Dukes Wood School

Curriculum & Approach

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that caters to the needs of our young people.  Following timely baseline assessments, we provide a gradual transition period for children and young people to help them settle into their new school life and ensure they are receiving an appropriate and relevant educational experience. 

We endeavour, whenever possible, to take learning outside the classroom. This allows children to experience new things, re-engage with learning, and develop social skills, helping them become positive members of their community. We operate a pathway model, using baseline and progress data, staff observation, pupil voice, and evidence to place children on the most suitable pathway. This ensures they receive relevant and targeted interventions, tailored to meet their individual needs. 

We offer a range of accredited courses, including GCSE, Functional Skills, Entry Level, BTEC, and ASDAN. We also recognise that speech, language, and communication difficulties affect many of our learners. To address this, we provide regular literacy lessons using the Read Write Inc phonics and Fresh Start schemes, as well as offering plenty of opportunities to read, explore different media, and foster a love of reading. 

Alongside our educational offer, we provide a comprehensive therapeutic service, with access to Clinical Psychology and an on-site Occupational Therapy team. This multidisciplinary approach is embedded across the school, taking a holistic, child-centred, and solution-focused approach to support each young person’s needs. We work as a team around the child, drawing on a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to support their individual development.