Learning for Life and Work (LLW)

Curriculum vision

Through LLW lessons in Parkhall Integrated College, we aim to encourage students to develop their social skills to enable them to have a positive impact on their own lives and the lives of everyone they encounter, and so we are dedicated to enable students to prepare for life and work and to become good and successful citizens.

Key stage 3

All students in key stage 3 study LLW. Through the key stage 3 progamme of study students are challenged to manage information, make decisions and solve problems, be creative, work with others and work independently.

When delivering LLW, we use a range of teaching and learning approaches, activities and experiences that encourage active participation and build on existing good practice. These include group and collaborative work, giving pupils opportunities to take ownership of their learning, promoting pupil choice, and providing time for reflection.

We aim to support pupils to:

express their thoughts and feelings about the issues explored within the Learning for Life and Work themes, and consider how they would like things to develop in the future;
research, understand and evaluate relevant information to help shape and clarify their own views and values;
respond constructively to the challenges and opportunities presented by these themes in real-life contexts.

Key stage 4

All Key Stage 4 students study LLW. As well as this, they are offered the opportunity to study PAL (Preparation for Adult Life), a non-examined, portfolio-based course. Students can achieve a Level 2 (equivalent GCSE C grade) in this CCEA Vocational qualification. This course builds upon the knowledge and skills achieved in the key stage 3 LLW programme.

This specification supports learners in developing as individuals and as contributors to the economy, society and the environment. It emphasises the growth of knowledge and skills needed to function independently and effectively in life, education and work. These include personal skills such as self-awareness, maintaining personal health and building relationships, alongside employability skills and the confident use of technology.

Key stage 5

All students in key stage 5 study LLW.

Extra-curricular

The LLW department has strong links with the community and invites various organisations and speakers into the school to consolidate the delivery of the LLW curriculum.

The LLW department also runs an Eco Club to promote sustainable development a part of the life and ethos of the school.