Post 16
The Post 16 department is the bridge between school and college, training or the work place. Our students are given steadily increasing opportunities to develop self-reliance and independence at home, in the community and at work. This in turn develops confidence, communication and self-esteem, health and wellbeing. We encourage students to behave in a mature manner, consider safety and to take responsibility for making decisions about their futures.
We build on the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales; preparing each student for their next stage in life; college, supported/independent living and work. Priorities for each student to overcome the main barriers to their next step are discussed with the student and their families. Priorities are targeted with a series of long-term and short-term personal learning goals. Essential skills with a focus on communication, use of technology to support communication and increase independence, functional writing, reading, money, time, measurement and solving simple number problems are the primary focus in all activities.
The structure of our programme is the ASDAN Towards Independence accreditation. Students work to complete units including – Using Transport, Out in the Community, Money, Independent Living, Everyday Living, Horticulture, Environment, Practical Workshop, Personal safety, Using leisure facilities and for some of our students, units in developing sensory communication, multisensory communication and sensory baking. All course units are worked on simultaneously and three units are accredited each year.
Opportunities to develop careers and work-related experiences are provided through our school café, floristry shop, charity shop and polytunnel which provide on-site supported work experiences which are open to the public. Students also have the opportunity to access off-site supported work experiences and possibly off-site unsupported opportunities when they are ready. Students are also given opportunities to visit workplaces, access college taster courses and volunteer for community organisations such as Keep Wales Tidy and Nant Clwyd Y Dre Historic garden.
Students are encouraged to make healthy choices that promote well being including choosing healthy snacks, making balanced nutritious meals, personal hygiene, social opportunities, fitness activities including walking, cycling, dance and swimming. Activities that enable us to keep ourselves safe at home and in the community are a focus each week and relationships and sexuality education is essential to prepare our students for a safer, happier future.
