Curriculum: Key Stage 5 (KS5)
Independence, Transition and Empowerment
The Key Stage 5 curriculum builds on Key Stage 4 learning by prioritising independence, personal agency and preparation for adult life. Learning pathways are constructed to reflect each student’s aptitude, interests and aspirations. All our programmes combine academic, vocational, therapeutic enrichment and independent living skills.
We continue to assess functional skills and learning gaps, while supporting students to generalise knowledge into new and practical settings. Teaching is adapted to each student’s cognitive and emotional readiness, enabling gradual withdrawal of support and increasing autonomy in learning, communication and self-management.
All provisions align with EHCP outcomes and preparing for adulthood (PfA) domains, ensuring coherence between education, employment, health and community participation. We respond holistically to students’ social, sensory and communication needs, embedding personal development, work experience and independent travel skills within the curriculum.
Each pathway is shaped by the student’s voice and aspirations for life beyond school, whether towards employment, further education or supported living.
At Key Stage 5, our goal is that every young person leaves Raise ready for the next stage of their life, capable connected and confident.
4–Pillar approach
16–19 study pathways with qualifications, pastoral & therapeutic, enrichment and life skills support
Pillar 1
Qualifications
Summary
Personalised Learning
Tailored plans for individual needs.
Compulsory Subjects
English and Math.
Optional Vocational Qualifications
Diverse options aligned with career goals.
Multi-Sensory Approaches
Engaging methods for all learners.
Progress Monitoring
Regular assessments to ensure development.
Pillar 2
Employability Skills
Summary
Vocational Activities
Hands-on experiences in chosen fields.
Job Readiness Training
Preparing for the workforce.
Soft Skills Development
Communication and interaction skills.
Career Guidance
Independent support for future planning.
Pathway Planning
Mapping out career steps.
Pillar 3
Pastoral & Therapeutic
Summary
1-2-1 Champion Support
Individualised interventions.
Therapeutic Programs
Wilderness, art, play, equine, and music therapies.
Physical Health Activities
Promoting overall well-being.
Psychological Services
Access to professional support.
Pillar 4
Enrichment and Life Skills
Summary
Life Skills
Self-care, budgeting, cooking, etc.
Social Development
Building interpersonal skills.
Time Management
Essential for independence.
Independent Study Skills
Preparing for self-sufficient living.
Outcomes: Impact
1. Academic & Vocational Qualifications
2. Employability Skills & Experience
3. Personal Development
4. Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Self Confidence for Independent Living
5. Career Support & Secured Pathway into Future Destinations
Destination Options & Possibilities
1. FE College (Pathway into Higher Education or Employment)
2. Apprenticeship
3. Employment
4. Semi-independence & Independent Living
5. Year 14: transitional year at specialist provider if required to meet the needs and circumstances of the student to attain outcomes
Holistic and Inclusive Approach to Learning
At Raise Education and Wellbeing School, our curriculum is intentionally designed for post-16 students with SEND, providing individualised, flexible learning experiences that prepare students for the next steps in their lives. By integrating academic attainment, vocational skills, employability training, and independent living preparation, we equip our students with the tools they need to succeed in the workplace and in their personal lives. Our tailored approach ensures that every student receives the support and guidance they need to reach their fullest potential and achieve a successful, independent future.
KS5 + Curriculum Overview
Academic qualifications
Compulsory Maths and English for students who have not attained level 2 or grade 4 GCSE.
- Functional Skills Level 1 & 2 Literacy & Numeracy
- Optional Digital Skills
- Maths GCSE
- English GCSE
Additional Academic Pathways: GCSE Resits.
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Citizenship
Applied Science
- BTEC Level 1 & 2
Vocational pathways
In recognition of our student’s career goals, and in the context of local skills shortages, we offer a range of vocational learning opportunities.
They are delivered by qualified teachers and tutors with extensive sector-specific experience and knowledge and are accredited up to Level 2.
Our current offer includes construction, CSCS cards, food safety, graphic design, art and design, media and music, dance, and health and social care.
All pathways
Vocational/Independent Living additions
- Level 2 Food Hygiene (All safe)
Personal Growth & Development
- Succeeding in Education Employment and Training (BTEC Level 2)
Pathway 1: Art, design and digital skills
Art, Design & Digital Skills
- Arts Award-Silver or Gold
- Graphic Design (Level 1)
- Digital Skills (Level 1 & 2)
Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development
- NOCN Level 1 & 2 (Personal Development, Vocational Skills, Careers, and Work Experience topics of skills & development)
Occupational Studies
- NCFE
Pathway 2: Health & Social Care
Health & Social Care
- Health & social care (Level 1 and 2)
Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development
- NOCN Level 1 & 2 (Personal Development, Vocational Skills, Careers, and Work Experience topics of skills & development)
Occupational Studies
- NCFE
Pathway 3: Construction & Environment
Construction & Environment
- NOCN Level 1 & 2 Health & Safety and Construction and Environment
Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development
- NOCN Level 1 & 2 (Personal Development, Vocational Skills, Careers, and Work Experience topics of skills & development)
Occupational Studies
- NCFE
Pathway 4: Hair & Beauty
Hair & Beauty
- NOCN Entry Level to Level 2
Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development
- NOCN Level 1 & 2 (Personal Development, Vocational Skills, Careers, and Work Experience topics of skills & development)
Occupational Studies
- NCFE
Pathway 5: Sports & Fitness
Sports & Fitness
- BTEC Sports (Level 1 and 2)
Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development
- NOCN Level 1 & 2 (Personal Development, Vocational Skills, Careers, and Work Experience topics of skills & development)
Occupational Studies
- NCFE
Careers advice
All students at Sixth Form College receive independent careers advice and guidance including the use of CASCAID Xello, an online platform that identifies the numerous pathways and opportunities available to them. With support, this helps them to navigate complex academic and career landscapes and to create career plans.
