Curriculum
At New Direction School, we offer a flexible and carefully structured curriculum that blends academic and vocational learning to support the development of the whole student. Our aim is to equip each learner with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to lead independent, fulfilling lives.
A Person-Centred Approach to Learning
We understand that all students progress at different rates, particularly those with additional needs. That’s why we group students not by age, but by their academic and social development. This ensures they receive the right level of challenge and support.
Our curriculum levels are:
Beginner · Novice · Expert · Level 1 · Level 2 · GCSE
Core Academic Subjects
English
In the Beginner, Novice, and Expert levels, students develop their core English skills through a termly thematic approach, using projects to bring learning to life. As they progress, learners move onto Functional Skills English, which builds practical literacy skills up to Level 2—equivalent to a GCSE pass.
We are also a registered GCSE centre, and students who are ready and willing have the opportunity to study for GCSE English Language and/or Literature.
Support includes:
Dedicated reading sessions
Phonics interventions for early-stage learners
Maths
As with English, the Beginner to Expert levels focus on building essential numeracy skills through engaging, project-based learning. Students then move on to the Functional Skills Maths pathway, progressing up to Level 2.
Students who demonstrate readiness and ambition may also be offered the opportunity to study for GCSE Maths.
Science
In the lower curriculum levels, students follow the Entry Level Certificate (ELC) in Science to build foundational knowledge and practical skills. As they progress, they move on to study GCSE Biology, with a focus on real-world understanding and hands-on learning.
Vocational and Practical Learning
Horsecare
Horsecare is a vocational subject based on our fully operational equine yard. Students take part in rotational, hands-on activities, learning how to care for horses while developing teamwork and responsibility in a real-world setting.
Pony Club
Students follow the nationally recognised Pony Club curriculum, working towards progressive tests and achievement badges. This curriculum encourages both theoretical and practical learning, with opportunities to join in activities such as Pony Club quizzes and our annual Pony Club camp at the end of the school year.
Forestry
We are fortunate to have two woodland areas on site, where our trained Forest School practitioners deliver outdoor learning experiences. Through structured woodland activities, students build resilience, problem-solving skills, and a connection with nature.
PE
For PE we use the Arc in Clowne for their facilities. Our PE exposes students to a range of activities such as Badminton, hockey, football, basketball and dodgeball amongst other activities. We take part in various sports events with other schools in Derbyshire. We also have weekly swimming lessons throughout the year.
Life Skills and Personal Development
PSHE, Cooking & Independent Living
All students receive regular sessions in Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, cooking, and independent living skills. These lessons are designed to prepare learners for life beyond school—building confidence in areas like healthy relationships, budgeting, nutrition, and everyday responsibilities.
ASDAN Qualifications
At Key Stage 4, students can work towards two nationally recognised ASDAN Level 2 qualifications (GCSE equivalent):
Employability
Personal and Social Effectiveness
These support the development of practical workplace skills, communication, and personal responsibility.
Zones of Regulation
Every student at New Direction is introduced to the Zones of Regulation upon joining. This is a simple but effective emotional regulation tool that uses colour-coded zones to help students recognise and express how they’re feeling. It is embedded into daily routines to support emotional literacy and self-awareness.
Post 16
Individualised Learning
We begin by reviewing each student’s progress and discussing their goals. From there, we create an individualised curriculum that reflects their interests and focuses on meaningful next steps.
Core elements include:
English and Maths, with the option to study at Functional Skills or GCSE level depending on the learner’s goals
Continued development in PSHE and Physical Education
Opportunities to complete ASDAN Employability and ASDAN Personal and Social Effectiveness qualifications (if not already achieved)
Vocational Learning & Work Experience
A significant part of our Post-16 programme is centred around real-world experience. Students engage in practical, hands-on work on our operational equine yard, building vital work-based skills in a supported environment. They also continue progressing through the Pony Club curriculum, working toward recognised qualifications that promote responsibility, teamwork, and confidence.
Supporting Personal Interests
We value student voice and recognise the importance of pursuing individual passions. If a student has a specific interest they wish to explore further, we’ll work with them to integrate this into their learning plan. Where this cannot be delivered in-house, we collaborate with the Local Authority to explore alternative provision or external opportunities.
School Uniform
Our uniform is designed to be sensory-friendly and practical for our unique learning environment, particularly given our outdoor and animal-based activities.
All students are provided with:
A blue polo shirt
A fleece, jumper, and coat
A PE kit, which is similar in design and comfort to the main uniform
In addition, families are asked to provide:
Black or dark trousers, joggers, or jodhpurs
Black shoes or trainers suitable for everyday wear
Outdoor footwear, such as boots or wellies, for use on the yard and in forest areas
This uniform supports comfort, function, and consistency across the school community.
Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices
To maintain a focused and distraction-free environment, we do not permit students to use mobile phones or personal electronic devices during the school day.
Upon arrival, students are greeted at the gate and scanned by staff
All phones and electronic devices are handed in at the start of the day, securely stored, and returned at home time
This policy helps support emotional regulation, social interaction, and active engagement in learning.
Meals
At New Direction School, we provide all meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the school day to ensure students are well-nourished, comfortable, and ready to learn.
Breakfast and Snacks
On arrival, all students are offered breakfast and a drink to start the day well. Snacks and water or juice are also provided during break times to help maintain energy and focus.
Lunches
All students receive a hot lunch, supplied by Derbyshire School Meals, which operates on a three-week rotating menu. Each day, students can choose from:
A meat-based option
A vegetarian option
A jacket potato with a choice of fillings
Meals are delivered in separate containers and served by staff at school. This allows us to accommodate students with specific dietary preferences or sensory needs, such as those who prefer their foods not to touch or have particular texture aversions.
If there’s nothing suitable on the menu for a student, we work closely with families to ensure alternative meals are provided, so every child has access to food they feel comfortable and confident eating.