Work & Life Skills

Other Subjects:

Digital ICT
PHSE / Work Experience / Life Skills
Humanities (RE, Geography, History)
Music – Rock Band
PE
Duke of Edinburgh*

*Year 10 students have the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award – camping, developing physical and practical skills, and fostering a sense of citizenship and contribution to the community.

CURRICULUM MAPS

Details of our curriculum for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 can be found below. Parents have a right to withdraw their children from RE lessons. Further details of the curriculum can be obtained by contacting Mrs A Higgins, Head of Secondary, via the school Office at office@mks.org.uk