There were five key objectives we wanted to achieve by implementing this project. The first was to search for and implement new ideas, approaches, and strategies which could improve overall readiness for leaving education and entering adulthood. This would have been through observing how other schools and teachers teach functional and life skills and prepare autistic people for the real world. The second objective was to look for new ideas, approaches, and strategies to promote student and staff well-being. This would be done through a course focused on pupil wellbeing. The third objective was to expand our knowledge, enrich our professional experience, and raise attainment of our students. This would be achieved by both job shadowing and structured course activities. The fourth objective was to enhance current leadership in order to develop a whole school approach to life skills education and inspire teachers to deliver cutting edge practice on a day to day basis. This would be achieved mainly through structured courses, but also could be observed through job shadowing. Finally, the last objective would be to create lasting links with fellow colleagues within Europe.
This is the second Erasmus+ project Queensmill School has applied for, the first with only two activities. Following an eye-opening and positive experience with the first project, the school thought it would be hugely beneficial to draw on our European neighbours for knowledge and advice, as well as to share best practice when it comes to supporting autistic young people. Autism knows no boundaries and diagnosis is becoming more and more common. Queensmill's knowledge of autism research and practice has mainly been limited to the United Kingdom and the United States. This project would give our passionate staff the opportunity to discover how other countries view and support autism. The focus of the project was "Preparing for Adulthood," a very important aspect of an autistic person's education. The Preparing for Adulthood curriculum is an important component of our student's day to day learning. While the curriculum focuses on developing vocational and independent living skills, it also draws links to pupil wellbeing and leisure. These concepts have helped shaped the direction of this project and has driven its purpose.