Victoria College - Natspec

Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the Preparing for Adulthood curriculum, focusing on the four areas: Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion and Health. Communication and Cognition are also key focal areas of everything we do.

The curriculum is filled with sessions that engage and challenge the students. Independent living skills include sessions on friendships and relationships, morning routines and eating and drinking as well as the opportunity to take part in cookery sessions. The students have many opportunities to take part in community visits, have artists and musicians visit the college and take part in sports activities away from college too. Health is a major part of the curriculum, with the use of physio embedded into sessions, hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, Sherborne Dance and sports are focal points. Nursing clinics also take part throughout the college day. Mental Health is supported by a broad and balanced curriculum, with a beautiful sensory room to relax in and an outdoor space that is suitable for learning, social activities and relaxation. Employment is delivered through an Enterprise scheme that allows the students to take part in creative work projects.

Communication is paramount to empower students to make choices. The college has a rich communication environment, with a speech and language and music therapist visiting weekly. Students use a range of low and high tech devices to communicate and staff use on body signing, Makaton signs, symbols, speech and body language to communicate. Communication and cognition are challenged with personal targets that are assessed using seven areas of engagement.

All sessions are delivered and/or supported by a qualified and experienced team of teachers, teaching assistants and therapists.

▼ Specialist colleges design their programmes around the needs of the learners they have on roll. This college offers:

• Sensory programmes primarily focused on developing communication skills