The curriculum at Syon Manor College will provide education and training that equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours necessary to progress into adult life.
Through holistic education, with specialist therapeutic support and in a modern college environment, learners improve their independence, confidence and where appropriate employability skills to live meaningful lives.
We offer a wide choice across a broad curriculum, consisting of academic, vocational and life skills. We offer BTEC and GCSE courses and Functional Skills qualifications in maths, English and ICT which equip our students with practical skills required for independence in everyday life. Other choices include ASDAN accreditations, developing the necessary personal, social and work-related abilities towards employability or independence across a range of subjects and skills including catering, functional literacy, numeracy and ICT, Image in Action, independent living skills, social and vocational skills and fitness, as well as Lego therapy and art as therapy.
All our learners benefit from our clinically led, person-centred, bespoke approach designed to meet the needs of each individual. Lessons are delivered by specially trained teachers or vocational instructors, supported by teaching assistants, who ensure every student receives the direct support they need to thrive and achieve. Our in-house multi-disciplinary team, comprising a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist and other therapeutic staff, provide further support for our students.
All learners have individual learning plans which map out their profiles of need, as well as their long-term goals. Also, the majority of our learners have Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs), which contain outcomes that they will work towards in an educational and social context. The curriculum is designed to challenge, be age-appropriate and focus on learners achieving their outcomes through various pathways, educational, social, and enrichment activities
Syon Manor College offers two distinct pathways:
OUR CURRICULUM
Intent:
- To prepare students for life beyond college, focusing on the skills and experiences necessary for adulthood. This includes work-related learning, community participation, and developing independence in daily life activities.
- To teach practical, functional life skills that promote independence. This includes personal care, communication, social interaction, and other skills students need to navigate everyday life successfully.
- To promote academic achievement at levels appropriate for each student, offering pathways that include formal qualifications and vocational courses. These pathways are designed to prepare students for further education, supported employment, or independent living.
- To build confidence, manage students’ emotions, and develop positive relationships, helping them thrive personally and socially.
Implementation:
Each learner at Syon Manor College has a personalised educational journey aligned with their EHCP and learning needs. Our curriculum is designed with flexibility and customisation in mind, offering the following key components:
- Subject Options: Students are given various options, promoting independent choice and ownership of their career pathways.
- Vocational Opportunities: We offer a broad vocational curriculum, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, ASDAN, BTECs, and other life-skills challenges. Real-life work experiences are embedded within the student’s weekly timetable.
- Teaching and Learning Approaches: Staff employ various teaching styles, utilising technology and a different classroom approach. Learning also occurs outside the classroom in community settings. As part of the teaching and learning approaches at Syon Manor College, staff use various communication methods, including Makaton, visual aids, and assistive devices, to meet the diverse needs of students. Staff are regularly trained to incorporate adaptive teaching techniques, mastery of learning principles, and strategies that support students in developing metacognition. This training ensures that lessons are accessible and tailored to individual needs, promoting student engagement and practical learning.
- Therapeutic Integration: Therapy is embedded into daily routines, and timetables are adapted to meet the specific needs outlined in students’ EHCPs. Clinical professionals are integrated into the school’s daily operations to support learners’ emotional and physical well-being.
- Small Class Sizes: With classes ranging from 1 to 8 students, teaching and learning are highly personalised. This enables staff to address each student’s academic and social needs, ensuring high-quality education.
- Career Lead Support: Our dedicated careers lead works closely with learners to prepare them for future employment by helping with CV writing, driving theory, independent travel, and weekly discussions about work opportunities.
- Regular Observations and Training: Staff receive continuous professional development (CPD) training to maintain high teaching standards. Peer learning walks, lesson observations, and subject moderation meetings ensure the curriculum is effectively delivered.
Impact:
- Upon transitioning from Syon Manor College into employment or independent living, learners are equipped with the confidence and skills necessary to engage effectively in social settings, supporting their personal and social development.
- Students have acquired essential life skills, enabling them to thrive in independent living settings while maintaining the personal care needed to support sustainable employment and self-sufficiency. Through our tailored curriculum, students across all pathways achieve nationally recognised qualifications, providing a robust foundation for future employment opportunities.
- Students improve their skills to live independently.
- Students develop resilience to adapt to change and adversity, cultivating strategies to maintain professionalism in various contexts.
Academic and Career Ready Pathway
This pathway is tailored for students who can engage with core academic subjects, such as Functional Skills and GCSEs, alongside vocational courses. It aims to equip students with both academic knowledge and practical work experience, preparing them for future employment while ensuring they develop essential independent living skills.
