At Newark Orchard School, we want our students to spend their time with us learning to be the best versions of themselves that they can possibly be. We want to prepare them for their next steps, to drive their independence and foster their resilience and get them as ready for adulthood as we can. We recognise that this will look very different for each individual, which is a reflection of our school vision and ethos.
With this in mind we designed our Life Skills curriculum, with a preparing for adulthood focus. As a staff we believe that our students need explicit teaching of these essential skills and put a high value on delivering them throughout the day. These may be skills such as developing personal care, remembering manners, managing relationships and recognising our strengths and talents as well as things such as preparing simple meals, learning to do simple tasks and to use household equipment safely; and developing first aid and health knowledge. The targets are based on 5 areas of preparing for adulthood which we feel are:
- Healthy Living and Personal Care
- Independent Living and Personal Safety
- Independence in the Community
- Emotional Understanding and Relationships
- Careers
The Life Skills curriculum has 6 levels of progress, which recognises the starting points of all our learners at Newark Orchard School. The progression is also linked with our current curriculum content, with targets that reflect the Engagement curriculum, careers and RSHE throughout the key stages and accreditation such as ASDAN Personal and Social Development which is taught in Post16.
Each student has a booklet that tracks their development and achievements throughout their time at school, with photos and comments included that show how they have succeeded at a particular target. Some students may progress through several levels during their time with us while others may remain on the same level but develop a wide range of experiences while working on those targets. Students who are on Tapestry also have photos shared with parents through that reporting system.
Staff and students feel that preparing for adulthood and Life Skills are as important as academic achievement. We have found the students enjoy taking ownership of their learning and are proud when they have completed a target. They recognise that these targets improve their independence, which in turn increases their self-esteem. At Newark Orchard School, we believe Life Skills is fundamental in our formal and non-formal learning and will allow our young people the best opportunity be a functional, contributing member of society.
Please click on the link below for the Life skills Policy
Please click on the links below sequenced stages the pupils will work on through school.
Please click on the links below to find the booklets each pupil will have on their journey through school
