MISSION AND GOALS
In Unity College’s Senior Phase, we nurture a love for learning, within an environment where there is respect, honesty, compassion and laughter. We aim to create a structured, but happy atmosphere for pupils in which they feel safe, are extended and stimulated in all areas of learning. The building of self-esteem and confidence is vitally important, and pupils are encouraged to strive to be the best they can be. We have a holistic approach and incorporate social, emotional and academic wellbeing on an individual level. We strive to equip pupils with the necessary skills in order to cope and become productive, integrated and independent members of society.
CLASSES
Classes are small, no more than 12 pupils per class, allowing for individual attention and care. There is no definite exit age in the Senior Phase because the learner’s emotional, social, and academic readiness needs to be taken into account; for either Unity’s Centre for Life and Vocational Skills or the world of work.
STREAMS
There is strong flexibility between the Skills for Life Stream and the Vocational Stream in the Senior Phase; thereby allowing the learner to work at the appropriate level in each subject. Attention is given to academic subjects and vocational training; with entrepreneurship included in most subjects in order to enhance the pupil’s ability to function in the world of work and business.
Academic Subjects:
- Literacy and Numeracy:
These two areas are offered at varied levels. Life Skills stream is very basic functional numeracy and literacy, and the vocational stream is either Differentiated CAPS (DCAPS) curriculum or AET (Adult Education and Training) levels 1 to 4 (accredited through the IEB). Unity College also offers sign language as a first additional language.
- Computer literacy:
The DCAPS curriculum includes Office Administration, which ties in with Computer Literacy, focusing on the Microsoft Office Suite. We also offer Knowledge Network courses, which are accredited; encompassing Senior Primary Level 01 up to Level 03, as well as High school Level 01.
- PSW (Personal Social well-being):
In PSW focus is placed on the social development of the pupil to fit in and to learn what social filters are needed to function in society. Basic Human Rights are explained and taught; it is emphasised that with rights come responsibilities. - Natural Science:
Focus is on the world around us and our place within the world. Caring for the environment and responsible use of resources are stressed. Orientation within the environment and finding our way around is also a focus in this area. - Physical Education (PE) and Creative Arts:
Basic exercise is very important to all pupils to enhance mobility and flexibility and therefore PE is designed specifically to the needs of our learners with input from the Therapy Department. Pupils get exposure to SOSA (Special Olympics South Africa) where they get to participate in sports activities on a National Level. This includes, but is not limited to, Swimming, Bocce, Chess, Soccer, Netball, Volleyball, and Athletics.
For Creative Arts, we put on an annual concert in which all pupils are encouraged to participate in. We also offer weekly classes in Dancing, Arts and Crafts, and Singing.
Vocational Subjects:
- Ancillary Health:
This subject concentrates on the care of self, the elderly, and childcare. Pupils learn how to perform all the basic functions of care in these areas as well as 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 area of the office are learned and practiced, in order to make pupils comfortable and capable in an office environment.
- Consumer Studies (Food production):
Pupils learn the functional operation of a kitchen and the processes needed to produce basic meals. They learn the health and safety aspect of producing food as well as how to make tasty healthy food for themselves and other people.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Work experience is considered a very important part of the preparation of our students for Independence and Maturity. The work experience programme is 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. Our students are gradually prepared for the world of work throughout the senior phase at different levels, from sheltered workshops to the open labour market, where they gain experience through voluntary placements depending on the pupil’s abilities. Overall work experience plays an integral role in developing a pupil’s personal and social skills, as well as, giving them valuable opportunities to learn directly about the world of work. It also equips our pupils with other skills such as communication, teamwork, and commercial awareness.
THERAPY IN THE SENIOR PHASE
The following therapies are available:
Each Senior Phase class receives one Art and Drama Therapy session per week. This is included in the school fees.
Senior Phase classes receive one Group Speech and one Group Occupational Therapy session per week.
Individual Speech and Occupational Therapy sessions, are available at school but have been privatized. Therapists’ contact details are available on request.
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS (IDPs)
Individual Development plans are formulated twice a year and discussed by all stakeholders including parents/guardians, educators, therapists, and the pupils themselves. All facets of a pupil’s life are covered, including academic, social, emotional, and work-related goals.
Pupils with delayed development have varying learning styles and mature at their own pace. The depth of offering within each course and across courses ensures that learners who require more time to mature either intellectually, emotionally, or socially can be accommodated for more than five years. Such matters are discussed in depth in individual pupil’s IDPs.
The full Senior Phase Orientation info. can requested from Admin: admin@unity-college.org.za | 010 109 0790.