Curriculum

Photo: Students in the class-room. At Northern Counties College we aim to provide a curriculum that is learner centred, reflects the individual needs of the learner and prepares them to take their place in their community, academically, socially and emotionally. Each student's individual needs, priorities and aspirations provides the starting point for the student's learning programme together with a core curriculum of essential skills for everyday life and work. The development of Basic Skills, Information Communication Technology and Social Skills is an integral component of each student's curriculum. The main areas of the curriculum include:

  • Communication Skills
  • Social and Life Skills
  • Work Related Skills - which may be delivered in the workplace
  • Independence Skills
  • Sport and Recreation Skills

Photo: Student repotting plants in a Horticulture session. We offer excellent resources to support the curriculum which include the latest IT equipment, a purpose built Independent Living Skills room, extensive grounds for Horticulture and a Music and Media Studio and Performance Space. Our Sport and Recreational facilities are excellent and include access to the Percy Hedley Disability Sports Academy for Power-chair Football and gym facilities, and onsite sports hall, hydrotherapy pool and swimming pool.

Students preparing to leave Northern Counties College will have opportunities to explore a range of options including transition to local FE Colleges, sheltered and supported employment either within the Percy Hedley Foundation or with other local employers.

In the final year in College the emphasis of the curriculum is on progression and planning for moving on.