Green Pathway

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Progression

The majority of primary-aged learners begin in the Green Pathway, as this developmental curriculum is ideal to meet the needs of our pupils in EYFS, Key Stage 1 and 2. A small number of primary aged pupils will begin in the Blue Pathway as this will best suit their needs.   

In the primary department, learning opportunities are provided by a range of play-based and multi-sensory activities, often through continuous provision or small group activities.  Many learners will remain on the Green Pathway for their entire educational experience at Highfield Ely. The curriculum is adapted to be age-appropriate for older pupils.  As an example, for the topic ‘To The Rescue’, the primary classes may have a superhero theme, whereas the secondary classes may focus on a more functional understanding of the emergency services and how to recognise and access them.

Other learners will begin on the Green Pathway but later move into the Yellow Pathway as they progress through the school and become ready for a more formal curriculum, usually as they move into Key Stage 3 or 4. 

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Interventions and therapies

Attention Autism

This is an intervention model designed by Gina Davies, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. It aims to develop both attention skills and natural and spontaneous communication through the use of visually based and highly motivating activities.

AAC - Augmentative and alternative communication

This includes Makaton, PECS, Communication books, Visual supports, timetables and social stories. We aim to have total communication classrooms where pupils are able to use the right communication methods for their individual needs.

Rebound Therapy

Exercise therapy which uses trampolines to provide opportunities for movement, therapeutic exercise and recreation for people across the whole spectrum of special needs.

Horse Riding

Pupils attend horse riding on a referral basis. This helps support both their physical and social development.

Lego®-Based Therapy

A group designed to support development of social communication skills through the engaging and motivational medium of Lego®.

Independence (Based on the TEACCH approach)

Pupils access this provision to support them become more independent and autonomous learners. There is a strong emphasis on structure and routine supported by visuals.

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Qualifications

Learners in year 10 and 11 will complete an ASDAN Life Skills challenge from each of the following areas:

• English 

• Maths 

• One of the following Preparation for Adulthood areas: Community inclusion, Employment, Good Health, Independent Living and Housing

In 6th Form the focus switches solely to Preparation for Adulthood. Learners will complete three ASDAN Life Skills challenges, one from each of the remaining areas that they have not covered:

• Community Inclusion 

• Employment

• Good Health

• Independent Living and Housing 

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Impact

We know from feedback from students, parents/carers, further education providers and employers that our Green Pathway has the following impacts:

• for some learners, the Green Pathway will have allowed them to transition onto the Yellow Pathway in KS3

• for other students remaining on the Green Pathway is more appropriate. They develop into confident young people, often having worked through anxieties around self-perceived failures in learning and communicating and gaining qualifications

• they are more able to access the world around them with reduced support because they have developed the knowledge and skills to do so. This could be linked to performing self care, reading and writing, speaking and listening, improvements in their ability to self-regulate behaviour, being able to tell the time, travel confidently and much more

• our young people are regular attenders - whether at an FE college, Social Enterprise or in a place of work

• pupils are willing and more likely to try new experiences as they have had so many opportunities to do so during their time in school

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Moving on from the Green Pathway