Curriculum decisions about what mathematics should be taught to students with Down syndrome in secondary school are often based on utilitarian goals and assessments of current attainment. We report in this paper on the effect of an alternative approach - adjusting the standard mathematics curriculum for the year level - on students' affective responses. Using three vignettes and the Educational Quality of Life framework we draw out implications for curriculum design for learners with Down syndrome, and more broadly, those with intellectual disability. We conclude by arguing for factoring in the impact on the affective domain of teaching the year-level mathematics curriculum, adjusted as required.