Coleraine College

Learning for Life and Work Department

Learning For Life and Work

Learning for Life and Work aims to develop young people as individuals, as contributors to society, the economy and the environment.

Learning for Life and work is taught at both Key stages 3 & 4.

Key stage 3 classes have 2 x 45 minute sessions each week.
LLW at Key stage 3 encompasses 3 areas- Personal Development, Employability and Citizenship.

Personal Development enables pupils to develop a deeper understanding of their own personal development and manage the challenges they may face throughout life. There are 3 key themes- Health and Drugs Education, Relationships and Sexuality, Financial Responsibility.

Employability enables pupils to plan for life long learning and work in a changing economic environment.

There are 3 key themes- Work in the Local and Global Economy, Personal Career Planning, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

Citizenship provides opportunities for pupils to develop knowledge, understanding and the skills they need to participate positively and effectively in their communities and wider society. Citizenship addresses Local, National, European and Global contexts. Pupils are encouraged to influence democratic processes and make informed and responsible decisions as local and global citizens throughout their lives.

There are 3 key themes-Diversity and Inclusion, Equality and Social Justice, Democracy.

Visiting speakers and workshop events are held throughout the year to enhance pupils’ learning experiences.

In January 2012, year 8 pupils took part in a “Business Battleground” Challenge, facilitated by Causeway Enterprise Agency, Coleraine. Pupils designed an ice cream inspired by the theme “pop”. Lady Gaga was the inspiration for the winning ice cream- “Gagalicious”. The ice cream challenge was supported by Morelli’s, Portstewart, who are selling the ice cream as a limited edition.

Key Stage 4: GCSE LLW

Pupils follow the CCEA GCSE LLW modular specification

Course Content:

 There are three 45 minute written examinations which assess each of

the three areas of study-Personal Development, Citizenship and

Employability- 30%.

 There are two controlled assessment tasks, Unit 1 & 2 – 60%. Each task

is based on a different area of study. Both tasks are internally

assessed and externally moderated.

This year, GCSE pupils’ visited Stormont, Belfast to learn about the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The PSNI facilitated a session titled “One Punch could Shatter Your World”, which related to drugs, alcohol and gang culture.

The Simon Community held a session to illustrate homelessness.

Key stage 4: ASDAN

Pupils in one year 11 class are working towards an ASDAN Level 1 Certificate in Personal and Social Development.

The Personal and Social Development qualification aims to support young people in:

Becoming confident individuals who are physically, emotionally and socially healthy.
Becoming responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society and embrace change.
Managing risk together with their own wellbeing.

To achieve a certificate, pupils must gain 13credits by completing challenges, which are organised into a range of modules. Pupils use a Student Book and present a portfolio of evidence which meet the requirements of the qualification.

At the end of each completed module, pupils undertake a given challenge under controlled conditions.

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