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Kersland School

The 'independence flat' — a purpose-built teaching area to help pupils learn new skills for life, learning, and work

The following is based on Kersland School's Action Research Project application for funding.

Kersland School is situated not far from the centre of Paisley, and caters for pupils with significant learning difficulties age 5–18 years. At present, the secondary department offers a curriculum which includes National Qualifications at Access, SQA Personal Development Units, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and Caledonian Awards.

Kersland School pupil working

The 'independence flat' will be used as a teaching area to provide opportunities for learning in a real-life context. Initially, the room will be presented to the pupils as an empty space, which must be furnished. Pupils will then be asked to think about what they will have to include in the flat to create a kitchen space, living, and eating areas. The youngsters have to research what they will need, locate where to make purchases and make decisions over the design of the room. Communication will be an important skill to learn, as pupils must come to general agreement on their choices for the flat. Pupils will hopefully gain a sense of personal achievement as they watch their ideas come to life.

Curriculum

Once furnished, the flat will become the teaching area as planned. Units of study, which will be delivered at Access 1, will consist of Independent, Supported and Derived Units. Subjects covered will include:

The curriculum, which will be delivered in the flat, will include opportunities for more imaginative teaching that can capitalise on approaches which make learning relevant, lively, and motivating. By designing challenging projects, which take account of age-appropriateness and meaningful experiences, we can ensure pupils are engaged at all levels. Using the life of the school and local community as a resource for experiential learning enables us to focus on personal, vocational, and academic achievement.

Kersland School pupil weighing some groceries

Assessment

This should reflect the different ways in which pupils learn and progress. We will be looking to move away from paper-based methods of assessment to more practical methods of gathering evidence. Video, photographs, and pupil review of their own learning, are some of the approaches which will be used. Current methods of formative assessment will be evaluated and reviewed, taking account of recent developments in a Curriculum for Excellence.