The programme at The Link builds on pupils previous learning and experiences. The course can vary in length from one to three years and can continue to the end of the academic year in which the student reaches 19 years of age.
The curriculum in The Link focuses on developing our students in preparation for adulthood. We are aspirational for our students and aim to prepare each student for the next step of their adult life. Students are encouraged and enabled to make choices, express preferences and make decisions.
We foster a team approach and encourage parents and outside agencies to work with us to provide a friendly and supportive environment in which students can learn and develop.
Course Content
The curriculum is designed to give students meaningful opportunities to enable them to develop skills within the community and classroom. All students will be part of a work based supported business which will replicate the workplace. These businesses give the students the opportunity to develop skills and focus on their EHCP targets both individually and collectively. Businesses will run for two and a half days per week.
Work related learning/Employability Skills
Through the students work within the businesses they gain the opportunity to develop the skills below from working with others to following instructions. These skills are targeted and assessed through the Employability Skills Framework or Skills for My Future depending on the individual student.
- Communication skills
- Self-management and organisation
- Motivation
- Teamwork
- Self-Awareness
- Commercial Awareness
- Use of IT
Functional and Practical Maths and English
Students will have access to English, Maths and ICT through work within their businesses as well as specific sessions to support gaining qualifications where appropriate. Students work towards Functional Maths and English, Entry Level 1 to Level 1
- Using numbers
- Measure, shape and space
- Handling information and data
- Problem solving
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking and listening
- Using a computer to communicate
Community inclusion
- Community links
- Accessing local community facilities
- Being a responsible member of the community
- Caring for the environment
- Safety in the community
Personal, Social and Relationships
- Qualities of friends
- Personal interests and qualities
- Understanding relationships
- Personal safety
- Safety in the home and community
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Students will complete four sections for the Bronze or Silver award and complete the course with a camping expedition.
The sections include- skills, volunteering, physical and the expedition.
Through expedition training in the local area students are taught basic skills in;
- Map reading
- Responsible hiking
- Conservation
- Camping
Independent Living Skills
Students will have the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities that will support their independence skills.
- Shopping for food and household items
- Food hygiene and safety
- Using a kitchen
- Following a recipe
- Cooking and planning food for yourself
- Looking after a house
- Travel training
- Budgeting
- Personal hygiene
Good Health and Wellbeing
Looking after your health and wellbeing is an important part of adulthood. Within the Link students have the opportunity to participate in activities that support their wellbeing including physical activities, leisure and ant activities.
Personal Health
- Looking after your body and mind
- Support systems, where to seek help
- Healthy diet
- Healthy living
- Choice of enrichment activities
Creative Arts & PE
- Looking after your body and mind
- Art including expressive arts
- Physical activities
- Choice of enrichment activities
External Links
External links are considered to be an important part of the Post 16 programme as it helps students gain confidence and forms a vital element in their social development.
We encourage students, parents and other external agencies to work in partnership with us and to support the students as they approach adulthood.
We participate in a range of external accreditation schemes used to support our curriculum and for monitoring the success of the course. Students complete modules of work at an appropriate level within each skill area.
We also support student’s progression through the use of assessment tools including the Employability Skills Framework and Skills for My Future.
Accreditation
We participate in a range of external accreditation schemes used to support our curriculum and for monitoring the success of the course. Students complete modules of work at an appropriate level within each skill area.
We offer a range of accreditation tailored to suit the needs of the individual learners. These include;
- ASDAN Award/ Certificate in Personal & Social Development Entry 1-3
- Edexcel Functional Skills in Maths & English at Entry Level 1, 2, 3 and Level 1
- Travel Training
- Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze and Silver
Transition
Transition for students preparing to leave school is provided through secure links with their future service provider wherever possible. Some move on to a variety of Colleges, others have a day care package built for them.
Students have access to Linwood’s Independent Advice and Guidance team who will meet with the students to support them to look at the options post The Link.
For more information, contact Karen Taylor (Post 16 Learning Leader)
