Directions is Sunderland College’s specialized department for students with Special Education Needs and disabilities and students with Learning Disabilities.
The Department offers a varied and specialized curriculum to ensure the needs of all students are met and positive outcomes are available for all, additional support is also provided to support success.
The course is separated into different offers to ensure that all students needs and ambitions are met.
Our Independence pathway supports the develop of the person through a curriculum with promotes independence skill both in college and at home. The use of a household skills classroom and large kitchen will develop skills that will last a lifetime. To support this, students will also develop personal resilience and work skills to ensure their readiness for the next step.
Our Carousel program allows students the opportunity to taste the practical element of courses, opening opportunities and allow for information-based decisions on what they would like to do next. Currently the carousel program runs session in Catering, Animal Care and Horticulture, all based within the college.
The Supported level 1 program allows students the opportunities to study a for a dedicated course within the specialized SEND environment. Specialist Animal Care and Catering Lecturers will deliver a fully inclusive program, which allows for the induvial needs of each learner to support them through the qualification.
For students who wish to work, Our Supported Internship program provides a unique opportunity for learners to take part in a work based curriculum. The majority of the course would involve 300 hours of work experience which would develop the necessary skills to support further employment.
For students who require extra support for their needs, our Sensory Learning pathway offers unique and specialized support to increase independence skills. Specially qualified learning mentors support teaching staff to ensure all educational, social and physical needs are met to support positive progress.
Finally, for students who require some extra support around communication, our Communication for Life program allowed for the development of these skills. Alongside developing independent living and personal skills, the program supports a holistic approach to learning for each student.
No formal entry requirements.
Learners are initially assessed when joining the programme in all relevant areas, from that point an individual programme will be developed to suit their individual needs and goals.
| Study level | Cost |
|---|---|
| 16-18 | Free |
Teaching is varied and adapted to ensure that all students are given the best possible opportunity and support to succeed. Specialized classrooms, alongside experienced and qualified teachers unsure an environment conducive to positive learning.
Small class sizes allow for bespoke and individualized learning to ensure that each student feels comfortable in their classroom.
Dependent on the qualifications, students are assessed in varied ways, this can include informal assessments of skills developed. Alongside this, we run practical courses and skills and knowledge are assessed in different ways.
Finally, if on a course where there is a final exam, this will take place as planned by the awarding body.
Maths and English is delivered with all courses. A robust initial assessment will take place to ensure each student is on the right level. This includes qualifications ranging from GCSE to Functional skills, alongside non-accredited sessions tailored to the individual.
Students will have the opportunity to undertake both internal and external work experience throughout their time in Directions. This will be organized and dependent on each student’s interest to develop individual work skills.
Students completing the Supported Level 1’s will undertake this in the dedicated areas to ensure as much real life experience as possible.
The supported Internship program currently has links with Sunderland City Council, Together For Children and Gentoo.
Directions staff work closely with staff and parents/carers to develop a curriculum suitable for the progression of all learners.
On average, students will be on a 16-18 hour a week timetable.
Sessions run on a Monday – Friday. Start time are approximately 8:30, with days ended approximately 3:30.
The course within Directions aims to increase the independence of all our students and ensure it follows the Preparation for Adulthood Framework. Students will leave Directions to their chosen progression route ensuring they have the skills required to succeed. The course will focus on improving and developing skills for employment, promoting positive understanding of friendships, relationships, and communities, whilst also ensuring that students gain valuable skills to support independent living and positive promotion of how to sustain good health.
Students will not only develop physical skills that will support future progression routes, but will gain the attitudes, values and knowledge that will support them adapting into potential brand new scenarios they may experience and allow them to have to resilience to succeed.
Destinations include:
Employment
Supported Internship
Transferring to a specialist area course within a college
Volunteering
Independent living
Adult social day care
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94% Overall pass rate for T Levels
2022-23
Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement
NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024
98% of students said they had the freedom to express themselves
NSS, 2024
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