Doing

Doing Pathway – Curriculum Overview

The Doing Pathway is a semi-formal curriculum designed for children who learn best through practical, hands-on and meaningful experiences. Many of our pupils on this pathway have severe learning difficulties and/or complex autism, and at this stage may not yet be able to access a full National Curriculum offer. The Doing Pathway focuses on developing functional skills, communication, emotional well-being, confidence and greater independence, while still following carefully adapted educational objectives that enable every child to make progress at a pace that is right for them.

Every lesson is planned flexibly in response to children’s interests, needs and strengths. Our staff use a wide range of teaching approaches, resources and technology to ensure that learning is accessible and engaging for all pupils, whatever their starting point. The curriculum is enriched with real-life learning, sensory experiences, outdoor learning, life skills and creative opportunities. Children also receive personalised interventions when needed, including Attention Autism, Intensive Interaction, Thrive, myHappymind, Precision Teaching, Communication and language programmes and physical or sensory support.

Although learning is highly practical, pupils on the Doing Pathway are still working towards clear educational outcomes. For some children, once they have achieved the Doing Pathway objectives, they may transition onto the Thinking Pathway, giving a structured route for continued academic development.

Thematic Learning

Children following the Doing Pathway learn through exciting, purposeful topics that make learning meaningful and engaging. These themes are part of a rolling programme designed to give breadth, continuity and progression across Key Stages 1 and 2.

KS1 Doing Pathway – 3-Year Topic Cycle

Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
All About Me	Seasons	Traditional Tales		Growing	Under the Sea
I’m Special!	Changes	Magical Mayhem!	People Who Help Us	Life on the Farm	What a Wonderful World!
Ourselves	Celebrations	Animal Antics	Space	Dinosaurs	Around the World in 6 weeks!

KS2 Doing Pathway – 4-Year Topic Cycle

Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Me & My Family	Homes	Environment	Pets	Transport	Out & About
Me & Our School	Habitats	Out Of This World	Minibeasts	Jobs	Holidays
Me & My Community	Buildings	Night & Day	Animals	People Who Help Us	All Around The World
Me & My Country	Construction	Hot & Cold	Jungle	Leaders	Leisure

The highlighted row each year indicates the current long-term topics, which are then broken down and differentiated to meet the needs and developmental stages of the children. Each topic provides real-world context and includes sensory exploration, communication activities, role play, stories, outdoor learning and creative arts.

Areas of Learning

Pupils develop skills across seven key curriculum areas, each broken down into small, progressive steps (Ranges 1–7). This allows every achievement to be seen, measured and celebrated.

Communication and Language

Listening, understanding and speaking skills are developed through personalised communication systems, including speech, signing, visuals, symbols and AAC devices. Children learn to express needs, make choices, respond to instructions, take part in conversation and build vocabulary.

PSHRE

Personal, social, health, relationships and emotional development is at the centre of daily learning. Pupils learn to build relationships, recognise feelings, manage emotions, develop self-care skills and stay healthy and safe. Emotional well-being is supported through Thrive, myHappymind, sensory regulation and nurturing relationships.

Physical Education

Children work on both fine and gross motor skills through climbing, balance, ball skills, bikes, movement, obstacle courses, handwriting skills, cutlery use, tool control and self-care routines. Activities build strength, coordination and confidence.

English

Children develop skills in comprehension, reading and writing through phonics, storytelling, mark-making, shared reading and practical literacy activities. Learning is meaningful and linked to real-world experiences so children can apply skills functionally.

Maths

Maths is taught through practical, play-based and real-life learning. Pupils work on number, shape, measure, comparing amounts, counting, problem-solving, patterns and early calculation in ways that make sense to them.

Knowledge of the World

Children learn about time, change, seasons, people, community, nature, environments, celebrations and life cycles. Learning often happens outdoors, through sensory exploration and practical experiences.

Expressive Arts

Art, music, dance, drama and design technology are used to build imagination, creativity, communication and fine motor skills. Pupils explore colour, texture, instruments, performance and creative tools in a fun, expressive way.

Across every subject, lessons are multi-sensory and holistic, with activities often combining multiple areas of learning at once.

How Progress is Measured

Children are assessed using the Cribden House Doing Pathway Assessment Tool, which breaks each learning area into small, achievable steps. There are seven progressive ranges, and staff review, highlight and record progress regularly to show even the smallest achievements.

Every child also has:

Annual EHCP targets broken into termly goals
Interventions linked to individual needs
Progress shared with parents regularly and at annual reviews

This ensures progress is meaningful, visible and personal to each child.

What Makes the Doing Pathway Special?

✔ Real-life, practical and meaningful learning
✔ Highly differentiated teaching and personalised interventions
✔ Focus on communication, independence and confidence
✔ Outdoor learning and sensory-based activities
✔ Small-step progress for every pupil
✔ A curriculum that prepares children for life and future learning
✔ A clear pathway to the Thinking curriculum for some children