Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars

 At The Divergent School Harborough, we are committed to providing a curriculum that inspires curiosity, promotes independence, and meets the unique needs of every learner. Our approach is flexible and responsive, enabling all students to develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills across a wide range of contexts.

We provide creative and personalised learning pathways that encourage students to build connections, develop resilience, and apply their skills within and beyond the classroom. Opportunities for cross-curricular and contextualised learning ensure that every child has the best chance of achieving meaningful lifelong outcomes. Above all, our school offers a stimulating, safe, and supportive environment that addresses the four areas of need identified in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Aims of Our Curriculum

• To ensure students enjoy learning and develop a love of discovery.
• To support students in making the greatest possible progress from their individual starting points.
• To nurture confident, resilient individuals who are able to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
• To meet and develop the four areas of need outlined in EHCPs:
  • Communication and interaction
  • Cognition and learning
  • Social, emotional and mental health
  • Sensory and/or physical needs

Focus for Learning

Our curriculum provides:

• Knowledge that prepares students for adulthood and supports them to live as independently as possible.
• Skills that progress across a breadth of subjects and can be applied both in school and in the wider community.
• Attitudes and values that develop resilience, reflection, respect, and responsibility, helping pupils grow into the best versions of themselves.  

  At The Divergent School Harborough, our curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, with the clear purpose of preparing students for their next stage in life. Through carefully designed programmes of study, pupils acquire the essential knowledge, skills, and understanding that form the foundations for lifelong learning.

Our curriculum is flexible, allowing us to respond to individual needs and provide personalised pathways. By combining academic learning with therapeutic approaches and values-based education (including British Values), we ensure pupils are encouraged to succeed in a supportive environment. In doing so, we help every learner build communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and meaningful social connections.

The values of Independence ,Belonging , Curiosity , Respect underpin all aspects of our curriculum.

  Each term, learning is structured around overarching themes that link different curriculum areas together. This approach enables pupils to explore knowledge in a connected and meaningful way, while also revisiting and building on prior learning. Key concepts and vocabulary are introduced and reinforced to support long-term memory and future learning.

Our curriculum design also ensures that pupils are provided with regular opportunities to practise daily living skills, supporting independence and preparation for adulthood. Experiences within the local community, alongside visits and guest speakers, further enrich learning and inspire curiosity.

Teachers adapt their approaches using personalised pupil profiles to ensure lessons meet individual neurodiverse needs

Our curriculum places the learner at its centre. It enables pupils to make connections across subjects, apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways, and make the best possible progress over time.

At The Divergent School Harborough, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil is well prepared for their next stage whether that be further education, supported or independent living, or the workplace. Through our focus on academic achievement, social skills, well-being, and personal growth, students are empowered to become confident, capable, and resilient individuals.

Pupils follow one of two tailored pathways; Semi-formal or Formal which allow teachers to bring learning to life through creative, cross-curricular topics. Each half term, curriculum plans are produced to demonstrate how subjects are connected through these themes.

Assessment is continuous and holistic, drawing on a wide range of evidence, including moderation, learning journeys, EHCP reviews, parental engagement, student voice, MAPP, and assessment. This enables us to recognise and celebrate achievement while identifying clear next steps for every learner.

We also offer a range of accredited qualifications, including Unit Awards, AQA Entry Level Awards, AQA Functional Skills (Levels 1 & 2), ASDAN, BTEC, and GCSEs.