Work experience & visits
Work and volunteering experience opportunities, along with approved educational visits, enable young people to experience different workplace and career options. Visits to local FE colleges and training providers help young people to explore additional opportunities in their chosen career pathway.
Personal development
Skills, values, attitudes and experience for life
In Key Stage 5, Personal Development focuses on deepening self-awareness, independence, and readiness for adult life. Students are supported to identify and pursue individual goals related to further education, employment or supported living with tailored PSHE, SMSC and enrichment programmes that build life skills, resilience and confidence. The curriculum includes practical learning around finance, relationships, health and community participation, enabling students to make informed choices and engage meaningfully in society.
Therapeutic and SENCo input remains central, ensuring that students continue to access emotional regulation, social communication and well-being support as they prepare for transition. Through vocational experiences, project work, and community partnerships, students develop problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills in real world context. The school’s relational approach ensures each student leaves with a clear sense of identity, agency and direction, equipped not only with qualifications, but with the self-belief and stability to thrive beyond education.
To fully compliment our academic and vocational skills curriculum we have designed a bespoke PSHE and SMSC programme.
- Careers (CASCAID Xello and impartial work with local Connexions)
- CV writing and interviewing skills
- Independent living
- Independent travel skills
- Healthy living (personal health and lifestyle)
- Get RIPPED NCFE level 1 personal development programme
- .b 8-16 weeks mindfulness course
- Pre-tenancy level 1 programme (supporting YP independent living)
- Substance misuse awareness and support
- Emotional literacy, resilience, and self-regulation skills
GCSE Citizenship
We offer K5 students the GCSE Citizenship syllabus to enable them to gain the knowledge, skills, experiences and values to prepare them for adulthood life in modern Britain.
Independent living
Raise ensures its young people learn about independent living and are fully prepared for the next stage in life. This includes an innovative personal development programme, to ensure that students are able to make good progress and realise their true potential.
Money matters
How to manage money and tips on budgeting.
Health
Hints and tips on how to keep fit and healthy for life.
Making a home
How to make a home where you can look after yourself and be happy.
Legal rights
How the law may affect you in your daily life and how best to get advice.
Relationships
What kind of relationships we want and need, how we can build them up, how to make them successful and what to do if things go wrong.
Life chances
Options for full-time or part-time work or study, going abroad, voluntary work, starting your own business etc., practical tips on reaching goals.
Being heard
How to make sure your opinion is heard at different levels; how you get on with people face to face to get what you need; how to have an impact on aspects of daily life; and how to get your voice heard on national issues.
Personal Growth and Wellbeing
The SWEET PGW qualification equips students with vital knowledge about the world, fostering engaging discussion on important issues and developing crucial life skills. It is designed to promote clear progression to further education and future career opportunities.
The units
1. Fitter, Healthier, Happier: Physical Health & Wellbeing
2. I’ve Got A Feeling: Emotional Wellbeing
3. Skills For Social Success: Social Health & Wellbeing
4. Let’s Talk About…: Sexual Health & Wellbeing
5. This Is Me!: Personal Identity
6. Our World, Our Future: Environmental Awareness
7. Making Money Work for Me!: Financial Awareness
8. Future Roles and Setting Goals: Personal Progress
Qualification Value: The course is offered at BTEC Level 2 and is ideal for students who prefer a more practical and hands-on approach to learning.
Depending on the pathway chosen, successful completion earns students the equivalent of 1 or 2 GCSEs, providing a strong academic base for further education, training, or employment.
Assessment: The course is structured around completing 5 or 8 units (pathway dependent). Assessment is based entirely on coursework and assignments—there are no exams. The qualification boasts a consistent 100% pass rate.
Mindfulness in Schools Projects (MiSP)
We follow internationally renowned evidence-based MiSP psychosocial education curriculum.
Our qualified mindfulness teachers deliver this to our students, supporting them with self-care and strategies to cope with stress and emotional triggers.
You can read more about our mindfulness provision on our SEND and Mental Wellbeing page.
Outcomes & destinations
Helping young people to make positive decisions about the future and find destinations that can take them to the next level.
