School Curriculum

Each student has an individually tailored curriculum, appropriate to his or her abilities, needs and interests. A learning pathway will include elements taken from the 9 areas of the Lifehouse curriculum, to ensure a broad and balanced range of experiences. Many students who attend The Lifehouse have struggled with a wholly academic timetable and we aim to balance the need to progress in core subjects with opportunity to develop practical and life skills. We find this leads to individual success and growing self esteem, encouraging personal and social growth. Every pupil will gain certification and formal recognition wherever possible.

The Lifehouse is a formal Examination Centre and has affiliation with several exam boards, enabling students to follow GCSE, Entry and Essential Skills Wales courses where appropriate. We also run a wide and varied Work Experience programme, enabling the older pupils to experience life in the real world with employers who have been selected for their excellent abilities to work alongside our students. Work experience is taken in a small, manageable time frame and very closely monitored.

Students and parents are involved in planning their own Lifehouse Learning Pathway (LLP) after the first term of attendance.

There are 9 curriculum areas that we cover. These are:

Some teaching will be explicit to one curriculum area to meet specific learning needs or qualification requirements. At other times, a student's learning will be through integrated cross-curricular activities.

Towards the end of their first term, each student will have a 'review and plan' meeting with the Lifehouse staff. From our assessment at this stage, combined with the students own thoughts and parental contribution, we compile an individual Lifehouse Learning Pathway (LLP). The student's individual timetable is then developed appropriately.

Children have an IEP (Individual Education Plan) every term that is reviewed by staff and pupils together. This will contain shorter term targets both in academic learning and in SEAL. Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning are a key part of our work here at The Lifehouse and hold equal merit to academic work when we assess a child's progress.

The LLP will then cover the next year. It will cover aspirations for experiences, skills, knowledge and qualifications to be be gained during that time at the Lifehouse.. A record of our pupils achievements in External Examinations and other certification is available from the Lifehouse on request.

Other academic assessment is carried out throughout the year to monitor progress and identify areas of strength and weakness. These assessments also go toward planning an appropriate timetable for each student. Staff at The Lifehouse have been very carefully selected for their skills and relevant experience.