Transition Programmes
Prism Arts Transition Programme
The aim of the project is to encourage students to strengthen their self-advocacy in advance before their transition to life beyond James Rennie School. To be able to say – This is Me!
Students take part in weekly creative workshops with professional artists at Prism Arts in a variety of media including printmaking, sculpture, stop motion animation, painting, drama and more.
Please have a look at the animation that was created by one of our groups!
The Feelings Casefiles
As part of our lunchtime clubs, our students are taking part in a programme called The Feelings Casefiles.
The Feelings Casefiles programme is designed to help young people manage anxiety through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles.
It is a 12-week intervention program that teaches coping skills to address social communication and interaction difficulties. The program is led by an Educational Mental Health Worker from MHST and involves working through case files, which are designed to help young people recognise and understand their feelings, manage their thought patterns, and develop effective coping strategies.
Reviews from participants highlight the program’s practical approach, which has helped them develop a ‘toolbox’ of beneficial skills and techniques. The program is recognised for its clear and vibrant design, which helps children feel relaxed and engaged during the learning process.
Links to Local Colleges
All our Post 16 students have an opportunity to attend a taster course at Carlisle College. It allows the students to experience a different learning environment. They use the Art Room, ICT Room and Woodwork area to experience various courses offered by the college.
Students also learn to use the refectory for break time, buy their snacks from a kiosk or vending machines, and buy lunch from the cafeteria alongside the rest of the students.
Information Day for Parents, Carers and Young People
James Rennie Sixth Form holds an Information Day every two years, during which we invite all providers who can offer services and activities for our young people and their families.
The objectives for the event are gaining a greater understanding about: next steps for Post-16 and life beyond School, benefits, funding and financial support, developing contacts with local SEND services, gaining information about respite and short breaks, time to ask questions and most importantly reassurance for families that they are not navigating this alone.