Our curriculum

Our Discovery Curriculum transforms traditional lessons into immersive experiences by “disguising” core skills within meaningful, real-world projects. Each unit is framed in a context students recognise, so they quickly understand why a concept matters, what they are learning, and how it applies beyond the classroom.

The programme remains broad and balanced, deliberately weaving maths, literacy, science, technology, the arts and life skills into every project so learners can spot the natural links between subjects. Hands-on, practical tasks sit alongside reflection and discussion, welcoming every learning style. Teachers employ innovative, inclusive strategies to adapt content and challenge to each child’s needs, with regular check-ins from our therapeutic team to keep motivation high and anxiety low. The result is a lively curriculum that sparks curiosity, secures key academic milestones, and shows every learner the practical power of what they know.

At Felix House we begin by closing gaps. All pupils are screened on entry so that missed phonics knowledge or early-literacy skills are identified straight away; some readers follow the Read Write Inc. Fresh Start programme, a proven catch up course that rebuilds decoding, fluency and confidence for learners.

Once the building blocks are secure, we put reading at the heart of every day. Class libraries, weekly reading sessions nurture a genuine love of stories and information texts, echoing the Department for Education’s newly announced National Year of Reading 2026, which calls on schools and families alike to make reading for pleasure a national habit GOV.UK.

Writing, speaking and listening are taught through the same real world lens that shapes our Discovery Curriculum. Pupils craft blog posts for science projects, draft letters to local councillors in PSHE and script podcasts for history, making clear cross-curricular links so they see how literacy powers every subject and future career.

Throughout, teachers use adaptive teaching, live modelling, targeted questioning and assistive technology, to ensure each child meets ambitious objectives while still feeling supported. The result is an English offer that repairs gaps, sparks pleasure and connects learning to life beyond the classroom.

At Felix House we follow the popular White Rose Maths scheme, which breaks each topic into small, manageable steps so no child is left with hidden gaps. Lessons always begin with something children can touch and move counters, building blocks, measuring tapes, before we draw the idea and finally write it with symbols. This “hands-on, picture, paper” sequence helps every learner see how the maths works, instead of just memorising rules.

We also weave pupils’ own interests into each unit. A football fan might explore fractions by analysing match day statistics, while a keen baker practises ratios through cupcake recipes. These practical tasks show children how maths crops up in everyday life and keep them eager to try the next challenge.

Throughout the lesson teachers adjust questions on the spot, add extra prompts when needed and stretch confident pupils further, so everyone feels supported and suitably stretched. The result is a maths programme that builds solid understanding, real world confidence, and a genuine “I can do this!” attitude in every child.

In our classrooms, “science” is never just a set of facts, it’s the launch pad for full STEM exploration. Every topic begins with a real-world challenge: How can we clean dirty water? What makes a bridge stay up? Why do rockets lift off? Pupils investigate these questions through hands on experiments, then weave in technology, engineering design and mathematical thinking to test and improve their ideas.

Because STEM sits at the heart of our Discovery Curriculum, projects link naturally to other subjects. A lesson on electricity, for example, may include coding a simple circuit in computing, measuring voltage drops in maths and designing a recycled lantern in art and design. This joined up approach shows children how the sciences work together in everyday life, encouraging curiosity, creativity and teamwork all at once.

By the end of each unit learners haven’t just “done an experiment”; they’ve planned, built, measured, tweaked and presented a solution that matters to them. It’s a practical, contextualised way of learning that turns budding scientists into confident problem solvers ready to tackle the real world.

Our Life-Skills programme turns classroom learning into the practical know-how children will use long after school. Each pupil’s sessions are shaped by their personalised EHC Plan and Thrive targets, so the work they do ties directly to their own ambitions and areas for growth.

Every week, children tackle real tasks, handling money budgets, planning journeys with maps and timetables, or calculating wages and taxes, so numeracy, reading and IT skills come alive in a clear context. Projects often reach into the community: fundraising, inviting local neighbours to bake sales or even designing posters for a charity event. These experiences build citizenship, teamwork and a sense of belonging while meeting individual targets.

