Building life skills at College through passions
Attending college is a vital step for adults with learning disabilities and autism to build their skills, independence, and confidence. It provides an opportunity to learn in a structured environment while also gaining valuable life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. College can be a place where personal growth flourishes, helping individuals achieve greater autonomy. By developing new skills and discovering passions, students can unlock their potential and become more self-sufficient, while also gaining a sense of purpose and belonging.
At Cocklebury Farmhouse, we recognise the importance of building these skills and are committed to supporting our residents in their learning journeys.
Adam and Christopher, whose passion for cooking has expanded into attending cookery school, have gained essential skills like meal planning, food preparation, and food shop preparation. These skills help foster independence in daily life, allowing residents to cook for themselves and make healthier choices. The process also nurtures creativity and builds confidence as they experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques, all while developing a sense of accomplishment in creating something from scratch.
Their skills have developed so much that Adam now cooks daily in the home, and Christopher creates our deserts every Friday. Adam is in charge of the shopping list and meal planning, all of which develops his independence and life skills.
Additionally, in partnership with Wiltshire College, we’re excited to offer our residents affordable access to college courses that are tailored to their individual needs and interests. We worked in collaboration with Wiltshire college to secure funding for a set of courses 'Arts for wellbeing' that was requested by our residents. This hands-on course explored a variety of media, including painting, papier-mâché, and photography, giving our residents the opportunity to express themselves creatively and experiment with new artistic techniques.
As the course progresses, we’ve started to explore the intersection of mathematics and art, showing how concepts like symmetry, shapes, and proportions can enhance artistic creations. Additionally, we’ve been discussing how literacy can merge with art to create pieces that not only express visual beauty but also convey purpose and meaning. This exploration allows residents to link different areas of learning, which adds depth and value to their creative work.
We are excited about the opportunities this partnership provides and the new masterpieces our residents will create as they continue to experiment and develop their skills. Many pieces are displayed within people’s homes. This journey is more than just about learning new crafts—it’s about building confidence, improving independence, and creating a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Through courses like these, we are helping our residents open doors to new possibilities and live more fulfilling, independent lives.