Sixth Form
Strand 6 Overview
In Strand 6 learners are provided with the choice of 3 strands: Independent Living Skills, Horticulture and Catering. For those who are able, they can be entered into NOCN’s Using Employability Skills Entry Level Portfolio Qualification. For those working below Entry Level they will develop a Learning for Life Award (also Portfolio based). Both strands embed the themes of Preparation for Adulthood.
Preparation For Adulthood-
The Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice describe preparing for adulthood as preparing for:
Education, Training and/or Employment– Courses learners might like to study and where, what type of work they might want to do, either paid or volunteering and about how to get a job
Participating in Society– Having friends and supportive relationships and being part of the local community, also things to do in your spare time and keeping safe
Being as Healthy as Possible in Adult Life– Who and what is there to help you stay healthy.
Independent Living– Living as independently as you’re able, doesn’t mean living on your own.
NOCN
In the Sixth Form NOCN pathway, Maths and Writing and Communication skills are taught and developed through our Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) program, Enterprise, Horticulture/ Catering choice module, Cafe 6 and our NOCN Using Employability Skills Qualification.
Horticulture
In Horticulture sessions, learners work as a team to learners maintain our horticulture space, learn about planting, propagation and cultivation for flowering plants, herbs and vegetables and make use of any surplus plants for cafe ingredients and enterprise stock. In addition, they will learn to use a range of tools and resources to enhance our spaces through the construction and upcycling of furniture and planters to place around the school and sell via our Enterprise endeavours.
Catering
In Catering sessions, learners earn a Food Hygiene Qualification and develop a range of kitchen and finance skills through the running of a Staff Café, catering for school events and working alongside our School Cafeteria team, preparing meals and salad bar for the whole school.
Learning for Life
This is designed for learners working below Entry Level.
In Learning for Life, we follow the LTPs for:
- Living Skills
- Digital Literacy
- Thinking Skills/ Cognition
- Communication
- Community
Reading/ Story Sharing
All students engage with Reading/ Story Sharing sessions working towards individual goals. Where appropriate Read Write Inc (RWI) Fresh Start scheme is utilised as an intervention to teach and build confidence in reading. For those working beyond RWI, Reading is further developed through VIPERS questioning, comprehension skills and the engagement with Work Related Texts.
All students are encouraged to share stories, read for pleasure and access local libraries.
PSHE/SEMH
In KS5 Semi and Formal, PSHE is taught for 1 hour a week, following the Vale PSHE Long Term Plan. For Complex Learners, they follow individualised SEMH plans.
Enrichment Opportunities
As part of our curriculum, KS5 learners can engage with the Duke of Edinburgh Award- partaking in volunteering, physical activity, map reading, skills development and camping. This also includes local walks, community visits and making use of the local Leisure Centre for Gym or Swim sessions.
All learners are given the opportunity to make a choice in Mental Health and Wellbeing sessions to develop hobbies and interests (arts, drama, beauty, projects. Enterprise).
In addition, learners will have the opportunity to engage in the local community, building confidence in utilising local resources such as the library, volunteering at events, shops and public transport facilities. This includes the planning and running of Coffee Mornings, supporting sports festivals, school celebrations and fundraising events. Learners can also support the KS1-4 pupils through supporting lunchtime clubs such as dance, choir, music, football, multi-sports and developing play skills.
