Post 16 Study Programme Pathways

Learners join a study programme in year 12, on one of three pathways (Pre-entry to Level 2). The length of a college placement (1, 2 or 3 years) will be related to the individual, their needs and their future adult pathway. This will be reviewed annually to ensure students are accessing the most suitable placement and appropriate study programme.

Entry Level Plus:

These students are able to communicate with some fluency and with tailored support, they aim to independently make some reasoned choices, work and act co-operatively in small groups. Students are on planned study programmes focussed on helping them achieve qualifications and prepare for employment in adult life. The study programme is accredited from Entry Level (EL) 1 up to Level 2.

The qualifications for these students may include:

• Functional skills in English, Maths and ICT (EL1 – L2)
• NCFE Level 1 and/ or 2 in Catering
• NCFE Occupational Studies for the workplace (EL3)
• NCFE Personal and Social Development (EL2 & EL3)
• AQA Unit Awards

Pre-Entry and Working Towards Entry Level 1:

These are students whose learning is supported through structured patterns of communication and social activity to enable them to develop positive social behaviour. For learners with severe and/or complex needs, a study programme planned to increase their independent living skills is appropriate. This applies to students for whom either substantial qualifications or preparation for independent employment are not, at this stage in their lives, an appropriate option.

This study programme aims to promote personal skills for living as independently as possible, within the parameters of a student’s individual needs. The Programme includes opportunities for: work related learning / work skills required for unpaid employment / volunteering and community projects. With continued development of their communication / literacy, numeracy and ICT knowledge to support and underpin their personal and life skills.

These learners access an accredited study programme following ASDAN Personal Progress and AQA Unit Awards.

Experiential Learners:

These are students whose needs are met primarily through experiences and activities which are multi-sensory. These opportunities stimulate learning through kinaesthetic approaches and the senses of touch, hearing, taste, sight and smell. These learners are at an early stage of development and are assessed on the Engagement Model Approach (below P4).

The study programme is focused on communication (their preferred mode), physical development needs and independence / leisure. These learners access an accredited study programme which includes ASDAN Personal Progress and AQA Units so they can achieve awards to celebrate their successes.

The study programme is highly personalised with a focus on access to appropriate resources such as rebound and hydrotherapy.

All learners have access to external agencies according to need, as set out in their EHCP for example, the transition team, speech and language therapy support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hearing and visually impaired advisory service, multi-sensory impaired specialist teacher and community nursing services.

In addition to the core curriculum for learners accessing Pendle Community College offers opportunities in the following:

• Employer encounters via workplace visits, employer networking events, employer visits, talks from employees from different employment roles
• Work related learning opportunities via the Vocational Education Centre e.g., the BayLeaves Café, community shop, mini- enterprise businesses, fundraising events, volunteering, community action projects.
• Serial and block work experience placement opportunities (internal opportunities and external providers)
• Access to the PCC counselling service
• Personalised learning packages
• Individual education plans and personalised targets
• Student Council events e.g., fundraising, open afternoons
• 14 to 19 groups (KS 4 and 5) e.g., Duke of Edinburgh, Mini enterprise activities, The Workshop, The Kitchen, Sailing, Drama Productions, Animal Care (Ark Education Barn) and Independent Travel Training
• Students are taught alongside peers with similar needs with plenty of opportunities for socialising and peer to peer support