LLD/D COURSE GUIDE Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities
1 Contents COURSES Work Preparation 2 STEPS (Skills, training, employment, progression and self-development) 4 Skills for Living 6 Ravenswood 9 ACE and Outreach (adults continuing education) 10 ACE@Work 12 Project Search 14 Link Programme 16 Work experience 19 Student support 20 Progression routes 22 Why choose LLD/D at Reading College? (Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities) Reading College s outstanding and award winning LLD/D department offers students the opportunity to develop in the exciting setting of a mainstream further education college. An integral part of Reading College, our LLD/D department is highly valued for its skilled, supportive staff and its long established connections with local schools, businesses and the community. Phil Lucas Head of LLD/D and Inclusion A brief overview of our provision: Grade 1 Ofsted Highly experienced and dedicated teaching staff Specialist curriculum Individually tailored programmes National AoC Beacon status (Association of Colleges) Proven success in progression and employment routes We are a unique, vibrant and specialist department run by a team of highly experienced and motivated staff. Our aim is to integrate students into employment and society to help them achieve their full potential. STUDENT QUOTES Disclaimer The courses described in our prospectus are those expected to be on offer during the 2014 2015 academic year. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this prospectus. Reading College reserves the right, however, to introduce changes including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of courses. It is important to note that places on courses are subject to availability, and that the courses themselves may be subject to a viable number of students enrolling. The contents of this prospectus therefore do not form a contractual obligation on Reading College to provide any courses described in it. I am more confident to work on my own but i know there is always someone there to help me. I have a great social life at Reading College and have made lots of friends.
2 work preparation This course is designed for students aged 16 to 19 years* who wish to progress onto employment or further education courses. It aims to improve confidence, social skills and selfesteem and prepare students for the responsibilities of adult life. You will also have the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities, such as social events, residential trips, visits to museums, exhibitions and theme parks. This is a fully accredited course that includes the opportunity of valuable and realistic work experience. *Assessed on an individual basis How long does it last? The course lasts for two years and starts in September. You will spend three days a week at Reading College and two days in work experience (see pages 18-19). Fiona Moore Course Leader, Work Preparation and STEPS 0118 955 4513 fiona.moore@reading-college.ac.uk What will I do? Functional skills English Functionial skills maths Work skills Tutorials Information technology (IT) Personal and social development A choice of practical sessions including; art, cookery, photography, music, radio, desk top publishing, trade skills, hair and beauty, sport and recreation, sports coaching and youth achievement. Skilled and accurate assessment and precise target setting contribute to the excellent progress that learners make in achieving their personal, social and employability goals. Charity Fundraising Our students have raised thousands of pounds to support a wide variety of charitable causes. Reading College, PART OF ACTIVATE LEARNING
4 STEPS course 5 STEPS course This course is designed for prefoundation students aged between 16 and 25 years old.* The STEPS course provides a link from LLD/D programmes to mainstream courses. It offers the opportunity to work more independently to Level 1 whilst still benefiting from the support of LLD/D. *Assessed on an individual basis How long does it last? This is a one year course, consisting of three days at Reading College and two days of work experience each week (see pages 18-19). You will also have the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities, such as social events, residential trips, visits to museums, exhibitions and theme parks. Fiona Moore Course Leader, Work Preparation and STEPS 0118 955 4513 fiona.moore@reading-college.ac.uk Teachers know how individuals engage with learning tasks most effectively, and in the best classes they personalise activities so that all learners can complete tasks successfully. What will I do? Functional skills English Functionial skills maths Self development Citizenship Your role at work Information technology (IT) Social drama or art and design
6 skills for living 7 skills for living This course is designed for students aged 16 to 25* to support them to become as independent as possible. *Assessed on an individual basis How long does it last? This is a two year course with a third year option available. You will spend four days a week attending College. What will I do? You will acquire academic, social and practical skills within a structured setting, such as speaking and listening, IT, music, cookery, gardening, PSD, numeracy, drama, art and craft. You will be taught in small groups and provided with opportunities for integration within the community to encourage self-esteem and selfreliance. You will also gain confidence and make new friends. Employability or supported employment opportunities are also available where appropriate. The course starts in September; however learners can join at any time, subject to an informal interview. Helen Philips Skills for Living Course Leader 0118 955 4510 helen.phillips@reading-college.ac.uk Learners are successful in extending their spoken English skills. They speak with confidence when addressing adults who may be unfamiliar to them. Most learners share their feelings and express emotion without embarrassment or fear.
8 ravenswood project 9 ravenswood project This is a full-time course for learners with profound and complex learning difficulties.the course offers you the opportunity to continue learning life skills using a holistic sensory and interactive approach. Learning groups are small, with an average of six students and we offer a high ratio of support staff. Nicky Edmunds Skills for Living Course Leader 07719 107 109 nicola.edmunds@reading-college.ac.uk How long does it last? This is a one year course, consisting of 36 weeks, four days a week, Monday Thursday. What will I do? Learners collaborate well with each other and develop relevant personal, social and vocational skills You will participate in a variety of activities, including sensory art, cooking, Innersense (a drama based group), rebound therapy, ICT, music and hydrotherapy. A partnership between reading college and ravenswood Reading College provide experienced, dedicated staff to deliver a multi-sensory, individualised curriculum in the extensive grounds and facilities provided by Ravenswood. The emphasis is on student centred learning and therapies with the aim for individuals to reach their full potential. You will also have the opportunity to access the local community to gain life skills. We regularly make use of the onsite café for essential money skills. This will also give you the chance to indulge in some of their homemade produce. Reading College, PART OF ACTIVATE LEARNING
10 ACE (adults continuing education) 11 ACE (adults continuing education) This course is for adults who are thinking of returning to education to learn and develop skills. How long does it last? You will attend College one day per week for a year. Emma Smith ACE and ACE@Work Course Leader 0118 955 4580 emma.smith@reading-college.ac.uk What will I do? The course consists of an hour of communications and an hour of numeracy. You then have a lunch break followed by either cookery, art, employability and photography, (the choice varies according to the day you have chosen). You ll get support in class and the learning can be adapted to suit your needs. Learners make outstanding progress in their preparedness for the world of work through teachers skilful use of realistic employment frameworks within the curriculum. The course starts in September, although there may be places available throughout the year. At the end of the year you will receive a college certificate showing what you have achieved.