Three-Year Cycle Overview:
Year 1: Foundational Year
The goal in year 1 is to build foundational academic skills while introducing career concepts.
The blocks on students’ timetable may include the following:
- Literacy and Communication Skills
- Numeracy and Math Concepts
- Therapeutic input
- Vocational input
- ICT Skills
- Career Introduction (Exploring different jobs, learning about workplaces)
Year 2: Development Year
The goal in year 2 is to strengthen academic knowledge while increasing exposure to career experiences and real-world
The blocks on students’ timetable may include the following:
- Literacy with a focus on workplace communication
- Functional Math (real-world applications, financial literacy)
- ICT Skills (Digital tools for work, online safety)
- Health, Well-being, Vocational input
- Work Experience 1 (Supervised job shadowing, volunteer work)
- Employability Skills (CV building, interview skills, time management)
Year 3: Career-Focused Year
The goal in year 3 is to prepare students for the transition to work or further education with a strong emphasis on employability.
The blocks on students’ timetables may include the following.
- Functional Literacy and Numeracy (practical use in the workplace and daily life)
- Work Experience 2 (Extended placements in local businesses or supported jobs)
- Vocational Training (specific skill-based training aligned with career goals)
- Advanced Employability Skills (problem-solving, teamwork, leadership)
- Work Experience 3 (Internship or extended work placements)
- Transition Planning (Post-college career pathways, support with job applications, or further education)
Currently at Syon Manor Campus in Isleworth we are offering the following courses :
With City&Guilds examination board:
- Entry Level 2 & 3 in English and Maths
- Functional Skills Level 1 & 2 in English and Maths
- Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture
- Level 1 & 2 in 2D and 3D Art and Design
- Entry Level 3 in Motor Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Level 1 in Hair and Beauty
With NCFE examination board :
- Level 1 and Level 2 in Art and Design
- Level 1 and Level 2 in Photography
- NCFE Level 1 Award in Managing Your Money | NCFE
With Pearson examination board :
- Functional Skills Entry Levels 1-3 in Maths and English
- Functional Skills at Level 1 and Level 2 in Maths and English
- Entry Level Certificates at Level 1 – 3 In Maths and English
- BTEC Level 1 in Applied Science
- BTEC Level 1 in Hair and Beauty
- BTEC Level 1 and 2 in Workskills
- BTEC Level 1 and 2 in Business
- BTEC Level 1 and 2 in Sport
- BTEC Level 1 and 2 in Home Cooking Skills
- BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care
With AQA examination board :
With RSL :
With Cambridge International examination board :
Also we offer DofE – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Skills and Vocational Development Pathway
This pathway is designed for students who benefit from a more practical, skills-based approach. It emphasises vocational qualifications and essential life skills. It focuses on hands-on learning and everyday practical tasks, intending to prepare students for more self-sufficient living and work readiness.
Three-Year Cycle Overview:
Year 1.
The goal in year 1 is to introduce personal self-care, basic life skills, and community awareness to build a foundation for independent living.
The blocks on students’ timetable may include the following:
- Basic hygiene, grooming, and health awareness
- Introduction to cooking and meal preparation (basic, healthy meals)
- Household management (cleaning, laundry, basic home safety)
- Introduction to community resources (libraries, parks, recreation centres)
- Basic social communication skills, building friendships
- Introduction to workplace behaviours (punctuality, following instructions)
Year 2.
The goal in year 2 is to expand personal care and life skills and increase community involvement while preparing for more independent living.
The blocks on students’ timetable include:
- Managing personal health (medication, fitness, appointments)
- Advanced cooking skills (meal planning, budgeting for food)
- Financial literacy (budgeting, paying bills, saving money)
- Volunteering and community involvement (e.g., local charity work)
- Developing relationships, conflict resolution, assertiveness training 6. Supervised work experience or volunteering aligned with interests
Year 3: Independent Living and Community Integration
The goal in year 3 is to prepare students for independent living and maximise autonomy in community life and vocational readiness.
The blocks on students’ timetable include:
- Advanced health management (scheduling medical appointments, independent decision-making)
- Independent living skills (managing a household, grocery shopping, budgeting)
- Transport and mobility (public transportation, safety, travel planning)
- Full community participation (local clubs, social groups, community events)
- Leadership in social groups, advocacy, maintaining long-term relationships
- Extended work experience, supported employment, or post-college vocational pathways
Currently at Syon Manor Campuses in Hillingdon and Uxbridge we are offering the following courses :
ASDAN :
Pearson :
Grades Equivalency
