Our curriculum inspires, challenges and empowers each student to live their best life.
The InFocus curriculum has been specifically designed to support progression for teenagers and young adults with special educational needs (SEN). It is accessed by students across the college, taking into account age and development-related learning, and also each individual’s visual impairment and other needs.
Our curriculum inspires our young people to engage with and enjoy the learning process, embedding learning into their daily lives. It ensures that students engage in a broad range of exciting and creative opportunities, developing their independence and having fun as they learn. Fun and enjoyment are an essential part of the learning journey, seeing motivation as key.
Learning at InFocus happens everywhere and focuses on gaining independence and preparation for adulthood.
Curriculum overview
Our curriculum model is built on five key areas which develop skills, promote values and foster positive attitudes and behaviours.
Together with each student we focus on:
Core life skills – embracing life to the fullest
- enhancing communication skills, literacy, numeracy and ICT
- using technology to enhance daily life
- maximising functional vision
Social and Community – living healthy and happy lives
- following passions and doing things they really enjoy
- enjoying relationships with family and friends and meeting new people
- breaking down barriers associated with disability
Voice and Choice – advocating for themselves
- using their voice about things that matter to them
- making choices about all aspects of life to the fullest possible extent
- to use money, live a healthy life and manage relationships
Independence – maximising daily living skills
- living as independently as they are able, with the right level of support
- developing resilience and self-care routines
- travelling within their community with the support needed
Work – developing meaningful occupation
- learning the skills to thrive in a workplace or volunteer role
- experiencing work and volunteering placements
- being valued and active citizens in the community with a sense of purpose
Qualifications and accreditation
We can also guide students to gain qualifications in a range of different areas from GCSEs through to specialist accreditation frameworks for people with learning disabilities. Qualifications are not the driving force behind the curriculum but they are certainly available for students who require them.
These may include:
- GCSEs in English, Maths and ICT
- Ascentis ‘Stepping Stone’ qualifications in English and Maths
- NCFE Diplomas in Media and Radio
- ASDAN Personal Progress
- ASDAN Employability
- Arts Award
- and others to meet bespoke needs
College Pathways from 16-25
InFocus Specialist College provides SEN students with an inspiring and ambitious curriculum, supported by a strong team of multi-disciplinary professionals. Our College pathways cater to the diverse needs of our student body and offer a tailored programme of study with goals based on individual EHCP and future aspirations.
Our college pathways include:
Pioneer
Providing a pathway towards independence and employment.
The focus of the course is on developing independence and work skills with the ultimate goal of moving into independent or supported living and paid work or volunteering. The course achieves this through a highly structured and ambitious educational programme, as well as a diverse mix of activities such as community groups, music, sport and exercise, student radio, and art classes.
As the course progresses, Pioneer students will begin to apply the skills they’ve learned in real-life situations. For example, they may use communication, maths, and mobility skills in a work experience placement or on a trip to the supermarket.
Through their educational programme and a focus on interacting and socialising with a broad range of different people, Pioneer students will grow in social confidence and awareness, ultimately increasing their independence. Time spent in work placements and on work experience is an integral part of the Pioneer pathway and prepares students for a full and meaningful future.
Endeavour
Developing independence, gaining self-advocacy and strengthening daily living skills.
Once students have strengthened their decision-making abilities, they are able to make choices about their own learning by opting in or out of various activities. They can create a personalised study program to meet their individual needs.
Students on this pathway may require more support from our Multidisciplinary Therapy Team, and may benefit from increased input from our VI Advisory team and Health Care team.
To apply their skills in real-world situations, Endeavour students receive additional support to regulate themselves in different environments. With this training, our students often flourish in supportive living environments and maintain purposeful lives by socialising and volunteering.
Discovery
Providing a pathway into self advocacy, participation, communication and choices.
The focus of this course is to increase engagement and participation among Discovery students, who often have multiple, profound learning disabilities. The unique curriculum uses innovative assistive technology to help these students achieve meaningful and rewarding communication.
Additionally, the students benefit from increased support from the Multidisciplinary Therapy Team, including access to Visual Impairment services, professional therapists, and the Healthcare Centre.
By the end of the course, Discovery students will be able to communicate more effectively, feel comfortable in various sensory and life situations, and have developed greater mobility and independence. Personalised teaching resources and a sense of community will also be emphasised throughout the course.
Transition Pathway
Designed to prepare students for their transition into adulthood.
For some students, one or two years of further education may be necessary to develop the skills needed for independent or supported living, gain additional qualifications, or build specific work skills and confidence.
The curriculum focuses on developing independent living and work skills, and can be taken as a full-time or part-time course, or as a supported internship. In addition, students can take advantage of our residential and day services to help them prepare for the next stage of their lives.
For more information, please get in touch using the form below. You can also email us at enquiries@infocus-charity.org.uk.