Entry 1 Achievement Continuum, Life and Living Skills for Students with Complex Needs
What is the Course About?
This course is designed for students aged 16–18 who have complex learning needs, often alongside additional sensory, physical or communication difficulties, or autism. It focuses on building independence, communication and life skills through a personalised, student centred approach. Individual learning goals are set based on each student’s unique abilities and needs, ensuring meaningful progress in areas that matter most for adult life and wellbeing.
We offer a highly personalised learning experience. Each student’s programme is built around their strengths, needs and aspirations, with tailored learning aims across the following key areas:
• Educational and Community Inclusion
• Choices and Communication
• Functional Skills Development
• Positive Relationships
• Being Healthy and Staying Safe
Families and wider support professionals — including social work, therapy, health and care teams — play an active role in shaping and supporting each student’s learning journey.
Students take part in a varied and engaging timetable delivered through individual sessions, small groups and community based learning. Activities typically include:
• Independent Living Skills
• Sensory and Therapy Activities
• Functional Literacy and Numeracy
• Hydrotherapy and Swimming
• Sailing, Cycling and Walking
• Music, Art and Drama
The curriculum builds on skills developed in school while creating new opportunities for confidence, independence and real-world participation.
What are my progression and career options?
The course aims to help students become as independent and engaged as possible within their future settings. These may include:
• Adult day services
• Supported or community homes
• Wider community based programmes
• The family home
The focus is on preparing students for a fulfilling adult life with the highest level of independence appropriate to their individual needs.
How will I be assessed?
Each student is assessed according to their own learning aims, recognising progress in a flexible and meaningful way.
Achievement may be accredited through pathways such as:
• Entry 1 OCR Life and Living Skills
• English Speaking Board “Join the Music/Arts/Music/Act”
• English Speaking Board “Communication with Others”
These pathways celebrate personal growth, communication, creativity and functional skill development.
Entry requirements
This course is suitable for students 16-18 with complex learning needs often combined with other difficulties, such as sensory and/or physical disabilities or autism.