Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to:

• Raise self-esteem and reduce anxiety, ensuring students feel safe and motivated to learn.
• Develop independent learners, equipping them with essential life skills.
• Offer personalised pathways that support academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Support transition into adulthood, providing routes into further education, employment, and independent living.
• Embed therapeutic practices, recognising that well-being is key to educational success.

We take a holistic approach, balancing academic learning, vocational skills, and personal development, ensuring that each student gains the skills they need for life beyond education.

Every student follows a personalised learning plan, shaped by:

• A structured transition programme, ensuring they settle in at their own pace.
• 1:1 teaching and small group opportunities, tailored to individual needs.
• Project-based and enquiry-led learning, making education meaningful and engaging.
• A communication-friendly environment, using visual supports and structured interventions.
• Practical, hands-on experiences, including real-world learning, community engagement, and vocational activities.

We offer a blend of academic and practical subjects, ensuring that students not only develop essential skills in Maths, English, and Science but also gain experience in areas such as hospitality, enterprise, digital media, animal care, horticulture, and performing arts.

At Fable House, we recognise that education goes beyond the classroom. Our curriculum includes:

• Physical Well-being – Weekly "Get Moving" sessions, including boxing, gym access, and outdoor activities.
• Therapeutic Support – Co-regulation strategies, sensory approaches, and restorative practices.
• Human and Social Education – A broad approach covering psychology, sociology, environmental stewardship, and cultural awareness.
• Community Engagement – Students take part in real-world projects, including conservation work, creative exhibitions, and vocational experiences within the mill community.

Through this well-rounded approach, our students develop confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to thrive in adulthood.

PSHE is an integral part of our curriculum, supporting students in developing the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the wider world with confidence. Our PSHE programme is tailored to each student's needs, covering:

• Emotional literacy and self-regulation, helping students understand and manage their emotions.
• Healthy relationships and consent, including friendships, family dynamics, and online safety.
• Physical and mental well-being, incorporating practical strategies for self-care and resilience.
• Financial literacy, preparing students to budget, save, and manage money effectively.
• Independent living skills, including personal hygiene, nutrition, and understanding healthcare.

This curriculum is delivered through discussion-based learning, practical activities, and real-life experiences, ensuring students can apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

At Fable House, we are committed to embedding British Values across the curriculum, ensuring students gain an understanding of their community and their role in society. We actively promote:

• Democracy – Encouraging student voice through decision-making activities, student-led projects, and collaborative learning.
• The Rule of Law – Helping students understand the importance of rules, boundaries, and fair consequences, both in education and wider society.
• Individual Liberty – Supporting students in making informed choices, developing independence, and advocating for their needs.
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance – Celebrating diversity, exploring different perspectives, and fostering a culture of kindness and inclusion.

These values are woven throughout PSHE, project-based learning, and real-world experiences, ensuring students develop a sense of responsibility and belonging.

At Fable House, we understand that traditional assessments don’t always reflect a student’s true abilities, so we take a flexible, student-led approach to measuring progress.

Formative Assessment

We use ongoing, informal assessment to track progress in a way that works for each learner. This includes:

• Individual Learning Plans, focused on personal growth and EHCP targets.
• Project-based assessment, capturing knowledge through practical and creative tasks.
• Tutor observations and feedback, recognising small but meaningful steps in learning.
• Self-reflection activities, encouraging students to take ownership of their progress.

Summative Assessment & Reasonable Adjustments

For students who are ready or want to engage in formal assessment, we provide a range of options with reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility. These may include:

• Functional Skills exams in English and Maths, offered at the right time for each student.
• Open Awards assessments, designed to be flexible and accessible.
• Alternative assessment methods, such as verbal presentations, recorded evidence, or portfolio-based submissions.
• Supportive environments for exams, with adjustments such as extra time, breaks, quiet spaces, or the use of assistive technology.

We work closely with each student to ensure they feel confident and prepared, allowing them to achieve qualifications in a way that respects their individual needs.

Students can work towards a range of qualifications suited to their individual needs and aspirations, including:

Functional Skills in English and Maths (Entry Level 1 to Level 2)

Open Awards Qualifications in areas such as:

• Independent Living Skills
• IT and Digital Skills
• Creative and Performing Arts
• Catering and Hospitality
• Animal Care, Horticulture, and Conservation
• Business and Enterprise

Level 1 and Level 2 Diplomas for those ready to progress into employment or further education.

For students aged 17+, we also offer Access to Higher Education and Level 3 portfolio-based courses, enabling them to pursue specialist subjects of interest.