Curriculum Overview
Our curriculum is designed to accommodate and celebrate the diversity of cognitive and learning styles present among learners. It aims to create an inclusive educational environment that recognises and supports the unique strengths and challenges of all learners.
Education at Wilds Lodge school goes beyond academics. We focus on the holistic development of each child, encompassing emotional well-being, social skills, life skills, and creative expression. We strive to cultivate resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
“The school has developed a broad curriculum that provides for pupils’ academic learning and personal development. ”
Our curriculum is characterised by its inclusivity, flexibility, and responsiveness to the needs of all learners. By recognising and accommodating the diverse ways in which learners learn and interact with the world, it seeks to create an equitable and supportive educational experience for everyone.
Our school is a dynamic learning community that values feedback and growth. We actively seek input from learners, families, and staff to continually refine our practices and ensure that we meet the evolving needs of our learners.
If you are a current parent/carer and would like to discuss our curriculum or present any ideas or thoughts you have in a supportive and informal setting—or you would simply like to meet with other parents/carers of our young learners—check out our parent forum.
In summary, our educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child is capable of success and deserves an education that respects and nurtures their unique abilities. We are committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment where neurodiverse children can thrive, achieve their full potential, and contribute meaningfully to the world.
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To change society’s views of unique children, so they can change the world for the better.”
Core Principles (ACCEPT)
At the heart of the service we provide are six core values which underpin how we operate and how we help our learners navigate their respective journeys. As part of the Newcome family, our multi-disciplinary schools embrace uniqueness, foster connections, and value diverse perspectives. We are committed to evidence-based practices and empowering learners to become agents of positive change. We are aware that while the destination may be clear, the path is rarely straightforward, often filled with unexpected challenges. To navigate this, we balance proactive, learner-centred planning with dynamic, responsive decision-making, ensuring the best opportunities for our learners collectively and individually. Having a core value base serves as a road map that influences the choices we make and the paths we choose; informing our actions, interactions, and thought processes. Click our core values below to find out more about them:
Authenticity
Connection
Curiosity
Empowerment
Positivity
Tolerance
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Our aim is to foster authenticity within the school community by promoting honesty, transparency, and genuine actions. We believe in the importance of being present in the moment and following through on commitments. We encourage individuals to show up as their true selves while understanding that authenticity must align with the school's values and expectations. While self-expression is important, behaviour should respect the boundaries and principles that support a positive, respectful environment for everyone. We are committed to creating a space where people can be authentic while contributing constructively to the school community.
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As part of our core values, we prioritise connection before correction. We believe in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals feel a true sense of belonging. By showing genuine interest and care, we ensure that everyone knows they are valued and wanted. Our approach emphasises the importance of building human connections first, recognising that relationships come before roles—seeing each other as people before teacher and pupil. This human-centred approach is fundamental to creating a supportive, compassionate school community.
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We view behaviour as communication and seek to understand the message behind it and encourage educational curiosity to develop and build relationships. By addressing root causes and exploring motivations, we help learners gain self-awareness. Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities, and we use them to improve our practice, fostering a culture of continuous growth for both staff and learners.
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Empowerment is a core value that encourages everyone to recognise their sphere of influence and embrace autonomy. We promote decision-making and learning from mistakes, fostering a culture that values risk-taking in a safe environment. Reflection is integral to our daily processes and essential for growth. Learners are supported in making positive choices while understanding their implications. If choices become unsafe, we may temporarily take control of the situation as a last resort, ensuring safety first. Our trauma-informed approach emphasises reflection and learning once individuals have returned to a baseline.
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Positivity is fundamental to fostering resilience within our community. We adopt a solution-focused approach, preparing for challenges while aiming for the best possible outcomes. Rather than denying negativity or the potential for setbacks, we concentrate on proactive measures to prevent problems and enhance our chances of success. Our goal is to create win/win situations, ensuring that everyone can thrive together.
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Tolerance is rooted in understanding, which leads to acceptance. We recognise that mistakes are a part of the learning process, and we are aware of our learners' diverse needs and backgrounds. This awareness allows us to maintain a greater tolerance for behaviours than mainstream counterparts. We accept each learner as a whole person, but we do not condone all behaviours. While we clearly define what is intolerable, we affirm that every individual deserves compassion and the opportunity for a fulfilling and happy life.
“Leaders have developed ambitious subject curriculums. These curriculums identify key knowledge and skills that build pupils’ learning over time. ”