Athena Curriculum

Why is our curriculum designed the way it is?

The curriculum at the Athena Centre is meaningful and relevant for our learners. It is highly personalised and creative and is led by outcomes that will make a difference to our pupils.

Pupils at the Athena Centre have autism as their primary need, in addition to severe learning difficulties (SLD). Pupils are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and may have associated difficulties with mobility and communication as well as a sensory impairment. As such, pupils’ learning is not subject specific but organised according to areas of development rather than subject areas.

The areas of development are:

Pupils learn through Exploring and Ordering the World; Communication and Language; Understanding the World as well as Physical Development, Personal Social and Emotional Development and Expressive Art and Design. In addition, we have a focus on life skills, including spending time in the local community and embedding independence. Our pupils have regular swimming slots and termly trips.

The Engagement Model

The curriculum at the Athena Centre is clearly linked to the Engagement Model statutory assessment arrangements. The focus is on assessing each pupil’s engagement in developing new skills, knowledge and concepts across the following domains of engagement:

Our Athena curriculum is designed to:

Develop communication through whichever method best suits pupils best.
Develop engagement.
Develop pupils’ social skills so that they can engage and interact with others meaningfully.
Embed communication so skills can be transferred skills between home, school and the community.
Ensure pupils learn strategies to regulate their emotions and cope with challenges.
Develop communication skills to express and advocate for themselves with a range of people.
Be flexible and matched to individual needs.
Develop confidence, positive mental health, high self-esteem and independence.
Develop a respect for other people and the environment.
Prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of secondary school and beyond.

As such, the Athena curriculum is thematic. It is functional and meaningful and, most importantly, flexible so it is able to respond to individual needs. It is child centred and appropriate for those who are non-speaking or Social Partners (SCERTS). It responds to diverse multi-sensory experiences. It incorporates a sensory approach; intervention and play based learning. It also embeds inclusion in the community.

We have a six year curriculum cycle which ensures pupils will not repeat a theme during their primary career. Each termly theme is divided into two week units. This provides the opportunity to recap, revisit and rehearse any learning; ensuring opportunities to develop automaticity are provided.

The priority areas are communication and social and emotional development as they underpin all learning and development.

What can I expect at the Athena Centre?

Personalised learning
High Quality teaching
Pupil-led approach
Opportunities for communication, independence and social skills
Positive relationships
A focus on life skills
Routine and structure
Learning and development of staff
Engaging and motivating resources

What difference does it make?

Positive and trusting relationships established between students, staff and families.
Pupils have transferable skills applied at school, home and in the community.
Students confidently communicate using their preferred communication system.
Annual Reviews show progress against individual targets.
Pupils know more and remember more.