The Senior Cycle at Cara Community Special School is the final stage of a student’s school journey, generally covering the ages of 16 to 18 (though students may leave school at the end of the year in which they turn 18). The focus during this time is on preparing students for life beyond school—developing their independence, communication, confidence, and practical life skills in a way that is meaningful to them.

Our students follow Level 1 Learning Programmes (L1LPs) or Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) in the senior cycle, depending on their needs and strengths.

The curriculum in Senior Cycle is designed to:

• Build on prior learning in the Junior Cycle
• Strengthen independence in communication, personal care, mobility, and decision-making
• Develop real-world skills such as cooking, using money, accessing the community, and using public spaces
• Support emotional wellbeing, relationships, and safe choices
• Celebrate the student’s voice, identity, and place in their community