Progress is reviewed with the pupil, family and staff, celebrating small wins and setting the next personal goal. By linking academic learning to genuine, everyday challenges, our Life-Skills curriculum gives each child the practical confidence, and the community connections, they need to step smoothly into adulthood.

To make every milestone count, we enrol pupils in the AQA Unit Award Scheme. This flexible programme breaks learning into bite-sized “mini-qualifications,” each one linked to the personalised goals set in a student’s EHC plan, Thrive profile or academic target.

Because teachers hand pick units around individual interests, anything from bike maintenance to creative writing, children feel motivated to step beyond their comfort zones while still working toward something that truly matters to them.

Each unit lists clear success criteria, so pupils always know what they’re aiming for and can track their own progress. When the evidence is complete, AQA moderates the work and issues an official certificate, tangible proof of effort that boosts self-esteem and builds a growing portfolio for college, apprenticeships or employment. Whether a child earns one award or fifty, every certificate celebrates real achievement, reinforces the value of perseverance, and shows families just how far their young person has come.

Our PSHE lessons are built around the well-respected Jigsaw programme, giving pupils a clear, age-appropriate journey through relationships, health, citizenship, finance and personal safety. Yet we know that young people’s questions don’t follow a timetable, so staff routinely adapt and extend each module to match the issues our students are actually facing.

If a local news story raises online-safety worries, we weave it straight into the next session. Should Thrive assessments highlight anxiety around friendships or body image, we pause, regroup and teach the strategies pupils need right then. This flexible, needs led approach means safeguarding themes are always taught in context, making the guidance more meaningful and memorable.

Every lesson combines discussion, role-play and practical activities, so children not only hear good advice but practise the skills to apply it. By blending Jigsaw’s solid framework with responsive teaching, we give our students the knowledge, confidence and support to navigate today’s challenges and grow into safe, responsible, well informed adults.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education, including Relationships, Sex and Health Education is delivered as part of the school’s wider curriculum.

The curriculum supports pupils’ personal development, wellbeing, safety and preparation for adulthood. Content is delivered in an age appropriate and developmentally appropriate manner, reflecting the needs of pupils at Felix House School.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

RSHE is statutory and forms part of the PSHE curriculum.

The programme covers:

• Relationships Education
• Health Education
• Age-appropriate Sex Education

Further detail is available in the school’s PSHE Policy.

Parental Consent and Right to Withdraw

Parents and carers complete a consent form on admission in relation to the sex education elements of RSHE.

Consent is not permanent and may be amended or withdrawn at any time by contacting the Headteacher in writing.

There is no right to withdraw from:

• Relationships Education
• Health Education
• National Curriculum Science content

Parents may withdraw their child from sex education up to three terms before the child turns 16. After that point, if the pupil wishes to receive sex education, appropriate arrangements will be made in line with statutory guidance.

Parental Consultation

Cascade Schools recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers in delivering effective Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE).

In line with statutory guidance, the school will consult with parents and carers when:

• The RSHE policy is developed or significantly revised
• Changes are made to curriculum content
• New resources or programmes are introduced

Consultation may take the form of:

• Parent information sessions
• Surveys or questionnaires
• Written communication outlining proposed content
• Opportunities to review curriculum materials

The views of parents and carers will be carefully considered. However, the final decision on curriculum content rests with the school, in line with statutory requirements and safeguarding responsibilities.

Pupil Consultation

The school actively seeks and values pupil voice in shaping the RSHE curriculum. Consultation may include:

• School council discussions
• Structured pupil feedback
• Personal Development reviews
• EHCP review meetings
• Informal feedback within lessons

Given the SEMH context of Cascade Schools, pupil consultation is adapted to meet individual communication needs and emotional readiness. This ensures that RSHE provision remains relevant, safe and responsive to pupils’ lived experiences and levels of vulnerability.

Consultation with Staff and Governors

The Headteacher and Curriculum Leads will consult with:

• Teaching staff
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead
• School nurses or external professionals where appropriate
• The School Advisory Board

The School Advisory Board has oversight of the policy and ensures it remains compliant with statutory guidance and reflective of the needs of the school community.

