Fernways School

National Curriculum, Subjects and Qualifications

At Fernways School, we follow the National Curriculum, carefully adapted to meet the unique needs of our learners. Our curriculum is designed not only to provide a broad and balanced education but also to ensure that every student achieves success in a way that is meaningful and appropriate to their individual abilities and aspirations.

Our learners leave Fernways with a range of qualifications, from Entry Level qualifications through to GCSEs, tailored to their personal learning journey. We are committed to ensuring that all learners achieve some form of qualification, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to take their next steps—whether that be further education, apprenticeships, or other training opportunities.

The curriculum at Fernways is structured to enable students to master foundational concepts and skills before progressing, helping to build their confidence and promote success. We recognise the importance of linking new learning to existing knowledge, carefully sequencing teaching to support the development of increasingly complex understanding across all subject areas.

Core subjects such as English, Maths, and Science form the foundation of our curriculum, ensuring that every student gains essential skills and qualifications in these key areas. Alongside these, we offer a wide range of subjects including vocational and functional skills qualifications, enabling learners to develop practical skills and explore their interests.

Our curriculum also places a strong emphasis on communication, literacy, and numeracy, with teaching approaches that explicitly support these areas. We are committed to helping students overcome common learning challenges by anticipating misconceptions and providing targeted support.

At Fernways, the curriculum is more than just academic achievement; it is about preparing students for life beyond school. Our offer includes opportunities for students to develop social, communication, and independence skills, ensuring they are ready to thrive in their communities and future pathways.

We are proud that every learner leaves Fernways equipped with qualifications that reflect their achievements and readiness for the next stage of their journey.

Education Pathways

At Fernways, we recognise that every pupil’s journey is unique. Our role is to provide clear education pathways while also offering the flexibility to adapt learning to individual needs, interests and ambitions. We offer a wide range of routes so that every pupil can experience success and achievement at the right level for them. This includes:

• GCSEs in subjects such as English, Maths, Science, 
• Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths to build strong foundations.
• Entry Level Certificates and LASER units to support pupils working towards key milestones.
• Cambridge Nationals and Creative iMedia for pupils with digital and creative interests.
• Vocational learning through Food Technology, Design Technology, Life Skills and Work Experience.

This flexible menu means pupils can achieve qualifications that reflect both their abilities and their aspirations.

The Fernways Approach

Our pathways and flexible programmes are not just about gaining qualifications; they are about preparing pupils for life. Whether moving on to college, an apprenticeship, or supported employment, every pupil leaves Fernways with a personalised record of achievement, the confidence to succeed, and the experience of having been supported as an individual.

Flexible Learning Programme

Not all pupils learn in the same way, and some need a more personalised approach. Our flexible learning programme allows us to:

• Design bespoke timetables that balance academic, vocational and therapeutic learning.
• Support pupils through smaller group settings.
• Provide reduced exam exposure for pupils with high levels of anxiety, while still celebrating their achievements.
• Use work-based learning and community projects to give pupils a broader experience of education.

Flexibility ensures that pupils who may have struggled in previous settings can re-engage with learning, build confidence and move forward at a pace that suits them.

Outdoor and physical education

At Fernways School, we recognise that Outdoor Learning and Physical Education are vital components of our curriculum, playing a key role in fostering Confidence, Creativity, and Community among our students. As a specialist provision catering for children and young people who are neurodiverse, we understand the unique benefits that these experiences bring to our learners’ development.

Outdoor Learning provides a stimulating environment where students can engage with the natural world in meaningful ways. It encourages curiosity and creativity as students explore, problem-solve, and make connections between their learning and real-world contexts. This hands-on approach supports our learners in building complex mental models and transferring knowledge beyond the classroom, which is essential for their academic and personal growth.

Physical Education at Fernways is designed not only to promote physical health but also to develop self-confidence and social skills. Through a variety of activities tailored to individual needs and abilities, students gain resilience, improve coordination, and experience success in a supportive setting. PE sessions foster teamwork and cooperation, helping to build a strong sense of community and belonging—key values at Fernways.

Both Outdoor Learning and Physical Education contribute significantly to our students’ emotional wellbeing. They offer opportunities for self-expression, reduce anxiety, and support positive attitudes towards learning and personal achievement. These experiences are carefully integrated with therapeutic support and personalised learning plans to ensure they meet the diverse needs of our students.

