At St John’s FE teaching and learning focuses on preparation for adulthood and the skills required for this.

Our curriculum aims to provide motivational, meaningful, and purposeful learning which supports pupils to continue to build on previously learnt skills and knowledge. Learning is based around practical and functional lessons which are informed by the 4 outcomes from the Preparation for Adulthood Framework. These outcomes are an essential part of our pupils’ learning so that they can be as independent as possible once they leave St John’s School. As well as functional maths and English, pupils will have discreet lessons which support learning so that progress towards the 4 outcomes is achieved.

Pupils engage in many cross curricular activities that require good communication, teamwork and problem solving; skills which feed into every area of life.

Where appropriate, a variety of opportunities are planned for pupils to participate in meaningful work-related and vocational learning. These opportunities are planned with careful consideration of their aspirations, and may include completion of ‘Jobs’ sessions, enterprise activities, internal work experience placements or external work experience placements: these are sourced on an individual basis externally arranged voluntary projects.

Pupils have discrete lessons which support the progress of independent living skills. Pupils will spend time in the community and access the local swimming pool and gym, shops and cafes for example. They will, where appropriate, learn about travel training and being safe in the community and online. Additionally, lessons which involve cooking, cleaning and home skills are taught.

As well as spending time in the community it is important that pupils understand they have a choice and options, therefore leisure activities are timetabled so that they can self-direct and select the leisure time activity which is motivating to them.
School work closely with all health professionals so that the individual needs of all pupils are met during their time with us. Staff support pupils learning about health, for example understanding the importance of healthy eating. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their physical and mental wellbeing through group lessons or individual lessons.

All pupils have Person-Centred Reviews. These reviews aim to discover what’s important to and for the student now and in the future. St John’s values collaborative working with parents, carers and professionals, supporting the progress of pupils.

Post-16 pupils have the opportunity to participate in various link courses, visits and taster days to appropriate local provisions during the course of their FE education. These courses are developed in partnership with local Further Education and training providers. Careful consideration when planning these links is given to individual student aspirations as identified through their EHCPs. These courses offer pupils additional vocational learning in an alternative environment to school and may help inform their future plans.