Carshalton College Way to Work Programme Success

22 students in

Years 10 and 11 from a number of Sutton's secondary and Special schools

celebrated completing the 'Key Stage 4 Way to Work Programme'. This was a

series of 16 workshops and work-based learning activities in catering,

construction, hair and beauty and motor vehicle maintenance. The aim of the

programme was to provide learners with an opportunity to learn new skills and

try different courses that may enable them to progress to further training or

employment at the end of Year 11. In addition each course had an element of

accreditation and support with the development of English, Maths and IT.

All the students received certificates for participating on the programme and there

were further awards for 100% attendance, most improved learner and best

achiever. At the end of the course one student commented "The best part of

the course was the practical work, it was mostly enjoyable and fun with the

teachers and class mates".

The feedback

from learners and schools alike has been very positive with requests to repeat

the programme, perhaps over a longer period of time next year. 19 of the

students completed a feedback survey with 100% agreeing they have learnt new

skills on the course, learnt something new about possible jobs and careers

related to the course and helped to develop a can-do attitude.

No-one

underestimates the challenge younger students present in the classroom and just

how much patience and support it takes from curriculum staff to manage them

successfully, however, the outcomes for several of the young people are

inspirational and every one of them has made positive gains in confidence, as

well as personal and vocational skills - in many cases against their own

expectations. A number are joining full-time courses in September, one has

secured a Level 2 Apprenticeship and some of the Year 10s will be opting to

join an 'Aspire' programme sponsored by their home school.