By embracing Outdoor Learning and Physical Education, Fernways nurtures confident, creative learners who are equipped to engage with their communities and thrive in all aspects of life.

Preparing for Adulthood

At Fernways School, we deliver a comprehensive Preparing for Adulthood curriculum, inclusive of relationship education, which enables our children to become healthy, independent, and responsible members of society. The Education Act (2002) requires that schools provide children with a broad and balanced curriculum that “meets the needs of all pupils,” alongside our duty of care to keep our pupils safe. Our Preparing for Adulthood curriculum is tailored to the unique needs of our pupils, school, and school.

Preparing for Adulthood provides opportunities for pupils to learn about rights and responsibilities within society, build emotional literacy and resilience, and nurture their mental and physical health. Students will engage in a wide range of experiences and gain firsthand knowledge through meaningful activities both in the classroom and within the community. This includes opportunities to apply their skills in real-life settings, helping them to live healthy, safe, fulfilling, responsible, and balanced lives

Preparing for Adulthood is taught both as a standalone subject and integrated across other curriculum areas to ensure the knowledge and strategies are fully embedded in everyday learning.

Community Engagement

At Fernways, we believe in giving back to our community. Our pupils take part in activities that bring people together, strengthen local links, and show them that they can make a positive difference. These experiences not only help pupils feel proud of their contributions but also build friendships, empathy and a sense of belonging.

Community Engagement highlights:

• Visits to local nurseries and care homes, building intergenerational connections
• Student-led coffee mornings in Windlesham, welcoming guests for coffee, cakes and games
• Litter picking at Windlesham War Memorial Park
• Links with local businesses, farms, stables and gyms
• Interview with the Royal British Legion on Good Morning Fernways
• Into Film Awards finalist – short documentary celebrated in London

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

Our enrichment programme gives pupils the chance to discover new interests, celebrate their talents, and create lasting memories with their peers. These opportunities are central to helping our young people feel proud of who they are and confident in what they can achieve.

From lunchtime and after-school clubs such as Lego building, gardening and creative media, to specialist sessions including JAM Coding and STEM projects, pupils are encouraged to explore activities that spark curiosity and enjoyment. Sport and art are also central to our enrichment, giving pupils the chance to express themselves, develop teamwork, and build healthy habits.

We are proud of the many achievements that have come through enrichment at Fernways. Our student-led TV show, Good Morning Fernways, brings the school community together through news, interviews and creative features. Pupils have also reached national recognition through the Into Film Awards, where one student’s short documentary made it to the finals in London. Experiences like these show pupils that their voices and creativity matter — and can be celebrated well beyond the classroom.

Trips and wider opportunities also enrich school life. Pupils take part in cultural visits to theatres, galleries and museums, as well as life-skills trips where they practise travel training, shopping and engaging with the public in supportive environments. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award adds another dimension, helping pupils to build resilience, teamwork and leadership in a structured and rewarding way.

Enrichment at Fernways is about creating joy, building friendships, and opening doors to experiences that pupils may never have tried before. These opportunities give our young people the chance to shine in different ways, to feel part of something bigger, and to leave school not just with qualifications, but with memories, achievements and passions that will stay with them for life.

Enrichment Highlights

• Student-led TV show: Good Morning Fernways
• Into Film Awards finalist – short documentary in London
• JAM Coding and STEM projects
• Sports, art, Lego and gardening clubs
• Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
• Cultural and life-skills trips

Vocational Skills at Fernways

At Fernways, our vocational offer is about much more than qualifications. It is designed to prepare pupils for life beyond school, giving them the skills, self-belief and independence they need to succeed in adulthood.

Our vocational curriculum supports wellbeing, develops employability, and builds the practical foundations for independence. Whether a pupil is moving on to college, an apprenticeship, or directly into the workplace, we ensure they leave Fernways ready to thrive.

What We Offer

Pupils take part in a broad range of vocational subjects and experiences, tailored to their interests and aspirations:

• Food Technology – cooking healthy meals from start to finish, with a focus on nutrition and kitchen safety.
• Art & Design – nurturing creativity, design thinking and practical craft skills.
• Creative iMedia – developing digital literacy, communication and design skills for modern workplaces.
• Design Technology – hands-on carpentry, problem-solving and project-based learning.
• Life Skills – money management, travel training, shopping, and everyday independence.
• Work Experience – short, supervised placements adapted to individual needs.
• Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award – building resilience, teamwork and personal responsibility.
• Personal Enterprise Projects – small ventures that encourage initiative, creativity and community engagement.

