Our Curriculum
At Doucecroft School, we help learners find the best way to learn for them. Each learner gets their own personalised plan to help them succeed. Our curriculum helps learners grow at school and in everyday life.
Our curriculum is designed to help every learner grow, both in school and outside of it.
What Guides Our Curriculum
We focus on four main ideas:
Creativity:
Helping learners think in new ways and make things.
Independence:
Teaching learners to do things on their own.
Respect:
Showing learners how to respect themselves and others.
Resilience:
Encouraging learners to keep trying, even when things are hard.
These ideas are part of everything we do at Doucecroft.
Our Curriculum Goals
We aim to:
- Help learners discover what they love and celebrate achievements.
- Make learning exciting and fun.
- Support learners to grow into happy, confident, and safe individuals.
- Give learners chances to try new things and reach their full potential.
- Teach learners about the world and how to meet their own unique goals.
- Encourage learners to take responsibility and understand British values.
How We Plan Learning
Every learner is different, so we create lessons to match their needs, interests, and goals. We use each learner’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) to guide their learning.
We also focus on key life skills like communication, social understanding, and managing emotions. For learners with autism, we use the SCERTS Framework, which helps improve communication and emotional skills.
Invisible Learning
Learning doesn’t just happen in lessons. Throughout the day, learners practice things like honesty, kindness, and independence. Staff teach these values during lessons and in everyday moments.
We also include activities like PSHE (Personal, Social, and Health Education), British Values, and Cultural Learning to help learners grow socially and prepare for life after school.
Learning Pathways
Our Learning Pathways are designed to suit each learner’s abilities:
Pathway 1: For learners with complex needs, focusing on sensory activities and experiences.
Pathway 2: For learners working on early skills and needing a tailored approach.
Pathways 3 and 4: For learners ready to study English, Maths, and Science at their own level.
Primary Curriculum (Ages 5-11)
For Primary learners, we use themes to make learning fun. Pathway 1 and 2 learners focus on building basic skills. Pathway 3 learners follow lessons that match their abilities, not just their age.
Key stage 3 and Transition Curriculum (Ages 12-16)
As learners grow older, the focus shifts to preparing for adult life:
Pathway 1: Uses hands-on experiences with the Equals Informal Curriculum.
Pathway 2: Includes structured but flexible learning with the Equals Semi-Formal Curriculum.
Pathways 3 and 4: Covers subjects like English, Maths, and Science, adapted for each learner.
Our Transition Hub focuses on life skills and work-based learning.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Learning isn’t just for the classroom. Learners take part in trips and outdoor activities like forest school, sailing, and canoeing to build teamwork and social skills.
We also have a strong PE program where learners try different activities and earn awards for their efforts.
Post-16 Education
After age 16, learners can continue at local colleges to gain new qualifications and get ready for life as adults.
At Doucecroft, we help every learner find their path to success.
Admissions
You can find all the information about joining Doucecroft School, including how to apply and visit, on our admissions page.
Learn moreOfsted Reports
View our Ofsted Reports here and Parents can also express their views and concerns to help us further improve our services.
Learn moreSafeguarding
For important information about safeguarding in our school, please visit our dedicated safeguarding page.
Learn moreGeneral Information For Parents and Carers
Find out general information Parent and Carers need to know here.
Learn moreSchool lunches
Here you can check out our weekly lunch menus, we include visuals to aid students visualise what they can order.
Learn moreFAQs
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
How can I order uniform?
You can download our uniform and PE kit order forms and return them to office in person or by email.
How can I request a leave of absence for my child?
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
What are the lunch menus?
You can view and download our weekly lunch menus.
Where can I get information and support for my child and our family?
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.
What is the latest news and events?
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.
