Subject Areas
English
At Hatton, our English curriculum is rooted in giving every pupil a functional voice and a love of storytelling. We recognise that literacy looks different for everyone, so our approach spans from early pre-verbal communication to functional reading and writing.
We bring literacy to life using Sensory Stories, where pupils explore books through touch, sound, and smell. For our developing readers and writers, we use highly structured visual frameworks like Colourful Semantics to help build sentences, alongside phonics programs adapted to individual learning styles. Whether a pupil is using a high-tech AAC device, Makaton signing, PECS symbols, or writing independently, our curriculum ensures that communication is woven into every single lesson.
Maths
At Hatton, our core mission is to ensure that every learner develops real, functional mathematical understanding through sensory-rich, meaningful experiences that build lifelong confidence. We don't do abstract worksheets; instead, we actively embed mathematics into daily school routines like snack time, tidying up, cooking, outdoor play, and transitions.
Our newly developed curriculum focuses deeply on practical measurement, number, and 2D shapes. Using concrete tools like Numicon alongside sensory sorting materials, we celebrate the "micro-progress" of every pupil, valuing engagement and participation as much as independent achievements. Our entire team works collaboratively to ensure math language and predictable problem solving strategies are modeled across the school day.
How Mathematics Looks Across Our Pathways
- Explorers: Our focus is on highly motivating sensory activities. Pupils develop early mathematical awareness by showing preference, recognising basic concepts, and actively joining in shared group activities.
- Investigators: Pupils build independence by engaging together in shared moments and playground tasks. They choose self-directed activities and learn to adapt to classroom tasks by showing an early understanding of sequences, rules, and turn-taking.
- Adventurers: Learners begin making meaningful connections using their prior knowledge to test out problem solving ideas. They learn to communicate, represent and explain their mathematical thinking to others while building confidence in sharing, negotiating, and adapting within group environments.
Science
At Hatton, our Science curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, exploration, and a wonder for the natural world. For our learners, science is a fully hands-on, sensory experience where they are encouraged to investigate, experiment, and learn by doing.
Our new curriculum is built on the thematic cycles of the National Curriculum but completely adapted for our school. For children working at Step 1 of our Hatton Progression Steps, lessons are rooted entirely in sensory exploration. We intentionally annotate and adapt sensory inputs so that students can access scientific ideas through touch, sound, smell, movement, and visual stimuli. As pupils progress, we focus heavily on using science to build independence, practical problem solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Bringing Science to Life: Whole-School Science Week
A true highlight of our year is our whole school Science Week. During this week, the entire school environment, our classrooms, corridoors, sensory rooms, and our outdoor areas are transformed into a vibrant space for immersive investigation. This allows every single learner, regardless of their pathway, to participate in joyful, purposeful science experiments that celebrate discovery.
Creative Arts
At Hatton, Expressive Arts and Design (EAD) is a vital tool for communication, emotional regulation, and self-expression. We don't worry about rigid outcomes; instead we focus on the joyful process of exploration. Through art, design, music and movement, we encourage our pupils to discover their own unique creative voices and experience success.
Our curriculum is completely adapted to meet the diverse needs of our pupils. Learners explore a rich variety of materials and techniques, progressing from early tactile sensory play to making deliberate choices, experimenting with colour, mark making, and creating models using clay, cardboard, and recycled resources.
Bringing Creativity to Life
Integrated Learning: Creative activities are intentionally woven into our daily stories, topics, and real world learning
Celebrating Every Achievement We recognise progress through a pupil's communication, independent choices, and problem solving rather than the final product.
International Art Week: A major highlight of our school year, where our entire community transforms into a gallery. Pupils showcase their work through class exhibitions and collaborative community projects celebrated by families and visitors
