Curriculum

Curriculum

Education at Mercury College is shaped by communication, sensory, emotional wellbeing and learning needs.

Preparation for Adulthood is embedded throughout the curriculum rather than being an additional pathway. Communication, participation and independence are developed across the curriculum and daily life.

Mercury College delivers education through The H.E.S.L.E.Y. Integrated Model. Positive Behaviour Support sits at the centre of this approach, supported by consultant-led clinical leadership, multidisciplinary input and outcomes aligned to EHCPs, Preparation for Adulthood and quality of life.

Preparation for Adulthood

The four Preparation for Adulthood outcomes form the structure for the curriculum:

Employability – this includes exploring different employment options, such as support for becoming self-employed and help from supported employment agencies.

Independence – this means young people having choice, control and freedom over their lives such as over the support they need and their accommodation and living arrangements, including supported living.

Community Inclusion – participating in society, including having friends and supportive relationships and contributing to the local community.

Health & Wellbeing – being as healthy as possible in adult life.

These outcomes are delivered holistically as part of a personalised study programme, embedded across the curriculum. Students study a range of vocational subjects, which are related to each other to improve transferability of skills. The outcomes are personalised and focused on the young person’s aspirations, helping them experience as much independence as possible.

Each student has a personalised college plan in which their aims are defined by them and the circle of support around them. The steps for developing transferable skills and the actions to be taken are defined and broken down to provide sequential learning with support from our Therapeutic Services Team. In this way learning is targeted to ensure success.

All students, as part of their study programme, are engaged in independence and employment skills training, functional English and Maths, along with a selection of social enterprise projects as part of our employability and vocational training options. Every student has a dedicated personal tutor and receives weekly tutorial time, both one-to-one and in small groups.

Students take part in learning experiences in the local and wider community and have the opportunity to look outwards rather than inwards, widening participation and improving social integration.

Students are supported to move towards adulthood with increased confidence and resilience, and the skills that are meaningful to their own circumstances.

They are supported to transition from college with effective networks in place, building on the transferable skills they have developed, demonstrating trust in those who support them and maintaining safe relationships with peers.

Students’ families are able to recognise the difference in their approach to adult life and to feel reassured that they will be able to cope when challenges arise.

In summary, students are supported to prepare for adulthood, take part in community life and contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.