Many people with learning difficulties and disabilities want to move on to courses in a vocational subject and employment, but lack the confidence, English and Maths levels to do so.
This course acts as a supported introduction to college, helping you to make the transition from school with confidence and to gain the social, academic and employment skills you need to progress.
What makes the Preparation for Progression Entry Level 3 at HRC special?
- You will work towards the achievement of:
The Gateway Diploma in Progression qualification at Entry level 3. - You will continue to develop your Maths and English Skills.
The course enables you to take Functional English and Maths exams, which will help you move on to vocational education. - You will gain employability skill.
All students will access work experience either ‘on site’ or in the community. College students are supported to volunteer in areas where they feel comfortable and happy whilst they mix with members of the local community. Examples are Hertfordshire Independent Living Service, The Grange, charity shops and on-site placements within other Departments or within our own completing projects such as Ware in Bloom. You will gain confidence in the community and explore your interests. - You will work towards good health.
In Health and Wellbeing you will explore different ways to keep fit and healthy. You will take part in differentiated exercise or enrichment and be able to choose from Sport and other leisure activities Some of these will be in the community and some will be on-site. We also focus on personal hygiene and healthy eating. - You will work towards independence.
Communication is everything. We focus on supporting you to extend your communication, however you choose to communicate. We use strategies to help you maximise your independence in practical tasks, as well as handling money and personal budgeting. - You will work towards community inclusion.
Community Inclusion is also high on our agenda. Many sessions will take place in the community. We use public transport where appropriate to ensure you develop confidence in using different modes of transport. We uses shops and local facilities to ensure all you experiences are set in ‘real life’ and support you to be not full included but also contribute to our local community where possible. Inclusion and Diversity are high on our agenda and all groups will visit some key places that represent different cultures to provide a wider understanding our diverse community. - You will work towards making positive friendships and relationships.
A college day is a busy day. You will be working closely with your peers and support staff and tutors in your class. You tutor and supports will enable you to practise your friendship choices and, for example, accompany you to buy lunch in town with a friend. We also have a closely monitored safe Facebook group where you can learn to use Facebook safely with support and stay in touch with your friends during term time. Your Personal Tutor is in close contact with your parents/carers at all times and will arrange meeting to review your progress and future options. - Class groups are small to aid learning.
- Timetables and activities are differentiated to meet your needs and interests, wherever possible.
“I feel more confident going to mainstream now that we’ve visited and looked around”
“My English and maths is much better now. Exams used to stress me out, but I know I will be able to pass the exam now”
“I really like it at college; I like that you get treated as an adult and can go into town for lunch”.