Learning for Living and Work: Living Independently

General information

The course is designed for students with learning difficulties who need to develop their self-confidence to participate in the community. The overall aim is to enable students to develop the social and life skills required for transition into independent adulthood. There will be a maximum of 8 students per group. All students receive regular tutorial support.

Course content

The following subjects are integral parts of the students’ learning programme, English, Maths and personal skills and information technology. All students will follow a programme of:

• Cooking
• Using the community facilities
• Running your own home
• Sport and Leisure
• Adult Relationships
• Travel Training
• Social Communication
• Tutorials
• Art
• Problem Solving

This will also include a compulsory residential week at Wood Lodge Residential Centre to enable students to practise and further their independence skills.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment is continuous and consists of collating material for a portfolio drawn from participation on the course.

Students have the opportunity to review their individual progress with their personal tutor on a regular basis. Learning is mostly through practical activities that enable the students to develop their skills in realistic environments. The course team will review students’ progress formally three times a year in relation to the course aims and their individual development targets.

Entry requirements

Students must be able to:

• Access the college facilities independently
• Behave appropriately in public surroundings
• Demonstrate good road safety without support
• Develop skills to travel independently using public transport
• Communicate with a wide range of people
• An ability to address their own personal needs or access to arrangements to support this.
• Work co-operatively with others, as a member of the team

Moving On Plan (139A assessment) or similar evidence. Report from most recent school or training establishment.

Additional course costs

Bus pass or fares for travel training and local trips, contribution to educational visits, £50 contribution to the Wood Lodge Residential.

Progression

Students will be working towards the achievement of a ASDAN Personal and Social Development qualification and functional skills at an appropriate level, and develop the confidence to progress onto Introduction to Work or Greengoose. Students can also progress onto the Pathway to Social Employment course.