Key Stage 4
At The Garden School, we offer relevant and tailored opportunities across various subjects, activities, and community settings to help students develop and apply their skills in functional, real-world contexts. The goal is to enhance the abilities needed for the next steps in each young person’s personal journey toward adulthood, using a holistic approach that fosters independence. This includes a strong focus on personal and emotional development in meaningful social settings, supported by work-related learning and the pursuit of relevant certifications and accreditations.
Upon entering our provision, each student’s learning pathway is developed based on the outcomes outlined in their EHCP and their learning progress from Key Stage 3. Their personalised programme is further refined according to their strengths, interests, and aspirations, with guidance from a dedicated careers lead. This individualised approach ensures that learning is purposeful and aligned with the student's future goals.
Specialist support—including speech and language therapy, behaviour support, and sensory circuits—is seamlessly integrated into daily activities. These supports are designed to help students manage challenges and build key skills. Throughout their learning journey, students are provided with regular opportunities to enhance their communication abilities and make informed, relevant personal choices and decisions.
The school’s approach ensures that students are prepared not only academically but also socially and emotionally, ready to thrive in the next phase of their lives with confidence and independence.

Topics
In Key Stage 4 (KS4) at The Garden School, the curriculum is organised on a two-year rolling topic theme cycle. These themes serve as a cohesive framework for all teaching and learning, providing a structured yet flexible approach that allows for cross-curricular integration. Each theme is designed to include various learning opportunities and experiences that align with the school's intent.
The thematic approach ensures that students engage in meaningful, context-rich activities that connect their learning across subjects. It also supports the development of life skills, vocational skills, and functional knowledge relevant to students’ future pathways, such as work experience, enterprise projects, and employability sessions. This comprehensive structure helps create a well-rounded educational experience, fostering essential skills for post-school life and transitions into adulthood.
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Autumn Term
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Spring Term
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Summer Term
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Year A 2024 – 2025
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Global Citizen
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Arts
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Careers
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Year B 2025 – 2026
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Health and safety
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Personal care and presentation
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Leisure and recreation
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The Core Curriculum
In Key Stage 4 (KS4) at The Garden School, the core curriculum encompasses English, Maths, and PHRSE. Phonics is also provided through targeted interventions for students who require additional support in this area.
These core areas are assessed and monitored using the school’s Assessment Points documentation, ensuring that students' progress is closely tracked and that individual learning needs are identified and addressed. Additionally, students work towards AQA Unit Awards, which provide recognition for their achievements in specific skills and knowledge. This approach supports a personalised learning journey, helping each student build essential skills for their future pathways.
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English Assessment Points
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Maths Assessment Points
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PSHE Yearly Overview
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The Wider Curriculum
In Key Stage 4 at The Garden School, the wider curriculum covers Humanities, Science, Work-Related Learning, Careers, Life Skills, and Community Inclusion. To track and support student progress, assessment points are integrated across these areas, allowing teachers to monitor skill development and knowledge acquisition. The school’s unique "Assessment Points" system provides a structured way to evaluate students’ learning at specific intervals, identifying areas for improvement and setting next steps.
Each assessment point aligns with the broader curriculum goals, including personal development in life skills, social skills, and community involvement. These assessments are conducted with close attention to individual Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) targets and are designed to accommodate diverse needs.
AAQ Awards
In Key Stage 4 at The Garden School, students work towards AQA Unit Awards in Maths, English, and Science, with work tailored to each student’s abilities and aspirations. These awards offer flexible, modular assessments that accommodate diverse learning needs, allowing students to achieve accreditation that reflects their personal progress and competencies. This individualised approach ensures that students can succeed in these core subjects, building foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and scientific enquiry that are aligned with their personal goals and future pathways.
The AQA Unit Awards not only provide recognition of achievement but also encourage students’ confidence and motivation by setting manageable goals that lead to concrete outcomes, contributing to their readiness for adulthood.
Careers
For information on careers please see our careers page, which can be found here.