What opportunities will this course give me?

This programme is for students with moderate learning difficulties / disabilities, who want to develop their independent living skills, improve their confidence, continue to develop their skills in Maths, English and IT and to develop work skills. These important components are included to support students into adulthood. Tutor groups are small and support is available to meet a wide range of learning needs.

On successful completion of the programme you may progress onto another programme at Eastleigh College if this is appropriate, such as Preparation for Life and Work or the Introductory Certificate in Vocational Studies.

You could also apply for a more specific work related programme which may prepare you for future employment, for example Hospitality and Catering, at the appropriate level. Your Personal Tutor will help and advise you about your options.

What will I be learning?

In Year One you will study a life skills programme and may choose up to two vocational option units from the list below:

• Sport
• Art
• Dance / Performing Arts
• Catering
• Joinery
• Motor Vehicle Maintenance
• Craft Skills
• Hairdressing

Please note that these may be subject to change.

In Year Two, you will choose two more vocational options and, in addition, have the opportunity to focus on work skills while continuing to develop your independence.

A variety of off-site activities are on offer where you will have the chance to experience a wide range of leisure and outdoor pursuits. Please note that you will be responsible for the cost of off-site activities.

In Year One and Year Two, you will have the opportunity to take part in a two week work experience placement. These placements are designed to help you to find out about the working environment and your tutorial work, employment skills programme and vocational studies will help you to choose areas in which you would like to seek work experience.

At the end of the programme you will achieve an Entry Level Certificate in Skills for Independence and Work and an Entry Level Certificate in Vocational Studies, plus Functional Skills in Maths and English.

Why is this course for me?

You will be taught by lecturers who are experienced in teaching students with learning difficulties. All staff will help you to develop communication, time management, working as part of a team and problem solving skills. You will also have your own personal tutor who will help you with your personal and social development. Classes are a mixture of practical and written work and there will be opportunities to develop, and discover, a range of new skills and opportunities.

The programme is a careful balance of formal and informal teaching, group work, practical sessions and individual support. You will spend time in the Colleges well-equipped workshops, kitchens and studios, gaining relevant training and hands-on experience. You will be regularly assessed on your personal and social development. All assessment takes place in class at the appropriate time for each student. Accreditation is provided by Pearson (formerly Edexcel) and City and Guilds (Functional Skills) at Entry Level.

You will be in College 9am - 3pm, Monday to Thursday. Please note details below for College House applicants*.

What do I need to sign up?

This programme is designed for students with a learning difficulty and / or disability who are unlikely to achieve grade G at GCSE. Following application, successful candidates will be invited to a pre-assessment interview. This is followed by a two day (and two night, if a College House application has also been made) assessment process.

Is there anything else I need to know?

The College has provision for up to 14 residential students at College House, Compton, near Winchester. *Students live at College House from Monday to Friday, going home on Friday morning, term time only and follow an independent living skills programme which complements the day time provision in College. (Day students also have the opportunity to spend time at College House following an independent living skills programme one day a week).

For those students who choose to apply for a place at College House, it is important to note that the offer of a place at College House is dependent upon suitability for the Skills for Independence and Work programme.

A charge is made for the residential provision.

This course is only for learners aged 16-18 (or 19-24 with an EHCP).

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

BSECT0/L1

Need some further advice?

Contact the Brand, Engagement and Learner Recruitment Team for further guidance - email bebetter@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000.