At Elmwood everyone studies all subjects of the National Curriculum, but we make sure the most important sections are given priority and are taught in ways most suited to our pupils.

At Key Stage 3, we teach a competence based curriculum which reinforces the skills linked to our school aims. There are 5 competences - Citizenship, Learning, Managing Information, Managing Situations, Relating to People. Important topics such as health education are also taught. Pupils may work at their pace or as part of a group but there will be individual help and a wide range of equipment and materials available at all times.

In Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 (Year 3 to Year 9) pupils spend time in their own class with their own teacher for their curriculum. They go to specialist rooms for practical subjects and they work with other teachers. There is a timetable which helps us to plan how we organise the teaching of each subject but we can be reasonably flexible, adapting things slightly as we move through the year to take account of the projects being taught.

At Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and Year 11) we teach a timetable of separate subjects, often in different rooms and teachers to develop specialist skills. We are particularly concerned with ensuring our pupils leave school able to play their part in their local community. So (in addition to the National Curriculum) lessons often focus on areas concerned with independent living such as managing a budget, finding a place to live and so on. Pupils also have the chance to go on short college courses at Bridgwater, Taunton and Cannington, depending on their needs. These courses cover skills and knowledge that we cannot easily teach at Elmwood such as tractor driving, horticulture, animal husbandry, bricklaying and so on.  

We also use a local Forest School to work on team building and independence skills. During the two years that they are in KS4, there is continuing work with the Connexions Advisor to discuss all the options for work and training post-16. At some time during the final school year at Elmwood most pupils go on work experience. Pupils take accredited courses that match their ability.

We offer lunch time clubs in dance, computers, guitar, choir, French, puppets, art and christian union.

We run an annual sailing trip for year 9 pupils to Salcombe in Devon.