Admissions Process

During the admissions process:

• Parents and carers are informed that Relationships Education and Health Education are statutory and compulsory.
• The school explains the content of the RSHE curriculum and how it is adapted to meet individual needs.
• Parents are informed of their right to request withdrawal from sex education (as defined in this policy), and the process for doing so.
• Where appropriate, discussions will consider the pupil’s EHCP, safeguarding profile and level of vulnerability to ensure that RSHE provision supports their safety and development.

Information about RSHE is shared as part of transition planning and induction meetings to ensure transparency and partnership from the outset.

Ongoing Communication

Cascade Schools is committed to maintaining open communication regarding RSHE. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they:

• Have questions about content
• Wish to view teaching materials
• Have concerns about their child’s participation
• Wish to discuss withdrawal

The school will respond promptly and professionally to all enquiries.

PE at Felix House goes far beyond traditional games. We design every session to match each child’s strengths, anxieties and sensory needs, using small groups, clear routines and plenty of choice so everyone feels safe to have a go. Alongside football and athletics, pupils might try horse-riding to improve core control, Pilates for mindful stretching, swimming for low-impact strength, or rock-climbing to boost courage and problem-solving. Teachers and support staff join in too, turning each lesson into a true team effort that models perseverance, fair play and the joy of being active together.

By exploring such a wide menu, students discover forms of exercise they genuinely enjoy while building the gross and fine motor skills that support handwriting, balance and everyday coordination. Lessons also weave in simple discussions about how physical activity lifts mood, reduces stress and fuels healthy sleep. Through shared challenges and staff participation, teammates practise communication, sharing equipment, resilience and celebrating one another’s progress.

Our Art & Design programme invites every child to discover their own creative voice while exploring a rich mix of skills, from textiles and print making to digital photography, clay and other 3D techniques. Projects grow out of pupils’ personal interests and the stories of our local community, whether that means designing fabric inspired by regional wildlife or photographing neighbourhood landmarks for a shared exhibition.

Art lessons also provide a calm space for wellbeing: sketching while listening to music, mindfully stitching a textile piece, or moulding clay can help students relax, focus and express feelings that are hard to put into words. Along the way, we look at artists and craft traditions from many cultures, giving pupils fresh ideas and a wider view of the world. By combining hands on skills with cultural discovery and emotional expression, our Art & Design curriculum nurtures confidence, curiosity and a lifelong appreciation of creativity.

In Food Technology, students turn everyday recipes into life-skills lessons that build confidence and self-reliance. Guided by our Cascade healthy eating ethos pupils learn to plan balanced meals, read nutrition labels, budget for ingredients and handle kitchen equipment safely. Each unit links directly to independence targets from their Life Skills plans, so new techniques (from chopping vegetables to batch cooking a pasta bake) are practised until they feel second nature.

To broaden horizons, we explore dishes from around the world and run themed culture days where pupils research a country, prepare its signature foods and share the meal together. These events celebrate diversity while reinforcing healthy eating principles and cross curricular learning in geography, maths and languages. By the end of the programme students understand how good food powers a healthy body and mind, and they leave Felix House ready to cook for themselves, their families and their future.

This academic year Felix House School has compiled a range of religious visits both in school and visiting places of worship. The visits will be in the form of a half day experience where there is opportunity to taste foods, handle artefacts and dress in traditional religious clothing.

A visit to a local place of worship is a fascinating opportunity for the pupils to get a real insight into religious communities and meet some of the people who work there. We hope it will bring pupils’ learning to life and allow them to be curious about the faith and its practices.

Religious Education is an academic subject. It is taught as an understanding of different religions, from an unbiased perspective. It is, in our view, an essential part of the curriculum which is becoming more and more important as British society becomes more diverse.

We feel strongly that pupils need a good understanding of different cultures, in order to learn respect for others and practise the values of acceptance, tolerance and unity. We would like to emphasise that as part of this visit, pupils will not be asked to participate in worship, but might watch any worship or prayer that is happening during the visit.

