Courses
Core Skills
The Core Skills curriculum develops the essential knowledge and transferable skills learners need to progress in learning, build independence and prepare for adult life and employment. Skills are taught in practical, meaningful contexts and applied across everyday activities, community learning and work-related experiences.
Learning is personalised and delivered at the appropriate level to support confidence, independence and progression.
Maths for Real Life and Work
Learners develop practical maths skills that support everyday independence and work readiness, including:
Using money and understanding value
Measuring and weighing
Time awareness and basic calculations
Maths is embedded into real-life tasks such as shopping, travel and workplace activities.
English for Communication and Independence
Learners develop functional English skills to support communication, independence and employment. This includes:
Reading and understanding information
Writing for everyday and work-related purposes
Developing spoken language and listening skills
Learning is focused on practical use rather than academic study alone.
Digital Skills and ICT
Learners gain confidence using digital tools and technology to support learning and everyday life. This may include:
Using devices safely and responsibly
Accessing information online
Using assistive technology where appropriate
Digital skills support independence, communication and preparation for the modern workplace.
Communication Skills
Learners develop communication and social interaction skills through structured activities and real-life situations. This includes:
Speaking and listening
Turn-taking and social interaction
Using AAC or assistive technology where needed
Strong communication skills support confidence, teamwork and workplace engagement.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Learners develop problem-solving and decision-making skills to support independence and work readiness. Learning focuses on:
Thinking through tasks step by step
Making choices
Applying strategies to overcome challenges
These skills are embedded across lessons, work experience and community activities.
All learners are assessed on entry to ensure they are placed on the most appropriate learning pathway for their individual needs and goals.
Support is personalised and reviewed regularly, with progress monitored through structured reviews to ensure learners continue to develop skills and move forward. Reviews are guided by each learner’s EHCP outcomes and current learning priorities, supporting clear progression towards independence, employment and adult life.
English and maths are embedded across the curriculum and taught in a range of real-life and work-related contexts, alongside timetabled weekly sessions. Learning is based on the Functional Skills syllabus and focuses on practical application to support independence and employability.
We recognise that learners progress at different rates. Achievement is therefore measured in a variety of ways, including in-house progress certificates, short unit-based accreditations such as ASDAN, and Entry Level Functional Skills qualifications where appropriate. This flexible approach ensures progress is recognised and meaningful for every learner.
Communication skills are embedded throughout the curriculum to support learners to express choices, share ideas and communicate their needs effectively. This includes developing verbal, non-verbal and supported communication skills, including the use of AAC or assistive technology where appropriate.
Problem solving and digital skills are developed across the learner’s journey at college and applied in real-life, community and work-related contexts. Learners are supported to make decisions, follow processes and use technology to support learning and independence.
Learners work towards core skills accreditations tailored to their individual pathway, including Life Skills Challenges from WTE1 to Entry Level 3. These accreditations recognise progress and achievement at the appropriate level for each learner.