Given the context of Ridgeway School, as an area special school, it remains vital that all children learn in the four prime areas in addition to the specific. These prime and specific areas can be found on the curriculum page.

Key Stage 3 and 4 is a crucial part of pupils preparation for adulthood and their development of further knowledge and learning skills.

Key Stage Three lessons are based on a play and exploration approach to teaching. Teachers plan enabling activities with opportunities for children to make progression in each of the prime and specific areas.  The Areas of Learning are delivered through half termly topics which rotate on a three year cycle.

Key Stage Four lessons are more focussed around the National Curriculum subjects, which form the foundation of the curriculum with an emphasis on the development of practical skills for independence and work related learning. The majority of students follow a thematic curriculum which allows opportunities to develop personal and social skills essential for making a positive impact on those around them. It also allows for different leaning styles and interests with a focus on links into the community. It prepares students for the next stage of their education with increased confidence and independence.

The emphasis at Key Stage 4 is to widen the range of experiences that the students receive to broaden their learning. Some students achieve qualifications in Functional Skills, whilst others access a more multi-sensory nurturing curriculum to raise self-esteem and reduce anxiety. 

We recognise that it is important for our pupils to have opportunities to put into practice skills which they are learning in the classroom. Visits to local community such as visiting local shops, cafes and leisure facilities enable these classroom learnt skills to be applied, generalised and embedded in real life situations. Through the engaging curriculum, we provide the children with safe and appropriate ways to begin to develop  skills which will be invaluable for the future e.g. developing independence, resilience.

At Ridgeway, we currently have 2 Key Stage 3 classes and 1 Key Stage 4 class.