Learning for Life

Aim

The aim of our Learning for Life programme is to provide an educational programme that meets the academic, social, vocational and behavioural needs of students with moderate learning disabilities, multiple disabilities and those on the Autistic spectrum.  We endeavour to provide such students with the skills needed to live fulfilled and productive adult lives and the tools to seek and gain employment. Our goal is to ensure all participants in the ‘Learning for Life’ programme gain recognition and certification at a level appropriate to them.

 

Objectives

  • Learners will develop knowledge, skills and competence relevant to personal development
  • Learners will engage with modules that promotes their participation in society, community and employment or further training
  • Learners will develop their goal setting skills, communication skills, everyday numerical and mathematical skills and IT skills
  • Learners will take classes in a variety of mainstream subjects – CSPE, SPHE, Rel Ed, Science and Cultural studies
  • Learners will participate in a work experience module appropriate to their needs
  • Learners will gain experience in a variety of practical areas that will improve their employability, eg, Horticulture, Childcare and Craft
  • Learners will be prepared for life as an adult with an intellectual disability that is fruitful, inclusive and productive

 

The Learning For Life Programme consists of the following three components:

First Steps QQI Level 1 Certificate in Communications

This full-time programme leads to a Level 1 Certificate in Communications through the completion of 6 programme modules and enhanced by a variety of mainstream subjects.  It potentially runs over one academic year but this is learner dependent.  It builds elementary skills knowledge and competency across communications, numeracy, information technologies, health and safety and the arts.  Learners may progress to the Level 2 – “WriteOn” programme.  (60 credits needed)  Assessment is 100% Portfolio based. 

Subjects include (but are not limited to:

  • Literacy                                               
  • CSPE
  • Numeracy                                          
  • SPHE
  • IT Skills                                              
  • Cultural studies /Irish / German
  • Visual Arts                                          
  • Religious Ed
  • Craft (Wood/Metal)                           
  • Home Economics
  • Horticulture                                       
  • Science
  • Sport                                                   
  • Music

                                 

“WriteOn” – Level 2 Certificate in General Learning

This programme builds basic skills, knowledge and competency in literacy numeracy and ICT, in the context of everyday life of learners.  It also supports the identification and learning styles and learning strategies. It is a full time programme, designed to run over one academic year (Learner dependent).  Final assessment is done through an interactive on-line exam as well as a portfolio of work.

Subjects include (but not limited to):

  • Literacy                                              
  • CSPE
  • Numeracy                                          
  • SPHE
  • Personal Goal Setting                       
  • Home Economics
  • Technology                                       
  • Games
  • Health and Safety                              
  • Cultural studies
  • Money Management                         
  • Music   
  • Horticulture                                       
  • Science
  • Arts                                                   
  • Craft     

 

“Learning for Everyday Living” – Level 3 Certificate in General  Learning

Students may progress to Level 3, “Learning for Everyday Living” – Level 3 Certificate in General Learning

This programme is junior certificate equivalent.  Its aim is to provide learners with the opportunity to improve their communication, numeracy and ICT skills and have the opportunity to learn new skills that have personal relevance to the learner.  Upon successful completion of a minimum of 6 programme modules a learner may achieve the required 60 credits to the Level 3 Award.

Subjects include but are not limited to:

  • Maths
  • Practical Maths
  • Numbers for Everyday Life
  • English          
  • Communication Skills
  • Games
  • Work Experience      
  • Science
  • Childcare      
  • Home Economics
  • Woodwork            
  • CSPE
  • Metal Craft                                        
  • SPHE
  • Art                                                       
  • Religious Education
  • IT                                                        
  • Developing Personal Effectiveness Skills
  • Music                                                  
  • Cultural Studies
  • Horticulture

 

Who is eligible?

Students who have a moderate intellectual disability.  Students with multiple disabilities and those on the Autistic spectrum that may also have an intellectual disability.  Students with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

The programme is tailored annually to meet the individual learning needs of the group based on their educational psychological report or diagnosis report. Therefore, due to the profile of our learners and the physical classroom size, we cannot accommodate more than 10 learners,2 SNA’s in this group. Due to the complex, diverse and often challenging nature of these students the number accepted onto the Learning for Life programme may be less if their needs are interpreted as requiring more individual attention and additional resources.