Curriculum Offer 

The curriculum at Pod Plus is ambitious, broad, and balanced yet personalised. Learners follow the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum which is carefully panned and adapted to meet individual needs. Through this approach, Pod Plus aims to deliver a curriculum that is coherent, sequenced, and responsive, enabling pupils to make progress academically while developing the social and emotional skills essential for future success. Regular assessment, EHCP reviews, and SEMH progress measures inform planning and ensure that the curriculum has a demonstrable impact on outcomes.  

The curriculum is organised into six strands, ensuring breadth and balance across subjects. Emphasis is placed on core learning—English, Mathematics, and Science in addition to the foundation subjects of Art and Design, History, Geography and R.E. We recognise the value reading has on all aspects of the curriculum and follow the rising stars reading programmes for all learners. Pod Plus also uses Abigail Steele and KS3 phonics to target support where needed, so that all learners have the skills and opportunity to access the full curriculum. The curriculum will be delivered through six learning areas.

Personal Development and Wellbeing 

PSHE is central to the curriculum offer at Pod Plus, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe and healthy, develop resilience, and prepare for life beyond school. It follows the PSHE Association’s recommended themes and includes statutory relationships and health education, ensuring compliance and relevance. 

The PSHE curriculum prioritises learners’ mental health and wellbeing and Pod Plus's learners are supported in this area by trained staff and access to counselling where required. Spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development opportunities (SMSC) are woven through the curriculum in inclusive ways that reflect diverse experiences and backgrounds. 

Careers education is also an integral part of the Personal Development Programme at Pod Plus which can be delivered through teacher-led group sessions; guest presenters; employability workshops; work-experience activities; employer visits; careers events and individual guidance appointments. The programme is enriched using Unifrog- an online careers platform, that supports personalised and adaptive exploration and progression planning. It is underpinned by the CDI Career Development themes ensuring that all young people are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and insight to make informed, aspirational decisions about their futures.  

Enrichment Opportunities 

Pod Plus provides a wide range of enrichment opportunities to take part in, which range from trips out to local parks, theatre trips, or local rivers. All learners attend ‘Outdoor Academy’ for a term to learn a variety of skills from canoeing to climbing to shelter building. Pod Plus also offer bespoke sports training through ‘Ace Performance’ where learners can enhance skills and knowledge through a tailored programme.  

Pod Plus prepares learners for the next stage of education by building knowledge, confidence, and readiness for transition. 

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