Our Enrichment programme is all about celebration and discovery. Each week, pupils step outside their usual timetable to try activities that spark curiosity and boost wellbeing, anything from pottery painting and bowling to fishing on the local lake or singing lessons. By offering a changing menu of choices, we invite students to push their personal boundaries safely, find hidden talents and enjoy a well earned break from academic work.

Every session is led side by side with staff, turning shared laughter and learning into strong, positive relationships. Effort is noticed and celebrated on the spot, so pupils see that taking a risk, mastering a new skill or simply showing up with a can-do attitude all count as real successes. Whether a child comes away with a finished clay bowl, a new favourite hobby or the courage to perform a song, Enrichment helps them feel proud, relaxed and ready for whatever comes next.

At Felix House we want every child to leave us as a confident, curious reader—whether they are just cracking phonics or already racing through novels. That’s why we have joined the Department for Education’s National Year of Reading and launched a whole-school plan that turns books, and lots of other reading materials, into a daily joy as well as an academic strength.

A big part of that plan is our Service Level Agreement with Hull Libraries. Every pupil now has a free library card that unlocks print books, e-books, audiobooks and a vast range of magazines, comics and newspapers, ideal for students who find a thick novel daunting. The library also lends us “Story Stacks” and themed project boxes (for example, Space, Vikings or Healthy Eating), so classes always have fresh, high-quality texts that match whatever topic they’re studying Local library visits, and special events like visiting authors and The Big Malarky literature festival, turn reading into a lively, real-world adventure.

Inside school, our shelves are just as varied. Alongside classic and contemporary fiction you’ll find graphic novels, football annuals, gaming guides, hobby manuals and weekly magazines such as Match, The Phoenix and Eco Kids. These lighter, bite sized options are perfect for reluctant readers: they build confidence, spark conversation and prove that reading comes in many shapes and sizes.

Teachers read aloud to their classes every day, modelling expressions and sharing the sheer pleasure of story. We also run a “Drop Everything And Read” session where everyone, staff included, spends fifteen calm minutes with a text of their own choice, whether that’s a novel, a recipe book or the latest issue of National Geographic Kids. Children keep simple reading journals so they can talk with adults about what they’ve enjoyed and set fresh goals.

Friendly assessments help us spot any gaps in decoding or comprehension. If a child needs extra support, we use well proven catch up programmes such as Read Write Inc. Fresh Start and focused vocabulary groups. Just as important, we weave reading into other subjects: pupils will follow a recipe in food technology, so they see how reading matters everywhere.

At Felix House we believe early, targeted support is just as important as high-quality classroom teaching. Our intervention offer brings together in-house expertise and trusted local professionals so that every student and family has quick access to the help they need.

Each pupil completes an online Thrive profile on entry and at key points during the year. This identifies social–emotional gaps and generates individual action plans that teachers, support staff and parents can follow. For literacy and numeracy we use IDL assessments, enabling us to spot specific barriers such as dyslexia traits or working-memory difficulties before they hinder progress. Our dedicated School Nurse runs weekly clinics covering everything from routine health checks to advice on sleep and nutrition. Our Speech & Language Therapist screens communication skills, writes personalised programmes and trains staff to embed strategies in daily lessons. The Cascade Health & wellbeing team delivers one to one and small group sessions. Daily pastoral “check-ins” give students a safe, familiar space to talk through concerns and reset for learning. We work closely with a range of Hull-based services to widen the safety net:

• CornerHouse Hull provides relationship and sexual-health workshops plus confidential drop-ins.
• Flipside Hull supports young people affected by substance misuse, offering advice and mentoring on site.

Because these professionals already know our context, referrals are swift and joint planning is seamless.

Progress is tracked through regular multi-agency meetings, and strategies are adjusted in real time. Parents receive clear updates and practical guidance so that support at home aligns with intervention in school. The result is a wrap-around system that removes barriers early, strengthens well being and keeps every learner firmly on the path to academic and personal success.