'Giving each child the best curriculum for their age and stage of development'

At Market Field School, our curriculum is split into five distinct pathways, each with a blend of academic, life, social, communication and vocational skills. The blends are different, depending on which pathway a child is on. Our pathways are designed to offer guided steps towards independence and growth.

Firm Foundations 'The Autism Base Pathway'

Each child on our Autism Base Pathway follows an individualised program tailored to the child’s specific needs, focusing on their EHCP outcomes and not limited to standard academic subjects. Our primary focus is to develop functional communication, emotional regulation, independence and social skills. These skills are taught through 1–1 sessions, group sessions, daily routines, out in the community and in the wider school community. 

The curriculum is delivered through a highly structured timetable, where we offer a range of activities that support learning. Our Autism Base classes provide an inclusive learning environment with reduced visual stimuli to suit the needs of the learners and one that promotes independence whilst providing communication opportunities.  

Further information on our Autism Base Pathway can be found in the document at the foot of this page.

Pathway 1 – Preparing for Life

Pathway 1 is based around the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and is predominantly play-based or activity-based. The curriculum blends academic and life skill learning, so that the students develop meaningful and functional knowledge and skills that will support them in later life. The activities and work each student does link closely to their EHCP outcomes.

The curriculum is enriched with visits within the community, providing opportunities for new experiences and skills. These visits enable students to learn social and communication skills with their peers and the community in environments outside the school.

For our learners in Key Stage 4, Pathway 1 links to Market Field College Pathway 1.

Pathway 2 'Skills Development'

Pathway 2 sees a shift towards building independent skills and learners on this path are learning to take more control over their own learning. The pathway balances life skills such as basic cooking with functional learning skills and high sensory input. 

Trips and visits are still a core part of Pathway 2 but are more likely to be 'functional', for example, visiting a supermarket or visiting our college site.

This pathway links to Pathway 2 at Market Field College.

Pathway 3 'Developing Skills for the Future'

Pathway 3 is the main academic pathway through the school. It follows a 'traditional' school timetable, incorporating a mixture of core and foundation-based subjects. As students enter Key Stage 4, they choose option groups for foundation subjects. Students on Pathway 3 are prepared for future careers and have Careers Education as part of their learning package. Whilst trips are still part of learning, they are likely to be few and purposeful. For example, Colchester Zoo to look at Habitats, Colchester Castle for History. 

Students on Pathway 3 may choose to move to a mainstream college with support or may benefit from a year or two at Market Field College on Pathway 3. 

Pathway 4 – 'Personalised Pathways for the Future'

Pathway 4 is a bespoke and flexible pathway building on Pathway 3, combining academic learning with personalised and alternative provision to support individual needs. Students may 'dip' into Pathway 4 during their time on Pathway 3 or may be entirely on Pathway 4. Pathway 4 may include in-reach tutoring, off-site tuition, time at the School Allotment or the use of Alternative Providers such as Therapy Farms. 

Pathway 4 may not have a linear route at college, some children on Pathway 4 will move back to their original pathway, others may be able to move to mainstream college or a Supported Apprenticeship.