Community and Employer Links

Vocational learning at Fernways is rooted in real-world experience. We work closely with local businesses and organisations so that pupils can practise their skills in genuine settings. Our partnerships include:

• Hospitality providers and hotels
• Nurseries and childcare settings
• Retail businesses
• Care homes and community services
• Local gyms and fitness providers
• Local farms and horse stables
• GASP Motor Project – hands-on motor mechanics and engineering experience

These partnerships provide invaluable opportunities for pupils to apply their learning, build confidence and interact with employers and members of the public in safe, supported environments.

Practical Skills for Life

Through vocational learning, pupils gain a wide range of everyday skills that help them move towards independence. They learn to cook, garden, and carry out practical design work; build digital literacy; and develop teamwork and communication. They also practise managing money, shopping and using public transport. Each experience is carefully structured to reduce anxiety, increase independence, and prepare pupils for smoother transitions into further education, training or employment.

The Fernways Difference

Our vocational programme is not just about collecting certificates — it is about confidence for life. Pupils who once found new environments overwhelming learn to travel independently, manage money and engage with the wider community. Others discover new talents and interests that inspire their future pathways.

By the time they leave Fernways, pupils have not only gained qualifications but also the resilience, experiences and independence they need to step proudly into the wider world.

Careers

At Fernways, preparing our pupils for life beyond school is at the heart of everything we do. Careers education is woven into every stage of learning — from exploring strengths and interests in Year 7 to work experience, college visits and transition support in Year 11.

Our approach is guided by the Gatsby Benchmarks, adapted to meet the needs of autistic and SEN learners, and supported by our partnership with Innervate Careers Service. This ensures that every pupil receives high-quality, independent advice and practical experiences that prepare them for adulthood.

What Careers Education Looks Like at Fernways

• Personalised Guidance
   From Year 7, pupils have one-to-one and group sessions with careers advisers to explore their strengths, interests and possible pathways.
• Careers Week
   Each spring, all year groups take part in our Careers Week. Pupils hear from visiting speakers such as cinema programmers, hairdressers, and film industry professionals, while lessons are themed around future pathways.
• Employer Encounters
   Pupils meet employers through talks, Q&A sessions and workplace visits. These opportunities bring the world of work to life and help pupils imagine their place in it.
• College and University Links
   From Year 9 onwards, pupils visit local colleges and, in Year 11, experience a university setting (such as Royal Holloway). Parents are supported throughout the post-16 process with meetings and guidance.
• Work Experience
   Year 10 pupils complete short, supervised work experience placements, tailored to their needs. For those not ready for external placements, we provide in-school alternatives to build confidence.
• Transition and Alumni Support
   In Year 11, we offer close supervision of college visits, transition planning and ongoing support even after pupils leave, to ensure their next step is successful.

Our Commitment

We want every child to leave Fernways with:

• Confidence in their future.
• Creativity in exploring their strengths and opportunities.
• A sense of Community, knowing they are part of a supportive network as they move into adult life.

Clubs

Our wide range of clubs allows students to explore passions, try new activities, and develop skills beyond the classroom. From sports and creative arts to swimming, climbing, and golf, there is something for every interest. We also welcome external clubs, such as Jam Coding and Judo, to broaden opportunities and introduce children to new experiences. Clubs encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership while helping students build confidence and resilience in a supportive setting. Many children discover talents they never knew they had, while others deepen existing interests. These opportunities also prepare students for adulthood by fostering independence, responsibility, and the ability to work with others. Whether joining for fun, improving skills, or exploring potential future careers, our clubs give every child the chance to take part, learn, lead, and shine in a safe and encouraging environment.

Trips

Educational trips bring learning to life, allowing students to experience subjects in real-world contexts. We visit local green spaces, shops, and cafés, where children practise life skills such as handling money, ordering food, and interacting with others. Our theatre trips, including seeing Wicked in the West End, and creative experiences like filming trailers at Sky Studios, enrich the curriculum and create lasting memories. Over the past three years, our residentials have been increasingly successful, with more children taking part each year. We also arrange visits to places linked to careers pupils are interested in, helping them connect their learning to the world of work. These experiences build independence, resilience, friendships, and cultural awareness. Above all, our trips prepare children for adulthood, giving them the confidence and practical skills to navigate new environments and embrace future opportunities.