South Pacific Educational Courses

SPEC is a New Zealand owned, NZQA approved, course owner.

Some of our senior students access SPEC courses as a component of their curriculum.

SPEC courses “enhance the New Zealand curriculum with a specific focus on the Key Competencies … aim to promote and demonstrate personal growth, self management, self esteem, motivation and a sense of self worth.” (SPEC Teachers Guidelines).

SPEC courses are based on a negotiated approach to learning where students are encouraged to be an active participant in their learning . The process is a cyclical one where students select a module of work relevant to their own needs, plan what to do, complete the required work and then self-reflect on their learning in order to choose what to study next. Outcomes are specific to the individual student, are realistic and meaningful.

There is no fixed time frame for the completion of any course although there are suggested guidelines.

Allenvale students access those SPEC courses written for students who require supported learning.

These courses are:

TRUMP

TRUMP consists of five modules, one for each of the Key Competencies found in the N.Z. Curriculum document. Generally, it is aimed at students aged from 13 to 16 years of age but this can vary. TRUMP takes two to three years to complete. Modules can be assessed individually and there is a full award for the completion of all five modules.

HEADWAY

Headway modules are normally done by students from about the age of 16 years. Completing TRUMP is not a prerequisite for starting any Headway modules.

Headway modules fit into four broad areas:
Life Skills,
Environment,
Vocation and
Leisure.

There are forty modules available at present with new ones being developed. Six of these modules are written specifically for students with severe and complex needs.

Headway modules focus on skills and topics that prepare students for transition from school and for post-school options. Each module could take from ten to twenty weeks to complete.

READY FOR WORK

This is a module for students who are carrying out work experience over an extended length of time and can take up to a year to complete.

It covers many of the prerequisite skills and attitudes required to fit successfully into a work environment.

VERIFICATION OF WORK FOR AWARDS

Students compile a folder of evidence during their time of study and upon completion this is moderated by a group of teachers from the region. Successful moderation of a student’s work means the student receives the programme award and a certificate from SPEC. The folders are a wonderful record of work with students and families treasuring them a great deal.

A NATIONAL AWARD

In April 2008 NZQA approved a national qualification called the “Certificate In Learning Support” for students who complete the required amount of work from each of the above programmes.