Sixth Form

We recognise that some students need a bridge into adult life and we intend to provide specific learning packages to reflect the needs of the individual. Since September 2009, St Dominic's has been running a DCSF-approved pilot year for Sixth Form provision.  This has been very successful and will continue into the future.

 Provision

St Dominic’s provides holistic educational post-16 opportunities within a therapeutic, weekly residential community:

  • Placements may run from a single year to three years depending on the needs of the student.  Some students may attend for one year only as a bridge between special school and mainstream education. 
  • Highly specialised individual programmes to enable the students to develop the skills needed to prepare for adult life, further education and the world of work.

 Learning Opportunities

            Students will be able to:

  • Access chosen courses at local partnership mainstream college
  • Re-take GCSEs
  • Complete the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network  (ASDAN) programme
  • Further develop Numeracy, Literacy and ICT skills
  • Develop study skills
  • Develop life and social skills
  • Take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and Young Enterprise
  • Have continued access to Speech and Language, Occupational and Physiotherapy and counselling as required

 Independent living 

  • Waking day curriculum allows new skills to be learned and consolidated within a safe environment
  •  Working with the individual towards independence in all key areas including self care and self organisation
  • Shopping, cooking, and budgeting. Students buy and cook the food at least once a week to develop essential skills, and receive a monthly ‘statement’ on their spending. Any saved money can be used for luxuries.
  • Travelling independently using public transport.

 Social Integration

  •  Waking day curriculum and boarding with a holistic approach to social interaction
  • Accessing courses at a mainstream college
  • Arranging and accessing social activities within the peer group and wider community

 Activities

Students are actively encouraged to develop their individual interests and broaden their range of leisure interests including:

  • Swimming
  • Art and craft
  • Drama
  • Football
  • Cookery
  • Dancing
  • Archery
  • Walking
  • Games on the common
  • Scouts
  • Air Cadets
  • Gardening

The Sixth Form also have the opportunity to access external specialist events such as drama workshops, ski-ing and a trip to Lourdes

 Support

Support is targeted to meet the needs of each individual to enable students to achieve their potential in all areas of life.

  • Includes teachers, therapists, care staff, trained assistants, college staff
  • Carefully designed support to allow for the same staff to work with students at college and residentially to provide a holistic, therapeutic approach

 ‘I enjoy Sixth Form because I now go to college four days a week independently. At college I really enjoy my course and have made lots of friends. In the evenings we can ask to do anything and the staff will always try to help us make it happen.’

 Chris - Sixth Form student

 ‘My son David is only in his first full term at St Dominic's Sixth Form and already we are beginning to notice him make progress. He appears more confident, is willing to take on new challenges and is becoming more independent. Mixing with the others in the Sixth Form and his college peer group has really helped with his social interaction. He feels secure in his new environment but is being challenged and developed at the same time.’

 Parent of Sixth Form student