Summary

These courses are designed for young people aged 16–18 (up to 24 with an EHCP) who may have experienced barriers to learning for a wide variety of reasons, and who may have had an interrupted education or negative experiences at school. The main focus of the programme is for learners to develop their self-confidence, improve their self-esteem, improve their social and communication skills, gain qualifications, move on to further courses at the College and prepare for adult life. These courses are extremely successful in helping learners from school-based programmes, home schooling or hospital education to move on to college-based vocational courses.

Learners will study a range of units based around personal and social development, employability, life skills and vocational options. Learners will continue to study English and maths. There will also be the opportunity to study vocational options, such as animal care, art, horticulture, catering, hair and beauty and construction.

This course is based at our Filton campus, located in South Gloucestershire which is easily accessible from the city of Bristol by train (Bristol Parkway / Bristol Abbey Wood) and bus. As well as our Stroud campus in the centre of Gloucestershire, surrounded by the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The campus is a short walk from Stroud train station and easily accessible by bus.

How will I know how I am doing?

Learners will meet with their personal tutor on a regular basis in order to review progress and agree targets so that progress can be measured and learners challenged to achieve their best. Parents/carers will be invited to some of these reviews.

What do I need to join?

There are no formal entry requirements other than the ability to work within a classroom setting some of the time, with a group of peers

Maths & English

Learners will have the opportunity to improve English and maths by studying Functional Skills at an appropriate level.

Employability

Learners will study a range of units based around personal and social development, employability, life skills and vocational options. Learners may also study English and maths. There will also be the opportunity to study vocational options, such as animal care, art, hair and beauty and construction.

What can I do next?

Learners on this course may progress onto either a vocational course within the College or another course within the department. Mentors on the programme will prepare learners for moving on to other areas of provision by assisting with application forms and preparing learners for interviews.

What are my career options?

Potential to be employed in a vocational area that was studied on the course.