General Studies
What is the Course About?
This programme is a supportive Life and Work Skills course designed for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. It focuses on developing essential skills for independence, wellbeing and positive engagement in everyday life.
It focuses on building key life and employability skills through practical learning. Sessions are tailored to each student’s needs and aim to develop independence, confidence and positive social interactions.
The core skills covered include:
• Communication
• Personal safety awareness
• Personal hygiene
• Making informed choices
• Managing behaviour
• Time management
• Following and adapting routines
• Taking responsibility
• Problem solving
Learning takes place through a range of engaging activities and real life experiences. Students will take part in:
• Outdoor pursuits
• Work experience placements
• Community studies
• Healthy living sessions
• Speaking with confidence
• Simple meal preparation
• Making purchases and managing money
• Current affairs discussions
• Integrated literacy and numeracy
These subjects help develop practical, real world skills for adulthood and future pathways.
Some students will also have the opportunity to gain experience in hospitality and catering through work at the Annie Gill Training Café, learning basic food preparation, cooking, customer service and barista skills.
Students working in the Annie Gill Training Café may also study:
• Level 1 Food Hygiene
• Level 2 Food Hygiene
• Level 2 Allergen Awareness
• Customer care
Opportunities to visit UCM
Useful links
Induction for further education students
Free school meals and transport
What are my progression and career options?
Most students continue into their second year of General Studies. Some may progress into the Annie Gill Training Café in Year 2 to build further catering and hospitality skills.
After completing the programme, students may move on to:
• Post 18 life skills provision
• Social Services day service programmes
• Paid employment (often through their work placement)
• A Level 1 course, depending on individual progress and goals
The aim is to support each student to achieve as much independence and engagement as possible in their next steps.
How will I be assessed?
Each student receives individual objectives, broken down into small, achievable targets based on the Essential Skills curriculum. Progress is tracked and recorded in sessions, and new targets are set as students achieve their goals.
Students working in the Annie Gill Training Café will complete an initial skills assessment and continue developing their practical abilities in catering environments. Assessment includes:
• Continuous coursework
• Practical assessments
• Catering exams (awarded by Highfield)
Additional awards may include:
• English Speaking Board communication qualifications
• Basic first aid
• Skills tests in literacy and numeracy
These achievements recognise personal growth, confidence and practical capability.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements, just the enthusiasm to meet an educational challenge. Students who attend the course have previously attended a Special Unit at one of the Island’s High Schools.