Life Skills' Departments
There are two separate Life Skills' Departments…one for girls and one for boys. In both departments, students are grouped according to ability and age and each student has an Individual Education Plan. In order to develop the independence, social maturity and confidence necessary to meet future challenges, the emphasis of both departments is on developing:
- language and communication skills
- applied math skills
- self-help skills through repetition of the activities of daily living
- social skills
- vocational skills
- community awareness supported by field trips
- knowledge of health and wellness through Physical Education and Food
and Nutrition Education
To develop the above skills the girls focus more on daily homemaking activities,
home decoration, special sewing projects, manners and etiquette, drama,
and aromatherapy and other forms of relaxation. Vocational training centers
more around craftswork.
To develop the above skills the boys focus more on physical education, woodworking, ceramics, and office work.
In the Life Skills' Program students develop functional life skills.
Some of the lessons they learn are:
- to purchase
- to read environmental signs
- to dress themselves
- to eat properly
- to choose clothing
- to choose nutritional food
- to do basic math with or without a calculator
- to follow simple procedures
- to get around in the community
- to make simple meals
- to use transportation
- self hygiene
Throughout the year I.E.S. students go out on many educational field trips
in the community. They go to places like the seaside, museums, factories,
manufacturing plants, police stations, firehalls, department stores, supermarkets,
and horse stables for riding lessons. Visiting the aquarium and the Scientific
Center are also popular.