Preparing for Adulthood

Developing meaningful skills for adulthood

Preparation for Adulthood is not confined to a single lesson or subject. It is embedded across pupils’ experiences at Newman.

Learning provides opportunities to develop practical skills within school and the wider community, with experiences shaped around pupils’ individual abilities, aspirations and EHCP outcomes.

The wider curriculum reflects the four areas of the national Preparation for Adulthood framework:

Employment • Independent Living • Community Inclusion • Health

Through these areas, pupils develop skills and experiences that can support successful transitions into adult life.

Accredited Curriculum

Developing practical skills and recognising achievement

For Key Stage 4 pupils on a bespoke basis and those following the Destination Pathway, Preparation for Adulthood activities can lead to recognised accreditation.

The curriculum identifies opportunities including AQA Unit Awards, OCR Life and Living Skills and BTEC qualifications, from Pre-Entry Level upwards.

Learning is practical and can include activities within the wider community such as travel, shopping, independent living skills, working within a café environment and floristry or horticulture.

Programmes are planned on a bespoke basis, enabling pupils to work towards meaningful outcomes and progression appropriate to their individual starting points.

Wider Curriculum

Applying learning to everyday life

Preparation for Adulthood is embedded throughout Newman’s wider curriculum and pupils’ EHCP-related learning.

Young people following the Engage, Discovery, Develop and Deepen pathways experience activities connected with employment, independent living, community inclusion and health.

Learning takes place both within everyday curriculum activities and through specific experiences, such as visiting colleges, attending career fairs and developing confidence around healthcare appointments.

This helps pupils connect what they learn at school with the situations, choices and responsibilities they may encounter as they become young adults.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Building confidence in the wider community

Experiences beyond school are an important part of preparing pupils for adulthood.

From primary age through to Sixth Form, pupils have opportunities to participate in a broad range of Learning Beyond the Classroom activities.

These can include visits to social venues, travelling using public transport, outdoor and adventurous activities and residential experiences.

For some young people, this may also include opportunities to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

These experiences help pupils practise skills in authentic situations while developing confidence, independence, communication, resilience and community participation.

Employment

Developing skills and aspirations for the future

Preparation for employment begins long before a young person leaves Newman.

Through curriculum learning and practical experiences, pupils have opportunities to develop the personal, social and practical skills that can support their future progression.

Experiences such as café work, floristry, horticulture, college visits and career events enable pupils to explore different environments and develop a greater understanding of the opportunities that may be available to them.

Learning is personalised so that preparation for employment reflects each young person’s abilities, interests and aspirations.

Independent Living

Building skills for everyday life

Developing greater independence is central to Preparation for Adulthood.

Pupils have opportunities to practise practical skills such as shopping, travelling and independent living activities, helping them become increasingly confident managing everyday situations.

The level and nature of independence will look different for every young person. Newman therefore focuses on meaningful progression for the individual rather than expecting every pupil to achieve the same outcomes.

Community Inclusion

Belonging and participating

Being able to participate in the wider community is an important part of adult life.

Through visits, travel, social activities and experiences beyond the classroom, pupils become increasingly familiar with different places, people and situations.

These opportunities allow pupils to practise communication and social skills, build confidence and develop a greater understanding of how they can participate in and contribute to their communities.

Health

Developing understanding and confidence

Preparation for Adulthood also supports pupils to develop the knowledge and skills they need to manage their health and wellbeing as independently as possible.

The curriculum can include practical experiences associated with healthcare appointments, helping young people become more familiar with healthcare environments and develop confidence around accessing appropriate support.

Health-related learning is connected with pupils’ wider curriculum and individual EHCP outcomes.

Communication • Independence • Resilience

Newman’s three curriculum drivers are closely connected with Preparation for Adulthood.

Communication supports pupils to express choices, needs and aspirations, interact with other people and participate more confidently within their communities.

Independence develops through meaningful opportunities to practise everyday skills, make choices and take increasing responsibility for aspects of adult life.

Resilience develops through encountering new situations, environments and challenges and learning how to adapt, solve problems and continue developing confidence.

Together, these skills help young people prepare for life beyond Newman in ways that are meaningful, achievable and ambitious for them.

A Golden Thread Through Newman

Preparation for Adulthood connects curriculum learning, EHCP outcomes, practical experiences and enrichment rather than operating as a standalone programme.