Senior Phase Orientation
Information for Prospective Parents
The Senior Phase – Preparing For Life Beyond School
Preparing school-going special needs teens and young adults for the world beyond school involves a comprehensive approach that focuses on developing practical skills, fostering independence, and ensuring they are equipped to navigate the challenges of adult life.
Educating special needs teens and young adults requires a thoughtful, individualised approach that addresses their unique learning styles, strengths, and challenges. The goal is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where they can achieve academic success and develop essential life skills.
Curriculum
The academic requirements for Senior phase pupils are tailored to their individual abilities, interests, and future goals.
The Differentiated CAPS Curriculum
The Senior phase curriculum follows the Differentiated Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (DCAPS). This flexible curriculum focuses on core skills: English, Mathematics, and Natural Science. A further three vocational subjects are selected.
English
The focus is on functional literacy, which includes reading, writing, and the comprehension skills necessary for everyday life, rather than purely academic knowledge. Lessons are adjusted in terms of content, process, and product to cater to individual learning styles and levels of ability. All learning is differentiated to meet the needs of each pupil.
However, the specific skills that all pupils need remain the same:
- Listening and speaking
- Reading and viewing
- Handwriting and writing
- Language structure and conventions
Mathematics
Teaching practical mathematical skills valuable in daily activities, such as budgeting, shopping, or telling time, is prioritised over abstract mathematical concepts. The DCAPS curriculum is designed to emphasise functional skills that will enhance independence throughout life. The content has been designed to build practical skills needed in adult life.
- Numbers, operations and relationships
- Patterns, functions and algebra
- Space and shape
- Measurement
- Data handling
Natural Science
The focus is on the world around us and our place within it. The material covered includes caring for the environment and using resources responsibly. Learning through hands-on practical work is an integral aspect of the curriculum.
Vocational Subjects
Ancillary Health
This subject concentrates on self-care, the elderly, and childcare. Pupils learn how to perform all the basic functions of care in these areas and the basic functioning of the human body and emotions.
Office Administration
In this area, the pupil learns the basic functioning of an office and the duties of different individuals within the office environment. Basic tasks associated with each office area are learned and practised to make pupils comfortable and capable in an office environment. The DCAPS Office Administration curriculum includes Computer Literacy, focusing on the Microsoft Office Suite.
Consumer Studies (Food production)
Pupils learn the functional operation of a kitchen and the processes needed to produce basic meals. They also learn the health and safety aspects of producing food and how to make tasty, healthy food for themselves and others.
IEB Adult Education and Training Examinations
DCAPS offers a solid foundation for preparing for the IEB AET examinations, which some pupils may write. The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) Adult Education and Training (AET) examinations in South Africa hold significant value, especially for adult pupils who seek to enhance their educational qualifications. The AET exams are designed for adult pupils, recognising their unique needs and learning styles. The content is relevant and practical, focusing on skills that adults need to succeed in the workplace and everyday life.
Work Experience
Work experience is essential for preparing our pupils for independence. The work experience programme involves the placement of our pupils at an employer’s premises. Pupils carry out a range of tasks and duties as an employee would but with an emphasis on exposure to the work environment. Pupils are gradually prepared for work at different levels throughout the Senior phase, from sheltered workshops to the open labour market. They gain experience through voluntary placements, depending on the pupil’s abilities. In-house tasks are also part of the work experience programme.
Sport
Our sports programme is incorporated into the school day.
IDP (Individual Development Programme)
An IDP consists of four individualised goals for each pupil. The goals are chosen to have the most significant impact on learning and are divided into short-term and long-term goals. These goals are followed over a year. Feedback is given through a “Learning Journey” and review meetings at midyear and year-end. IDP goals are revised collaboratively by the parents and teachers.
Assessment
Assessment takes place at several different levels.
- Continuous assessment gives multiple opportunities for success and guides teachers to where further support is needed.
- Formal tasks are introduced to assess a pupil’s understanding and skills at an independent level.
- 80% of the learning in a special needs school is practical. Practical tasks, including formal ones, are assessed using a rubric. A rubric is an explicit set of criteria to evaluate a particular type of work or performance to record the pupils’ scores.
- IEB Adult Education and Training Examinations (for selected pupils)
Homework
Homework is given at the teacher’s discretion. As each pupil progresses through different levels of academic attainment, more homework will be given.
Uniform
- The pupils must wear the correct school uniform daily unless otherwise stipulated by WhatsApp, email, newsletter, and term plan.
- Attention to appropriate grooming and wearing the correct uniform encourages self-respect and discipline.
Excursions
- Day trips are organised during the term and will relate as closely as possible to the theme being taught.
- Shopping outings are encouraged to address money-handling skills and good social skills.
- During November, a two-day programme to develop leadership skills, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and an outdoor experience away from the school is organised for intermediate and Senior pupils.
Morning Duties
- Teachers are on morning duty from 07h00 – 07h45.
- The intermediate phase pupils gather between the Senior block and therapy centre in the mornings before school.
- During inclement weather, they will gather in a duty teacher’s classroom.
Communication
- Class WhatsApp groups are established for general communication about classroom and school activities. For more personal matters, please get in touch with the teacher privately.
- Open communication is essential. If a problem occurs, parents need to discuss the issue with the teacher.
Therapy
All therapy in the intermediate phase aims to develop each pupil’s optional functionality. Group speech therapy sessions, group occupational therapy sessions, and music therapy sessions are included in the school fees. All other therapies can be arranged with individual therapists at their private fees.
Building a Network of Support
The journey from school to independent living for pupils, especially those with special needs, is a significant and multifaceted process. It involves careful planning, skills development, and a supportive network to ensure that young adults can transition successfully into independent or semi-independent lives. The journey from school to independent living is a gradual and individualised process. Educators, families, and communities can help special needs young adults achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling, independent lives by providing the proper support, education, and opportunities.