This is a programme designed to develop the basic life skills of students with intellectual and learning disabilities.

Achievement Objectives:

• To encourage and establish independent functioning.
• To assess individual capabilities.
• To provide programme to reach potential.
• To provide opportunities to learn new skills and develop communication skills.

Topics:

Consumer Studies:

Money – use, recognition, value; recognition of needs; recognition of variety of different shops; identifying what shops you need; the types of goods each shop has; how to purchase.

Family Life:

• Family tree, being part of a family and where we come from.
• Meals and food –different types (breakfast, snacks, barbeques, winter soups etc.), how to prepare and present, duties involved in preparation and clearing up.
• Variety of family activities – sharing household chores, recreation together, respect for individuals, personal and family responsibilities.
• Different family structures, beliefs, cultures.

Community Services:

• Police; Emergency Services – Ambulance and Fire Service; Libraries; Local council.

Communication Systems:

• How we communicate at school, home, with friends, different language/slang/jargon.
• Talking and listening.
• Why communication systems are important – between who and how.
• Telephone – faxes, e-mail.
• Written communication – postal services; community communication – newspapers, radio, TV.
• Selected supported Learning Units or ASDAN programmes.

Education Outside the Classroom:

• Planning, organising and implementing major learning experiences. This may involve travelling away from school.

Conservation:

• Awareness of parks and reserves; recycling; refuse control.

These are the mainstream core and option classes available to each student.

Placement is determined by appropriateness in relation to the student’s strengths, needs and support available.