Meet Our Former Students
Pre-Formal Curriculum
MEET FORMER STUDENT: EMMA
Emma was accessing the pre-formal curriculum
Emma left James Rennie School in July 2021, where she followed the pre-formal curriculum.
Following school, she moved to a residential placement at Beaumont College in Lancaster. Her provision is term-time only, so Emma returns home during holidays and half-term breaks.
At college, Emma has enjoyed building friendships and spending time in the community. She particularly loves bus journeys, watching the changing scenery, and continues to be passionate about music. Emma takes part in a range of sensory and community-based sessions, many of which include musical activities she really enjoys.
Emma formed strong bonds with some of her peers at college, and their families have come together to pursue an exciting next step—supported living accommodation. They’ve found a lovely house in Morecambe, and are working together to make it a home. The goal is for the house to be ready by September 2025, allowing Emma and her friends to live together and continue supporting each other in a familiar environment.
Until then, Emma will remain at Beaumont College, enjoying her time there and looking forward to this next chapter with her friends.
MEET FORMER STUDENT: RYAN
Ryan was accessing the pre-formal curriculum
Ryan left James Rennie School in 2017, where he followed the pre-formal curriculum.
After leaving school, Ryan joined Beaumont College in Carlisle for two years. He had a bespoke timetable tailored to his needs and benefitted from one-to-one support. One of Ryan’s favourite parts of college life was visiting different places in the community, something he always looked forward to.
On the other two weekdays, Ryan attended Chrysalis Day Services in Wigton, where he enjoyed being out and about, taking part in music sessions, and watching traffic—a personal favourite!
When his time at Beaumont College came to an end, Ryan increased his days at Chrysalis to three per week, where he continues to enjoy activities such as sensory sessions and singing. He also spends one day a week with his personal assistant, going out and exploring the local area. Ryan loves travelling by bus, so using public transport for these outings makes him incredibly happy.
Ryan currently lives at home with his mum and dad, who are exploring the possibility of supported living in the future. For now, they are happy with how things are and continue to support Ryan in his active and joyful life.
Semi-Formal Curriculum
MEET FORMER STUDENT: JOHN
John was accessing the semi-formal curriculum
John left James Rennie School in July 2020, where he followed the semi-formal curriculum.
After leaving James Rennie, John went on to study at Beaumont College in Carlisle, where he remained for two years. He accessed a four-day-week course, enjoying having Fridays off to relax at home.
One of John’s favourite activities at Beaumont was Plan, Shop and Cook. Each day, he had to decide what to make for lunch, go shopping for the ingredients, and then cook the meal himself. He absolutely loved it!
During his last six months at Beaumont, John worked in the café at Morton Manor Community Centre. He especially enjoyed talking to customers and serving cakes – it was a great way to meet and chat with different people.
John completed college in July 2022, and currently attends activities at Heathlands twice a week. He hopes that over time, this will increase to four days a week and that he can join the Boccia league.
On Fridays, John goes to Keep Fit with Cake! sessions at Harraby Community Centre. He takes part in the seated aerobics class, then heads to the café for a slice of cake with friends. John has made lots of new friends there, he loves a good chat and meeting new people from across Carlisle is definitely his cup of tea. Most importantly, he still sees Ann for their weekly adventures!
MEET FORMER STUDENT: MARK
Mark was accessing the semi-formal curriculum
Mark left James Rennie School in July 2012, where he followed a personalised programme built around the semi-formal curriculum.
Following school, Mark began his post-16 education at Lindeth College, a residential setting in Windermere. After completing one term there, he moved back to Carlisle, continuing his Lindeth College sessions at Morton School and Heathlands, while living in student accommodation near Sainsbury’s.
In his third and final year of college, Mark transferred to Arden College in Southport, as Lindeth College had closed by that time. This was also a residential placement and marked the completion of his three years in further education settings.
After college, Mark returned home and enrolled at Carlisle College, where he successfully completed the Supported ‘My Independence’ course, attending three days a week for two years. During the remaining two days, he continued accessing Heathlands Day Services.
Mark had always dreamed of living independently, and with strong support from his family, they began planning for supported living. After two years of preparation, that dream came true—Mark now shares a house with five friends!
He currently attends Chrysalis Day Services three days a week, and on the other days, he keeps busy running his own home—shopping, cleaning, and enjoying his independence.
MEET FORMER STUDENT: AMBER
Amber was accessing the semi-formal curriculum
Amber left James Rennie School in July 2011, where she mainly followed the semi-formal curriculum, focusing on developing her independence and life skills.
After school, Amber moved on to Beaumont College in Lancaster, where she attended as a residential student. Following her time at college, she returned to Carlisle to live locally. Amber now lives in supported accommodation with her best friend, and the two share a warm and supportive home.
Amber has a busy and fulfilling weekly routine. She attends Susan’s Farm twice a week, where she’s in her element—feeding, cleaning, and walking the animals. She doesn’t mind getting muddy and throws herself into every task with enthusiasm. Her love for animals makes the farm a perfect place for her.
She also attends Mencap services once a week, where she enjoys taking part in social and community activities. Amber has a personal assistant, and together they enjoy long walks and outings, which keep Amber active and connected to her local community.
She takes great pride in looking after her flat, cooking meals with her support workers and helping out with household chores.
Amber is thriving—and most importantly, she’s very happy!
Formal Curriculum
MEET FORMER STUDENT: KYE
Kye was accessing the formal curriculum
Kye left James Rennie School in July 2021, where he followed the formal curriculum, preparing him for work and further independence.
After leaving school, Kye began a supported internship through Right2Work. His dream had always been to work on a farm, so the internship placement—based on a working farm—was the perfect fit.
Kye successfully completed the internship and was even offered a job at the same farm. Unfortunately, this opportunity was not quite right for him.
Determined not to give up, Kye sought support from the Job Centre and began looking for a new opportunity. He came across a job advert for a farm near Dalston and decided to give it a try.
He had a successful interview and has now been happily employed there for the past few years. It’s a great fit—Kye enjoys the physical nature of the job and thrives in the outdoor environment.
Kye is also learning to drive. He’s already mastered driving the golf buggy, which he uses on the farm to help transport lambs.
His employer often describes him as a “grafter”, and it’s clear that Kye takes great pride in his hard work and achievements.
MEET FORMER STUDENT: KIERAN
Kieran was accessing the formal curriculum
Kieran left James Rennie School in July 2018, where he followed the formal curriculum.
After Kieran left James Rennie, he joined the New Horizons course at Carlisle College, which he completed in summer 2021. The course ran three days a week! At the same time, Kieran also started a hospitality course with People First, attending two days a week – and he is still there now!
Kieran started off working in the Riverside Café at the People First centre, which he really enjoyed. Recently, Kieran found working in a busy café a bit too overwhelming, so he moved to support with tasks in the conference centre instead. He is hoping to return to the café when he feels ready again – it is something he would like to build back up to.
Once a week, Kieran volunteers at the Wholefoods Shop in Wigton, which is ran by Chrysalis. He worked as a customer assistant, helping with weighing, labelling, and serving. This is quite a calm environment, which really suits him.
Every week, Kieran meets with his support worker and goes on outings – walking is one of his favourite things to do. During his time at James Rennie, Kieran took part in Duke of Edinburgh and he still loves a good trail! His favourite route is the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway path. He also enjoys baking at his support worker’s house and visiting Keswick to browse the shops.