At Pathfinder Sixth Form, our intent is to provide our students with a comprehensive and inclusive education that prepares them for higher education, employment, and independent living. We recognize the importance of adapting to the individual needs of our students, offering study programmes that build and encourage skills that will be useful for their future lives and employment. Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire our students to reach their full potential while providing them with the necessary support to achieve their goals.

According to the National Autistic Society, in 2019, only 22% of autistic adults were in some kind of paid employment, and this figure is significantly lower than the employment rate for non-autistic people.

There are many challenges that young people with autism face when it comes to employment, such as difficulty with social interaction, communication and executive function skills, which may make it challenging for them to navigate the workplace environment. It is therefore our intention to provide our students with as many real world experiences, work placements and opportunities as possible to equip them with the necessary skills to be productive and successful members of society. 

Our curriculum at Pathfinder Sixth Form is designed to provide our students with a range of experiences and opportunities that develop their academic, social, and emotional skills. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that includes vocational courses, independent study projects and the opportunity to gain up to Level 2 in English and Maths. This curriculum is balanced alongside a range of extracurricular and learning outside of the classroom activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and creativity.

Although no longer compulsory for Post 16 settings, we will continue to provide our students with a Level 2 Relationships, Sex and Health education, we feel it is our moral obligation to support our students to be able to lead independent and fulfilling lives. The purpose of this qualification is to provide young people with the knowledge and understanding that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships.

It will help to build learner self-efficacy and develop resilience which will enable them to meet the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life and becoming a productive member of society. 

We also offer a range of opportunities that support our students' social and emotional wellbeing, including mindfulness, stress management, and resilience.

Our courses are centred around preparation for the workplace and as such are designed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the world of work. This program includes work experience placements, vocational courses, and employability skills workshops. We also provide personalised support to help our students identify their strengths and interests and explore their career options.

Our curriculum across all year groups at Snowfields Academy has a significant impact on our students' lives, we strive to live our values of Be Kind, Work Hard, Communicate, Stay Safe and Be Happy whilst balancing the school’s motto ‘where nurture meets aspiration'. These values extend into Pathfinder Sixth Form and our approach to teaching ensures that all of our students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for their future careers and independent living. Our life skills program enables our students to develop the practical skills necessary to lead independent lives and make informed decisions about their futures.

Our preparation for the workplace courses have a tangible impact on our students' employability. By providing work experience placements, vocational courses, and employability skills workshops, we equip our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.

Overall, our SEN curriculum at Pathfinder Sixth Form has a positive impact on our students' lives and enables them to reach their full potential. We are committed to providing our students with a supportive and inclusive learning environment that inspires and challenges them to achieve their goals.