A Personalised Curriculum for Every Learner
Every learner at Petty Pool follows a rich, personalised curriculum designed around their aspirations, EHCP outcomes, interests, strengths, and individual support needs.
We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment where learners can progress at their own pace while developing practical skills for everyday life, work, and the wider community.
Whether learners are following a vocational pathway or our Pathway to Independence programme, every learner benefits from meaningful learning experiences that support their personal growth and future goals.
Our curriculum is designed to help learners:
- Build confidence and independence
- Develop employability and life skills
- Prepare for adulthood
- Explore future opportunities
- Improve communication, wellbeing, and social skills
We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment where learners can progress at their own pace while developing practical skills for everyday life, work, and the wider community.
Whether learners are following a vocational pathway or our Pathway to Independence programme, every learner benefits from meaningful learning experiences that support their personal growth and future goals.
Explore Our Pathways
Our curriculum includes a range of vocational and personalised pathways designed to
support different interests, strengths, and future aspirations.
Each pathway combines practical learning, personal development, employability skills, and
real-world experiences to help learners prepare for adulthood and future opportunities.
Curriculum Entitlements
Alongside their main pathway, all learners access additional curriculum areas each week to help broaden their experiences, develop independence, and prepare for adult life.
Health and Independence
Our Health and Independence programme supports learners to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to live healthy, independent adult lives.
Learners build practical life skills for independence at home and in the community, alongside developing positive physical and mental wellbeing habits.
Independent Living Skills
Learners have opportunities to:
- Prepare basic meals and develop cooking and food hygiene skills
- Learn laundry and household cleaning routines
- Understand home management and personal organisation
- Develop travel training and independent travel skills
- Build awareness of online safety
- Learn about healthy relationships and personal safety
- Access cultural and community experiences
Health and Wellbeing
Learners explore:
- Healthy lifestyles and daily routines
- Nutrition and healthy eating
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Managing emotions and developing resilience
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Setting and working towards healthy personal goals
Physical Activity and Community Engagement
Learners take part in a wide range of physical and enrichment activities, including:
- Yoga
- Dance
- Football
- Boccia
- Basketball
- Community-based sports and activities
We work in partnership with local organisations, including Chester FC and Cheshire FA, to provide meaningful and engaging opportunities.
The programme aims to support learners to develop independence, resilience, and the skills needed to manage their health and wellbeing as they transition into adulthood and community life.
Enrichment
Every Thursday afternoon, learners take part in enrichment activities designed to encourage new experiences, confidence-building, social interaction, and community participation.
Learners choose a different activity each half term based on their interests.
Activities may include:
- Nature and habitats
- Community participation
- Sports and fitness
- Outdoor expeditions
- Cooking
- Music and drama
- Creative activities
- Team-building opportunities
Enrichment helps learners discover new interests, build friendships, and access activities they may continue enjoying outside of college.
Tutorial
Our weekly tutorial programme is designed to support each learner’s personal development, wellbeing, and preparation for adult life in a safe and supportive environment.
Sessions cover a range of important topics, including:
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Safeguarding and Prevent awareness
- Preparation for adulthood
- Healthy relationships
- Personal development and confidence building
- Staying healthy and safe
- Relationship and Sex Education (RSE)
RSE is delivered in a personalised, sensitive way that reflects each learner’s needs, understanding, and stage of development.
Through tutorial, learners are encouraged to:
- Share their views and opinions confidently
- Explore local, national, and global topics
- Develop communication and critical thinking skills
- Understand current issues in an accessible and meaningful way
Our tutorial programme helps learners build the knowledge, confidence, and self-awareness needed to navigate adult life successfully.
Work Experience (WEX)
All learners take part in regular internal or external work experience opportunities matched to their interests, aspirations, and support needs.
Work experience helps learners:
- Develop workplace confidence
- Build employability skills
- Explore future career interests
- Gain real-world experience
- Prepare for adulthood and employment
Learners may explore opportunities linked to:
- Supported internships
- Volunteering
- Apprenticeships
- Enterprise projects
- Community-based opportunities
Our experienced team works closely with learners to identify suitable placements that support realistic and meaningful progression goals.
Employability
All learners have opportunities to develop employability skills throughout their time at Petty Pool.
Our employability curriculum helps learners understand:
- Workplace expectations
- Teamwork and communication
- Personal strengths and skills
- Health and safety in the workplace
- Rights and responsibilities
- CV writing and job preparation
- Confidence in professional environments
Sessions are designed to be engaging, practical, and personalised to meet the needs of each learner group.
Functional Skills and Digital Skills
Functional Maths, English, and Digital Skills are embedded throughout the curriculum and linked to real-life situations and practical experiences.
This helps learners develop the confidence and knowledge needed for everyday life, work, and independence.
Learning takes place across:
- Classroom activities
- Vocational sessions
- Community visits
- Work placements
- Everyday college routines
When learners join Petty Pool, we assess their Functional Skills levels to identify strengths and areas for development.
Where appropriate, learners may also work towards entry-level Functional Skills qualifications based on their individual abilities, aspirations, and progression goals.
Additional support and intervention sessions are available for learners who need extra help in specific areas.
Ready to join our college?
Admissions