Level 1 Essential Skills

Essential Skills
16-19 years
Our Essential Skills programme aims to enable students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to progress through a series of one-year modules into opportunities in Further Education, training and employment.

Students will usually stay with the College for three years.

This course offers important academic opportunities that enable students with special educational needs to extend themselves and their capabilities.

All students will be expected to hold a full statement of special educational needs to be considered for this course which gives students opportunities to discover ideas, views and needs of their own and to explore ways of communicating them with others. Small class sizes and working groups maximise personal development. The progress of each student is carefully planned and monitored by Tutors and support staff.

Achievements are measured and recorded. Each student has a Personal Tutor who takes special responsibility for liaison across the department and with family and carers.

Opportunities are provided in all areas â€" from self-help, social and leisure skills through to vocational skills. All aspects of the curriculum are co-ordinated to ensure the development of Essential Skills through:

• Communication Skills
• Number Skills
• Information Technology Skills
• Personal/Social Skills
• Practical Work Skills
• Learning Skills

One day a week is dedicated to the Gateway Award Scheme, which supports students who want to take on new challenges and learn new skills by taking part in a range of leisure, social and creative activities that provide great opportunities for personal development.

Work Experience is an important part of the course. It is arranged, both in and out of College, one day a week where practically possible. Other activities are provided for students not taking part.

Careers and Further Studies
Successful completion of the course can lead to progression to Further Education courses, Youth Training, Training Centres, Employment/Sheltered Employment.