Supported Learning
The College welcomes learners with learning difficulties, disabilities and special educational needs. We offer a wide range of entry level life skills and vocational courses. These courses are most suited to students who would benefi t from high levels of individual, educational and pastoral support. All courses are nationally accredited by external awarding bodies.
Learners work within a supportive environment and emphasis is placed on individualised learning plans. The courses enable learners to gain greater independence in adult life, to progress to a higher level qualification and/or prepare them for the world of work. All courses last for one year with clear progression routes through these qualifi cations. In addition, full time students have access to a range of enrichment activities to enhance their confidence e.g. sport, travel training and work experience.
The courses are based at Holme Lacy Campus although teaching is done in a number of settings to ensure learners are provided with tasters to progression pathways and access to a broad range of facilities suitable for the relevant pathway. To gain an overall view of the progression pathways, please view the Progression Flowchart.
To view photographs from the Supported Learning department, please see the Picture Gallery - Supported Learning section
Courses offered: Students Aged 16 Years Plus
Entry Level 1, 2 , 3 Life Skills Award
Skills for Life Diploma courses provide the skills required for day to day life and a variety of vocational tasters for those who have no clear vocational focus at the time of entry. These awards are modular based in which the students are set challenges to develop their independent living skills, self esteem and confi dence in addition to improving their Literacy, Numeracy and IT skills. The course is designed as an introduction to the workplace and will enable progression to full vocational qualifi cations, which accredit work-based competence. Modules range from basic cooking techniques to planning and travelling independently, health and fi tness, managing money as well as animal care and land based studies. Students are practically assessed on their understanding as well as building a portfolio of supporting evidence. Learners also have the opportunity to practise and develop the life skills needed to participate fully as members of their communities and as citizens in the wider community.
Vocational Courses
Vocational courses cover a range of occupational areas delivering relevant workplace skills. These courses prepare students for employment or level 1 vocational training through:
- Providing practical opportunities for experiential learning
- Developing work related skills to enhance employment potential
- Work placements in supported learning environments
To obtain the full award all students study two vocational modules as well as mandatory preparation for work and life skills modules. All courses have Functional Skills: Literacy, Numeracy and Computing embedded as part of the programme which leads to Functional Skills qualifications.
There are five strands of vocational training being offered at Entry level 2 & 3:
- NPTC Catering and Retail –the opportunity to learn basic food preparation and service techniques in a working kitchen as well as sales, costing, and marketing of a range of products in different retail settings throughout the year. Customer service and preparation for work modules are key in this area as well as mandatory lifeskills modules
- NPTC Wood Occupations and Motor Vehicle Engineering – a practical introduction to basic engineering and car maintenance as well as wood occupations. Students will learn practical techniques, about tools, processes as well as health and safety and preparation for work techniques and as mandatory personal and social development modules
- NPTC Land Based Studies in Agriculture & Horticulture – Students will learn how to care for the land. Propagation, crop maintenance, tractor driving, garden design, cropping plans, harvesting and conservation are all crucial elements of this course as well as mandatory health and safety and life skills modules and personal and social development modules
- NPTC Animal Care – Students will work with both agricultural and small animals. They will learn how to care for them, feed them, move them and other elements essential for animal welfare. In addition to this there are mandatory 'Preparing for Work and Life' skills modules included.
- Edxcel Entry level BTEC Art, Media and Drama- students cover one mandatory health and safety module, two core modules and three specialist modules covering media skills, creative skills and performing arts. Students will cover a range of practical skills in achieving this qualification.
- NPTC Level 1 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills. This qualification provides a fundamental link between Entry Level 3 and a full Level 1 workbased qualification. It is a flexible practical assessment system that allows learners to build units of credit in skills including propagation, landscaping, turf management and general horticulture as well as personal and social development units
Courses Offered: Students Aged 25 Years Plus Entry Level 2 and 3 Life Skills Award
There are two strands of vocational training being offered at Entry level 2 & 3:
- NPTC Land Based Studies in Agriculture & Horticulture – Students will learn how to care for the land. Propagation, crop maintenance, tractor driving, garden design, cropping plans, harvesting and conservation are all crucial elements of this course as well as mandatory health and safety and life skills modules and personal and social development modules
- NPTC Animal Care – Students will work with both agricultural and small animals. They will learn how to care for them, feed them, move them and other elements essential for animal welfare. In addition to this there are mandatory 'Preparing for Work and Life' skills modules included.
Key Facts
Campus: Holme Lacy Campus & Hereford.
Minimum Age: 16/25
Duration: 36 weeks
Awards:
16+
NPTC Combined Skills for Working Life and PSD Diplomas at Entry Level 2 and 3 in:
- Retail and Catering
- Agricultural Animals and Small Animal Care
- Woodwork and Motor Vehicle Maintenance
- Landbased Horticulture and Agriculture
- Edxcel BTEC Entry 2,3 Art, Media and Design
25+
NPTC Skills for Working Life at Entry Level 2 and 3 in:
- Agricultural Animals and Small Animal Care
- Landbased Horticulture and Agriculture
Functional Skills: OCN Literacy, Numeracy and Information Technology certificate Entry 1,2,3 - Level 1 and Level 2
Progression:
Progression within Entry level vocational subjects and then on to level one vocational areas.
View Progression Flowchart.
Contact: 0800 032 1986
enquiries@hct.ac.uk
