What do we do?

At Wightwick Hall School, we teach Independent Living to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge and confidence they need to become more self-sufficient both now and in adulthood. Our curriculum is designed for pupils with a wide range of vulnerabilities and complex needs, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to build independence at a pace and level that suits them.

Independent Living develops social, emotional and practical skills that strengthen communication, confidence and self-esteem. The curriculum draws directly on each student’s EHCP and Individual Education Plan, ensuring learning is personalised, relevant and meaningful.

Students learn the everyday skills they will need beyond school such as money management, employability, personal care, wellbeing, understanding British Values and managing themselves safely and effectively in the community. As students progress, the curriculum revisits and builds on these areas so that knowledge and skills are repeatedly embedded and strengthened over time.

How do we do it?

We deliver Independent Living through structured, carefully sequenced lessons that develop pupils’ autonomy while consolidating skills across all strands.

Curriculum Sequencing

Learning begins with British Values to help students understand democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect. These provide a foundation for success across the wider curriculum, as they underpin personal responsibility, decision making and community participation.

The curriculum then moves through the core elements of life skills including:

• employability
• wellbeing
• independence
• money management
• personal care
• safety and community awareness

This sequence ensures that each new skill connects with previous learning, allowing students to make sense of their experiences and develop growing autonomy.

Assessment

Formative assessment takes place through:
• observation
• supported tasks
• group discussion
• practical activities

Summative assessment includes:
• independent tasks
• structured questioning
• multiple choice quizzes
• individual reflection

These approaches help teachers identify gaps, reinforce understanding and track progress throughout a student’s time in school.

Enrichment Opportunities

Enrichment activities such as clubs, after school groups and off site visits provide additional chances for students to practise life skills in real contexts. These experiences:

• develop resilience
• build confidence and self esteem
• enhance social communication
• strengthen independence
• allow skills taught in class to be applied in authentic situations

Trips also allow staff to gather rich formative assessment evidence and deepen pupils’ understanding.

SMSC Development

Independent Living strongly promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by providing opportunities to:

• explore their own values and beliefs
• develop personal standards and expectations
• work collaboratively and show care for others
• practise celebrating achievements
• participate in educational visits and community activities
• express likes, dislikes and personal preferences
• build their sense of identity and independence

These areas help students become thoughtful, responsible and confident members of the wider community.

Why do we do it?

Independent Living is a crucial part of preparing students for adulthood and supporting them to lead fulfilling, independent and confident lives.

Top 5 Impacts

1. Greater Independence in Real Life Situations
Students develop essential day to day skills such as personal care, safety awareness, money handling and household tasks.

2. Better Long Term Decision Making
Learners develop knowledge that helps them navigate the demands and challenges of adult life.

3. Learning Driven by Student Interests
Topics are shaped around student preference, ensuring engagement and affirming previous learning.

4. Strong Personal Development Skills
The curriculum builds resilience, communication, problem solving, initiative and self-esteem.

5. Inclusive Progress for All
Every learner develops independence at their level, ensuring all students experience meaningful progress.