What is a competency curriculum?

AIM:

• Prepare students with learning skills and the motivation to use them

• Increase student self-esteem and promote an attitude of "i-Can"

• To give students time, resources and encouragement to explore the significance and application of their learning.

STRUCTURE:

The Competency Curriculum (CC) is structured in Units of varying lengths, which although largely independent of each other, will facilitate the building and re-enforcement of key self-awareness and learning skills, relating to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) Dimensions and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS). The Units are designed to allow students to discover their own potential for learning through self-evaluation, exploration of the power of the brain and introduction to a variety of thinking and learning skills based on Learning to Learn (L2L) principles. Literacy, numeracy and ICT skills will be a high priority throughout the course. The Competency Curriculum is designed to prepare NUSA students to achieve more highly.

The Competency Curriculum is taught by a team of 6 teachers and is supported throughout by dedicated personalised learning assistants. Lessons range between 50 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes in length giving teachers the opportunity to design and run an exciting variety of interactive learning opportunities. Feedback from both students and staff involved is that the CC is working very well, proving to be both interesting and fun.