First and foremost, we are a PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) school.  This means that we place human-centred, values-led learning above all else.  All our students have the right to positive human regard and that all their behaviours are a form of communication.

We have developed an innovative model of delivering education that uses the latest evidence-based teaching practices in ABA and PBS to support the overall wellbeing of young people. Our approach is holistic, person-centred and ambitious, individualised through our Pathway2Independence curriculum to meet the needs of each student.

Pathways School provides 1:1 support to our learners and our focus is on developing independence and improving their quality of life.  And while learning is largely supported 1:1, we aim for each student to develop the requisite skills to access group activities and learning.

We recognise that while 1:1 instruction is critical in providing educational and behaviour support for learners with complex needs, it can also become a limiting factor in developing independence skills, especially when transitioning towards adulthood. The ability to partake in group activities and follow instructions delivered to a group are essential for successful integration in vocational and community settings.

Each student is assessed by our Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) for their capacity for group instruction. Based on this assessment, each learner will have a transition plan to reduce dependence on 1:1 support and access more group-based learning.  Our aim is to reduce instructional ratios for all our learners through their school career, without compromising the rate of skill acquisition and overall effectiveness of teaching.

Finally, our rapport building with students and their families, ensures that we maintain a focus on the impact that learning at Pathways can have on the wider life experiences in the context of the family.  Therefore, functional skills and independence skills become even more crucial in the successful journey through school.