Quick facts
| Qualification type | Pre-Entry and Entry Level 1 RARPA |
| Duration | TBC |
| Study times | Starting September, students will be in college four days per week, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. |
| Entry requirements |
Students must have an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP), be working at pre-entry or entry level and previously educated in a special school or special provision in a mainstream setting. They will need to participate in a pre-programme assessment and transition activities. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | No |
Is it for me?
The Pathway to Adulthood programme focuses on preparing students to progress onto living as independently as possible in the future.
On this course you will explore, develop, and apply skills that will allow you to express yourself and communicate in different scenarios and settings, and practice independent living tasks that you are likely to come across in the home and the community.
Based at the West Suffolk College sixth form campus, students can actively engage in college, community and social activities, whilst working positively alongside a range of different people to achieve goals.
What you'll learn
At the beginning of each year, you will be supported to produce a PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope). Your PATH will identify your hopes, dreams and ambitions for the future and shape your learning journey towards future goals that are meaningful to you.
Your goals may include:
- Independence: basic home management tasks, using basic kitchen equipment, attending local leisure facilities, making simple meals and snacks, managing your break and lunchtimes, using computer facilities.
- English: developing your communication skills, using a phone, computer skills, functional reading and writing skills.
- Maths: managing money and making a simple budget, functional time, number and measuring skills.
- Employability: problem solving skills, getting organised for learning activities and following instructions, community projects and taking part in taster activities with supported employment providers.
- Personal and Social Development: making choices, managing friendships, working with others, keeping healthy and trying new activities.
- Thrive: participating in Forest Schools, healthy living and sport and communication.
Equipment required for the course
All students are advised to bring a pen and paper to lessons.
Work experience placements
There are no requirements for students to complete a work placement.
Assessment
Progress towards your goals will be tracked using RARPA (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement) and monitored on your Individual Learning Plan throughout the year. If you are demonstrating that you are ready to progress onto a Maths or English Functional Skills qualification/unit, this will be included within your RARPA goals on your Individual Learning Plan.
Further study
Through a person-centred approach to learning, Pathway to Adulthood ensures that students are continually making progress towards the next stage of their plans for moving into adulthood and preparing to live as independently as possible in the future. Students may continue on this Pathway for a second year or, if appropriate, move onto the Pathway to Employment.
Days & times
Starting September 2025