The aim of the Futures curriculum team is to:
The Directions programme is designed for students working between Entry Levels 1 and 2 (pre GCSE) and aims to provide them with core employability skills so that they can progress to further learning and/or employment and live independently.
The programme has been developed around the Preparation for Adulthood agenda to promote young people's employability, independence, good health, independent living, friends, relationships and community inclusion.
The course covers a variety of topics. Students will take part projects to enhance their employability, independence, communication, teamworking, social and community action skills and digital ICT skills. Student will develop their understanding of how to access and use community facilities, use transport and improving shopping and budgeting skills.
To access this course students are required to have achieved an Entry Level 1 qualification.
The course covers the following areas:
Students will be expected to play an active role in their study programme, working closely with their tutor to make choices about their learning and to work towards personalised outcomes which will enable them to progress. For some learners these choices can involve parents/carers and other professionals working with the student.
Throughout the course the student will:
At the start of the programme students will have an initial assessment to review their starting points, aspirations and personal goals, and will be assessed on an ongoing basis against their baselines.
Tutors will agree targets with the student to enable them to work towards meeting any Educational, Health Care Plan outcomes that they might have. They will be assessed against a Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement (RARPA) framework and, along with parents/carers where appropriate, will meet with their tutor on a termly basis to review progress towards personal outcomes, and to look forward to advancing towards the next steps.
Some students will take part in English and Maths assessments which will enhance their ability to progress academically - these will only be considered when appropriate for each individual learner.
'Upon completion students can move on to a Futures pathways course subject to suitability.
Other students may benefit more from transitioning to employment related activities such as a volunteering placement or further learning opportunities.
Staff at the college will work with families and local authority representatives to support all options available.
The programme is taught in small groups (between 6-10 learners) with at least one specialist tutor and one learning support assistant always present in the classroom.
Dependent on the individual level of need support can include:
By joining us, students can play a part in shaping the Futures community alongside like-minded people. They will be able to play a key role within our positive environment which is founded upon high aspirations of success, independence and employability.
We will give them the skills and opportunities to progress towards the next step of their journey as they progress towards adulthood.
02/09/2025
Full Time Programme Component
