Key Stage 3 and Transition Curriculum

At Doucecroft, we have different Learning Pathways to suit each learner’s needs and abilities.

Curriculum Policy Approach to learning

These pathways help every learner progress at their own pace:

Pathway 1

For learners with more complex needs, focusing on sensory activities and experiences.

For learners working on early skills, with a more personalised approach.

For learners ready to study subjects like English, Math, and Science, but at a level that suits them.

Our Curriculum Goals

As learners grow older, the curriculum focuses more on preparing them for adult life:

  • Pathway 1 follows the Equals Informal Curriculum, learning through hands-on experiences.
  • Pathway 2 uses the Equals Semi-Formal Curriculum, which is more structured but still flexible.
  • Pathways 3 and 4 begin to include subjects like English, Math, and Science, adjusted to each learner’s needs.

In our Transition Hub, we help learners prepare for adult life by offering work-based learning and helping them develop life skills.

Learning Areas

Learners take part in:

  • Daily English and Maths lessons.
  • Lessons in:
    • PSHE (Personal, Social, and Health Education)
    • Science
    • History
    • Geography
    • Art and Design
    • Design and Technology
    • RE (Religious Education)
    • Citizenship, including careers awareness
    • Computing

Our Values Curriculum

We teach important life skills, such as:

  • Being part of the School Council.
  • Joining special assemblies.
  • Learning positive behaviour through role models.
  • Understanding British values, like kindness and respect.
  • Solving problems with restorative work.
  • Celebrating successes and achievements.

Integrated Therapy

Therapists support learners with:

  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology
  • SCERTS (a program for social and emotional learning)
  • Help from Arnold the Wonder Dog
  • Individual plans to support each learner

Health and Wellbeing

We support health and wellbeing with:

  • Mindfulness and sensory activities.
  • Healthy lunches and snacks.
  • Lots of sports and physical activities.
  • Learning about emotions with Zones of Regulation.
  • Interoception (understanding how our bodies feel).
  • A Resilience Curriculum to build confidence and strength.

Enriching Experiences

We make learning exciting by:

  • Offering Forest School sessions.
  • Using Animal-Assisted Learning.
  • Doing Media and PE activities.
  • Running lunchtime clubs.
  • Going on trips and inviting visitors.
  • Offering residential trips to help learners grow and become more independent.

This curriculum helps learners enjoy their learning while preparing for the future.

Admissions

You can find all the information about joining Doucecroft School, including how to apply and visit, on our admissions page.

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Calendar

Check out all of our upcoming events and be sure to check back regularly.

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Ofsted Reports

View our Ofsted Reports here and Parents can also express their views and concerns to help us further improve our services.

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Safeguarding

For important information about safeguarding in our school, please visit our dedicated safeguarding page.

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General Information For Parents and Carers

Find out general information Parent and Carers need to know here.

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School lunches

Here you can check out our weekly lunch menus, we include visuals to aid students visualise what they can order.

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FAQs

What are the 2024/2025 term dates?

Autumn Term 2024: 4th September – 20th December.Half term: 28th October – 1st November. Additional training days: 2nd / 3rd September and 25th October. Non pupil days: 20th December.

Spring Term 2025: 6th January – 4th April. Half term: 17th February – 21st February. Non-Pupil Days: 13th, 14th February and 4th April.  

Summer Term 2025: 22nd April to 22nd July. Half Term: 26th May – 30th May 2025. May Bank Holiday: 5th May 2025. Non-Pupil Days: 2nd June 2025

You can download our uniform and PE kit order forms and return them to office in person or by email.

You can request time off for your child by completing our form: Student Absence Request Form You can return it to the school office in person or you can email it to doucecroft@autism-anglia.org.uk

You can view and download our weekly lunch menus. 

Autism Anglia's Resource Hub is packed full of advice, information and support guides. It's free for everyone and you can access it online at any time.

There's always lots of exciting things happening at Doucecroft. You can read about our latest news stories or head over to our calendar to view upcoming events and activities.