Marshfields School

Every student matters at Marshfields School and every decision we take is based on what is in the best interests of the individual student. We firmly believe that the students and staff at Marshfields are its most important asset, with the staff having high expectations and aspirations for our students’ health, safety, happiness, knowledge, skills and independence.

Explorers Pathway is designed to ensure that students are given every opportunity to explore learning in a holistic and child-led way.  Students in this pathway are likely to benefit from play-based learning opportunities across all senses and will access a thematic curriculum which recognises that these learners will, to a greater or lesser degree, may have difficulties with object permanence, contingency awareness, declarative communications, making choices, learning by imitation and following instruction. Learners generally communicate using facial expressions, body language and other non-verbal methods. 

The Explorers pathway is designed to enhance curiosity and develop engagement skills.

The three prime areas crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and building readiness for learning, as well as forming relationships are:

– Communication & language

•  Listening, attention & understanding

•  Speaking and/or alternative communication methods

– Physical development

• Gross motor skills

• Fine motor skills

– Personal, social and emotional development

• Self-regulation
• Emotional Literacy
• Building relationships

The curriculum planning ensures play-based activities to support children all developmental areas, engaging them in learning through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. All students will have daily access to a range of activities in the following areas:

– Literacy

•    Comprehension

•    Phonics and word reading

•    Mark making/ pre-writing skills. Developing writing

– Mathematics

•    Number

•    Numerical patterns

– Understanding the world

•    Past and present
•    People, culture and communities
•    The natural world

– Expressive Arts & Design

•    Creating with materials

•    Being imaginative and expressive