12 ACE@Work 13 ACE@Work This course is for young adults who want to gain work confidence and extend their skills in work-based communications and numeracy. How long does it last? This is a full time, one year course which runs for a year. You will be in College four days a week. Emma Smith ACE and ACE@Work Course Leader 0118 955 4580 emma.smith@reading-college.ac.uk What will I do? You will participate in live enterprise activities in a supported environment. You will develop communication and numeracy skills as well as employability skills. Learning can be adapted to suit your needs. Learners feel safe across the campus. They are confident in making their views known and play an active role in the student council. They are keen advocates for the department and play a very visible role in college life. This course starts in September. All the work experience will be carried out with College staff. Reading College, PART OF ACTIVATE LEARNING
14 PROJECT SEARCH - Progression Route 15 PROJECT SEARCH - Progression Route Project SEARCH is a unique programme which supports people with learning disabilities and additional needs through an innovative workforce and career development model that benefits the individual, workplace and community. It is available as a progression route to students who are in their last year of education and who have expressed a desire to work. Entry criteria: Aged 18 or above Desire and plan to work competitively in the community at the conclusion of Project SEARCH programme In their last year of education at Reading College A typical day includes: Classroom based teaching of the Project SEARCH curriculum and an accredited course Participation at one or more internship rotations Lunch with work peers Feedback from the instructor, job coach and mentors/department managers As the student moves through the programme, they have individualised job development and placements throughout the year which are based on the strengths, skills and interests of the young person. Students are given support through on-the-job coaching and work site adjustments with the ultimate goal of independence. Develop links to to adult service agencies Prepare for adult life in a safe and fulfilling way Philip Lucas Head of LLD/D and Inclusion 0118 955 4836 philip.lucas@reading-college.ac.uk Can EITHER use public transport independently on familiar routes, and participate in travel training to learn new routes OR be able to get to and from the host employer either independently/through family support Benefits: Participate in a variety of internships in a high-status local business Acquire competitive, transferable and marketable job skills Gain increased independence, confidence and self esteem The programme is based entirely at The Royal Berkshire NHS Trust and is a joint partnership between Brookfields School and Reading College as the education providers and The Royal Berkshire NHS Trust as the host employer. Obtain on site and individualised instruction, support and reasonable adjustments Reading College, PART OF ACTIVATE LEARNING
16 Link Programme 17 Link Programme The Link programme is for students who would like to experience Reading College. The programme provides a positive introduction to our department and students can get used to the staff and surroundings prior to starting their course. How long does it last? The programme starts in September and runs for 28 weeks. During this time students will get to experience different practical subjects and also take part in a moving-on plan with course leaders. If you are interested in setting up a link with Reading College or you are a parent needing more information please contact: Helen Philips Skills for Living Course Leader 0118 955 4510 helen.phillips@reading-college.ac.uk What will I do? Students will take part in a variety of practical sessions including metal work, motor vehicles, theatre, radio, art and design and photography. By the end of the programme students will be familiar with the campus and help facilitate a smooth transition onto other specialist courses within LLD/D: Ravenswood Skills for Living Work Preparation STEPS This programme is arranged directly through schools and colleges.
18 work experience 19 work experience We are very proud of our work experience programme within LLD/D and have received an Association of Colleges (AoC) award for this, beating 300 other colleges from across the country. We have a highly motivated and dedicated team working to ensure the best outcomes for our students. Our success in placing students in work experience is highlighted by this award. Our priority is to place students in a variety of different settings during their time with us. The student will be accompanied to interviews and receive job coaching and travel training if needed. At present, work experience is offered to students attending the Work Preparation and STEPS courses. Further information can be obtained by contacting: Karen Ogilvie Employability Skills Advisor 0118 955 4581 karen.ogilvie@reading-college.ac.uk The provision of work experience is outstanding. Learners benefit from the wide variety of nearly 350 work placements secured by the College. These placements are effectively supported by specialist staff and job coaches. Reading College, PART OF ACTIVATE LEARNING
20 student support and enrichment 21 student support and enrichment student support Every student will be allocated an experienced personal tutor who will: Manage attendance Give careers advice Offer pastoral care Set targets and goals Help with study skills Raise awareness of health issues enrichment activities Activities include: Residential trips Social events Theatre trips Sponsored runs and charity Fundraising events Community-based projects and activities Day trips Visits to local attractions Discos A full range of extra-curricular activities are organised each year which complement and extend our academic curriculum. The students have the opportunity to further develop their social skills, independence, selfesteem, self-reliance and physical capabilities as well as having fun. When working collaboratively, most learners understand and use conversation sensibly, listen to each other carefully and cooperate to achieve a consensus. They know, understand and use the technical vocabulary related to their lessons accurately. Reading College, PART OF ACTIVATE LEARNING
22 progression routes 23 progression routes supported employment PROJECT SEARCH EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT Reading College, PART OF ACTIVATE LEARNING
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