What we offer

Curriculum

At Pod81 we recognise how education is not a ‘one size fits all’ model therefore we carefully tailor our provision to meet every student’s individual needs.

Pod81 offers English and Maths on the Ed Place learning platform, with 1:1 support. In addition, students undertake activities determined through the SEMH Indicator software.

Our provision builds on our inclusive and caring ethos and supports a broad range of opportunities, this enables students to learn in their own unique way. by offering enriching opportunities and experiences.

Core subjects:

English and Maths

At Pod81, we support students with their English and Maths. We assess their current level using the edplace platform. This allows us to get a working age level and allocate work to support their knowledge and understanding in either subject.

We then use a variety of teaching methods to find the best teaching approach for the student.

Functional Skills

We offer our learners the opportunity to complete Functional Skills using the Pearson Functional Skills schemes of work and past papers. When ready, students are referred back to their educational setting to be submitted for the exam.

Asdan short courses

We offer Asdan Short Courses because they offer flexibility which means they can be carried out in a variety of ways, over a time period to suit our provision. Challenge descriptions can be interpreted and adapted according to the situation and individual need.

Short Courses can be completed using the student book or are available for learners to complete online through the Asdan e-portfolio system.

Life skills

At Pod81 we support our students to learn fundamental skills that will offer them a better understanding of social, emotional, and cognitive capabilities, to problem solve and achieve their goals.

We focus on 5 key skills:

Focus and Self-Control: Today’s world is busy. There are so many things to remember, juggle and keep up with. We focus on teaching students key skills including paying attention, exercising self-control, remembering the rules, and thinking flexibly.

Perspective Taking: Perspective taking enhances communication and relationships by fostering understanding and respect for others’ viewpoints. When students can put themselves in someone else’s shoes, they are more likely to listen attentively, validate others’ experiences, and respond empathetically. This leads to reduced conflicts and improved conflict resolution skills, as students are better equipped to find common ground and negotiate solutions.

Communication: communication is so much more than understanding language, reading, writing, and speaking. Communication skills are fundamental to success in all areas of life, from personal relationships to academic and professional achievements. For students, developing strong communication skills is essential as it enhances their ability to express ideas, collaborate with peers, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Critical Thinking: Critical thinking fosters superior decision-making by equipping individuals with the tools to weigh options, assess consequences, and arrive at better choices. This skill supports our students to analyse and evaluate information.

Self-Directed, Engaged Learning: Self-directed learning is an approach to education that empowers students to lead their own learning journey. Students identify their own learning goals, the resources they need, and the strategies they want to adopt. They then set about gaining new knowledge or skills and, later, evaluate the outcome.

By setting goals and strategies for learning, our students, hopefully, will become better prepared to change as the world changes. Fostering their curiosity to learn and realise their potential.

SEMH

Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs are a type of special educational need in which young people have severe difficulties in managing their emotions and behaviour. They often show inappropriate responses and feelings to situations. This means that they have trouble building and maintaining relationships with peers and adults; they can also struggle to engage with learning and to cope in a classroom without additional strategies and interventions. Students with SEMH will often feel anxious, scared, and misunderstood.

Typical characteristics of children with SEMH can include:

Disruptive behaviours

Isolated

Traumatised

Withdrawn and depressed attitudes

Temper tantrums/meltdowns

Anxiety and self-harm

Frustration, anger and aggression

Uncooperative behaviours

At Pod81 we provide tailored support, address specific challenges, and create a supportive learning environment that meets the unique needs of each student.