- Over two decades of outstanding results
- 21/21 Years top of the league tables
- Highest A level grades of any Manchester College
- Top of the league tables for A Level Grades
Pathways to Independence (Essential Skills)
The primary aim of the Pathways to Independence Department is to provide a curriculum that promotes independence in all areas of the learner's life in preparation for their participation in the 'real world'. This is achieved through the delivery of the Pathways to Independence Course. Emphasis is placed on the Essential Skills Curriculum, Independent Travelling and Work.
Students who access the Pathways Course are first and foremost Loreto students and are fully included in all areas of college life.
An individual course will be tailored to meet students’ personal needs to develop their skills through real-life, practical situations within college and out in the wider community. Regular assessment through observation of personal development is undertaken by our specialist staff. There is no formal examination or coursework.
This course will enable students to develop their independence skills, taking responsibility for their own actions. The skills developed through undertaking the topics noted above include:
Following instructions and routines
Identifying and solving problems
Communicating with others in a range of situations
Taking responsibility
Making own choices/decisions
Pursuing own interests
Adult numeracy: including money and time skills
Adult literacy
IT skills
At the end of the course students will have been encouraged to achieve their maximum potential and will have developed the skills enabling them to lead a more fulfilling and independent life.
Qualification:
Essential Skills Award
What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...:
Key topics include:
Daily Living Skills: Shopping at a variety of supermarkets and shops, handling money and making meals etc.
Community and Leisure: Travelling by all forms of public transport, visiting towns in the Greater Manchester area – accessing facilities and amenities in the community.
Personal Care and Presentation: Health and care routines – shaving, washing hair etc.
Sound and Vision: Accessing the Zion Centre, DJ skills – using technical equipment: mixing, recording and making music.
Sport and Leisure: Accessing Moss Side Leisure Centre – swimming, badminton, football, circuit training.
Vocational Skills: Interview techniques, CVs, completing job application forms etc. Experiencing a variety of work placements in the community including - Oxfam, Help the Aged, Age Concern, PDSA, Society for Abandoned Animals, Manchester Dog’s Home, Cancer Research, ASDA, Kwik Save, Wilkinson’s, Co-op, Somerfield and Iceland.
In addition to the above student’s will also follow an independent Travel Training programme and participate in an Assessment Residential Activity week in the Lake district.
Specialist Facilities Available to the Department:
A fully fitted kitchen with modern facilities
A ‘simulated flat’ teaching area, which includes a kitchen, bedroom and sitting area
A fully fitted personal care and presentation room with adaptations for wheel chair users
2 teaching classrooms with computers and overhead projectors
30 mobile phones
ICT suites for time-tabled ICT lessons
Art/craft workshop for time-tabled art lessons
Specialist sports equipment and access to sports halls for time-tabled sessions
Physiotherapy room for students across college with physical disabilities
Personal care room for students across college who are wheelchair users
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