About the Adventurers Pathway
The Adventurers Pathway offers a carefully structured and supportive journey for children with autism and related needs, such as anxiety. Specially designed for those ready to explore subject-specific learning in a more formal setting, this pathway opens the door to growth, confidence, and independence. With a consistent and nurturing environment, our Adventurers Pathway empowers children to grow academically, emotionally, and socially laying the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful success.
Our Goals for Your Child
The Adventurers Pathway aims to help children become:
• Successful learners: Able to manage their time, routines, and responsibilities independently, achieving aspirational and relevant qualifications.
• Respectful citizens: Active members of the community who can lead, contribute, and inspire.
• Confident individuals: Ready to take their next steps in education or employment, while handling social situations effectively.
What Does the Pathway Offer?
Children in this pathway will benefit from:
• A subject-specific curriculum closely aligned to the National Curriculum with extra support tailored to autism-related needs. Building academic and practical knowledge in subjects as well as encouraging a love for reading and independent learning.
• Teaching from specialist teachers for each subject starting in Key Stage 3.
• A structured timetable with less transitions between classrooms to build independence, with structured routines and clear expectations.
• A dedicated form tutor to support their personal development and wellbeing.
• Opportunities to develop life skills such as money management, cooking for life, digital literacy, and independent travel.
• Support with emotional and mental health support to help manage anxiety and promote wellbeing.
What will my child learn
At KS2 – Class Based:
• English
• Maths
• Science
• ICT
• Humanities
• Creative Arts
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• PSHE (including Relationship Education)
At KS3 – your child will move to different classes for their lessons in:
• English
• Maths
• Science
• ICT
• Humanities
• Creative Arts
• Physical Education
• PSHE (including RSE)
• Citizenship (including Life Skills).
At KS4 At Key Stage 4, your child can pursue formal and suitable accreditations in core subjects: English, Maths, and Science, as well as elective options like ICT, Art, Music, Humanities, and Catering. They will have the opportunity to work towards GCSEs, Entry Level Certificates, and Functional Skills Qualifications.
Across all key stages, we also offer enrichment activities and personalised interventions based on your child’s individual needs and goals at all phases.
Preparing for the Future
The Adventurers Pathway helps children:
• Earn qualifications.
• Practice real-life skills such as budgeting, time management, and using public transport.
• Develop confidence in using technology for daily tasks like banking and job applications.
• Manage anxiety and navigate new situations with self-regulation strategies.
• Gain experiences like workplace visits and career fairs to explore future options.
We prepare children for:
• Further education, whether in mainstream or specialist colleges.
• Apprenticeships or supported internships.
• Employment pathways, with or without support.
Transition planning is personalised, with one-on-one guidance and collaboration with families and external professionals. We are here to make sure your child leaves The Heights Academy with the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to live a fulfilling and independent life.
Children will have access to GCSEs and other qualifications or awards linked to areas of the curriculum.
Partnering with Families
We believe in working closely with you to support your child’s success. Regular communication, progress reviews, and transition planning ensure that you’re involved every step of the way.
Your child’s potential is at the heart of everything we do, and together, we can help them thrive and achieve their goals, preparing them for a fulfilling adult life.