Skills for Learning

Skills for Learning at Rawlins AcademyRawlins Academy is proud to be the only secondary school in Leicestershire where students with moderate learning difficulties are given specialist support. Skills for Learning (SFL) is an Ofsted Outstanding Special Needs provision for students with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), based within a mainstream school. It combines tailored support for individual student needs with the life skill benefits of being part of a mainstream school environment. Rawlins has 26 years experience helping students with MLD to become independent, and prepare them to enjoy life in our complicated world.

“Students achieve well because they work together as a group on well-considered activities with good help and guidance.” Ofsted 2013

SFL students across the years thrive on the support and experiences they are given.

“I have enjoyed the trip to Beaumanor and going on the zip wire, all the lessons are good and the teachers are lovely and interesting. I have made lots of new friends and I am really enjoying Rawlins.” Louisa, year 7

“When our daughter started at Rawlins, she had no confidence and very low self-esteem. She has overcome these problems thanks to the care and dedication of staff, who always have time for students and parents.” Mrs Greta Wright

Feel part of both SFL and RawlinsAt Rawlins, within SFL, we provide a successful all-round educational experience that helps your child grow. We want your child to feel secure and build confidence and are certain that the structure of our day helps them to do just that. Each day begins with twenty minutes of coaching time. Your child has a personal coach who is a constant source of support for any needs or concerns that your child may have throughout their educational journey at Rawlins. Each coaching group spans all year groups, giving your child exposure to the experiences and wisdom of those around them. Rawlins Academy is organised around a highly successful house system. Each SFL student, as part of their coaching group, is a member of a house and is able to take part in activities, trips, competitions and assemblies alongside other Rawlins students.

Educational progressionThe beginningIn year 7 and year 8, students follow the Opening Minds (OM) curriculum, a project-based curriculum, which develops the skills and understanding needed for success in learning, careers and life. OM is organised around five key competences; citizenship, managing situations, learning, managing information and relating to people. OM encompasses the majority of subjects; literacy, science, ICT, computing, history, geography, citizenship, religious studies, media and drama. SFL students receive additional specialist support with numeracy and literacy from the specialist SFL team.

Alongside OM, SFL students attend other lessons in areas where they feel confident such as PE, Art and Music. Opportunities also exist for tailor-made experiences in areas of interest to individuals, for example, sessions at a local farm.

Rawlins is extremely proud of the exceptional range of clubs and enhancement classes that we offer to every one of our students. They can participate in many different activities including clubs, sports, trips, work experience and activity days around their normal timetable.

The next stageYears 9, 10 and 11 build on the skills, confidence and learning experiences developed within OM. A wide ranging and varied set of courses are on offer for SFL students, many leading to ASDAN qualifications – a pioneering curriculum offering programmes of study that grow skills for learning, employment and life.

Year 9 modules include Healthy Living, Environmental Awareness and Working Towards Goals. Some students can join BTEC and GCSE courses in years 10 and 11 and will continue to build on the development of their independence and confidence, the most essential foundation for an all-rounded education and our students’ happiness.

“SFL at Rawlins Academy provided our son with a warm, friendly and safe environment that allowed him to thrive. All the staff are dedicated professionals who provided the best possible tuition and care that these young people need. We can honestly say that the progress our son made was truly remarkable.” Mr and Mrs Hodgson

As your child’s SFL journey continues into years 12, 13 and 14, the opportunities to follow courses which lead to recognised qualifications such as BTEC certificates, awards in PE, Art and ICT, and ASDAN Personal and Social Development (PSD) continue. Some students may join other mainstream lessons with support. Specific life skills such as independent living, travel and managing money become very important. “Students follow an adapted curriculum that suits their needs, so they achieve well and are successfully prepared for life after college.” Ofsted 2013

The focus of the final years at Rawlins is to ensure your child feels as confident, independent and well-equipped as possible to step out into the world. The combination of our specialist staff and our successful SFL track record enable us to ensure that all our students are best prepared to face the next challenge ahead.

“Working in SFL is a very rewarding experience. Watching students literally flourish and grow in confidence and independence, within our safe and supportive environment, is a fantastic job to have.” Matt Hutton, Coordinator of SFL, Rawlins Academy

Skills for Learning

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Rawlins AcademyLoughborough Road, Quorn, Leicestershire, LE12 8DY

Tel: 01509 622815Email: enquiries@rawlinsacademy.org.uk

Web: www.rawlinsacademy.org.uk