Studying core subjects such as English and Maths is especially important for our students as it provides them with the essential skills and confidence to access a broader curriculum. Through English, students develop communication, reading and writing abilities that help them understand instructions, express their ideas, and engage more fully in subjects like Humanities, Drama and Art. Maths builds practical and problem-solving skills that support learning in Science, Design & Technology, Computing and everyday life situations, such as managing money or measuring accurately. Science is taught by subject specialists and encourages curiosity, observation and logical thinking, helping students make sense of the world and apply reasoning in other subjects.

 

PSHE and RSE are equally vital for our students because they teach essential skills that support personal development, independence and emotional wellbeing. In these lessons, students learn about topics such as health, safety, managing emotions, and making choices — all of which help them understand themselves and the world around them. This knowledge builds confidence and prepares them to make informed decisions in everyday life. PSHE and RSE lessons also promote inclusion by encouraging empathy, self-awareness and mutual respect, supporting positive interactions both in and out of school. Our PSHE and RSE lessons are predominantly taught by subject specialists to support the consistency of messaging to our students and to give clear, age-appropriate guidance about relationships, consent, boundaries and respect, helping our students to form healthy friendships and recognise inappropriate or unsafe behaviour.

 

Physical Education and movement lessons are included within every phase at Belvue School. These lessons support overall health, learning and personal development. Regular physical activity helps to improve strength, coordination and motor skills, structured movement also supports concentration, emotional regulation and sensory needs, helping students to manage anxiety, increase focus and feel calmer in the classroom. PE lessons encourage teamwork, communication and social interaction, giving our students opportunities to develop friendships, cooperation and trust in an environment outside of a formal classroom setting. For many students, physical activity also helps build self-esteem and confidence, as they experience success and enjoyment through participation rather than just academic achievement. Our adapted PE programmes allow all students to take part at their own level, promoting inclusion and a sense of belonging.

 

We adopt the Skills Builder Framework to explicitly teach essential skills (Core Skills) as a key component of preparation for adulthood. It is often taken for granted that children and young people will develop these skills independently, However studies have shown that students with additional educational needs can be significantly disadvantaged in the development of these skills and it can have an adverse affect on their learning and their ability to enter employment in the future. Establishing a shared language for skills helps both teachers and students to talk about and focus on skill development.

 

Achieving success in these subjects can boost self-esteem and motivation, giving our students the confidence to explore a wider range of subjects and take a more active role in their learning. In this way, our core curriculum provides a solid foundation that enables all learners, regardless of need, to access and enjoy the full breadth of education.