Curriculum pathways
Our curriculum pathways are designed to support our young people to become as independent as possible as they move into adulthood. Based upon the Preparation for Adulthood agenda, each pathway has clear emphasis on Employment, Independent Living, Good Health and Friends, Relationships and Community.
At Langdon College we currently have 4 cohesive pathways which support students to make progress towards their individual outcomes and aspirations. Teachers assess students during our Diagnostic Period to identify which pathway each student is most suited to and ensure it is appropriately challenging.
Each pathway includes elements of English and maths, whether at a practical level or with the completion of accreditation. We currently deliver NCFE Functional Skills qualifications from Entry Level 1 to Level 2, for those students that this is appropriate for.
Work experience
Work experience is an integral part of the learning process at Langdon College. Work placements are carefully selected for the individual, meeting their needs and interests, as well as matching their vocational or practical skills. During placements, students develop essential work skills such as independent travel, social interaction and communication, literacy and numeracy, along with the skills necessary to be successful in a specific occupational area. Some learners may work towards an Employability Skills qualification as part of their learning programme.
Curriculum delivery and assessment
Teachers assess learning using the ‘Recognising and Recording of Progress and Achievement’ (RARPA) assessment process. This means that each student completes a Diagnostic Assessment during transition visits and during the first 6 weeks of the academic year. On completion of the diagnostic assessment, students are set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic individual targets.
Students are assessed using a variety of methods which will ensure they are given the best opportunity to demonstrate skills; this may be through discussion, observation or practical activities. Students may complete a portfolio of work which will be assessed throughout the year and may also be entered for English and maths exams when appropriate.
Teachers use the Evidence for Learning application to assess, monitor and review targets, tracking progress over a period of time and sessions. Targets are linked directly to students’ aspirations and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.
Curriculum subjects
Langdon College is committed to offering students an inclusive, multifaceted extended curriculum which provides the opportunity to Recognise and Record Progress and Achievement (RARPA) through the setting of individual targets. These targets will be linked to Independent Living Skills, Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, as well as Work Experience and Social and Leisure Skills.
The curriculum subjects cover a variety of vocational activities:
At Langdon College we use gardening as a vehicle to teach our students practical numeracy, literacy and communication skills, as well as the discipline and sense of responsibility needed in any workplace. Our students learn about recycling as well as how to tend a garden whilst growing a wide range of fruit vegetables and flowers. They get a great sense of satisfaction from completing the various projects they undertake throughout the year.
Music is a great way to develop our students’ self-confidence and give them the skills to form opinions and make decisions. Students have the opportunity to play a range of instruments as part of our College band and perform at different events throughout the year. The College is also looking at Music Therapy and how this can enhance and enrich the lives of our learners.
All of our students learn Independent Living Skills to empower them to become as independent as possible when in the home or participating in community activities. Students develop cooking, independent travel and domestic skills, which allow them to enjoy all that their own accommodation and the local community has to offer.
Sessions are designed to address the maths and English needs of students on learning programmes at levels from pre-entry up to and including Level 2. Each student completes a rigorous assessment process to determine the key areas for development. Practical maths and English activities are completed within real-life situations whether it be budgeting and shopping for ingredients, to interacting with the local community when out and about.
Getting out and about in the community, learning how to travel and access local amenities is one way in which students at Langdon College are encouraged to become as independent as possible. Students learn about bus routes, how to find out information, what they need when travelling, health and safety issues and venues in which to spend social time. Students’ research and experience selected routes and places of interest, such as the gym, cinema or theatre, with friends and staff.
Through the auspices of the Ian Karten Charitable Trust, the College operates a printing business centre consisting of a range of high-quality hardware, software and assistive technology, used by the students to produce a range of products for sale. Students enjoy developing a range of business operations, management and production skills, in a supported environment, where they do real work for external and internal clients.