The College welcomes learners with learning difficulties, disabilities and special educational needs. We offer Entry Level life skills and vocational courses. These courses are most suited to learners who would benefit from high levels of individual, educational and pastoral support. All courses are nationally accredited by external awarding bodies. These courses are for learners aged 16 years or over.
Learners work within a supportive environment and emphasis is placed on enjoyment and achievement and, in addition to the qualifications, specific targets are set on an individual basis. The courses enable learners to gain greater independence for adult life, to progress to a higher-level qualification and/or to prepare for the world of work. All courses last for one year, with clear progression routes through these qualifications.
In addition to the main qualification, all our courses include Functional Skills (English, maths and ICT at an appropriate level), and Personal and Social Development.
The courses are taught at both the Holme Lacy and Hereford Campuses. Teaching is done in a number of settings to ensure learners are provided with access to a broad range of facilities suitable for the relevant vocational pathway.
Each year the Supported Learning department host an Awards Ceremony which celebrates the achievements of our learners. This year we were honoured to have the Paralympics swimmer Sascha Kindred as our guest speaker and to present our learners with their awards.
Entry Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Life Skills or Skills for Working Life
Entry Level 2 and 3 Diploma
This is an introductory course that helps learners make the transition from school to college. The main focus is on developing learners’ confidence and their interpersonal skills, helping them learn to work as a group through fun and challenging activities.
Learners will take part in a variety of practical subjects, for example, gardening, cookery, conservation projects, childcare, enterprise, planning charity events, etc. They will be encouraged to develop problem-solving skills through a range of projects.
Skills for Working Life - Entry Level 2
This is a general vocational or workrelated course which provides learners with the opportunity to try a variety of work areas and discover which ones they enjoy or are suited to.
Areas may include animal care, IT, catering, childcare, horticulture, wood occupations, environment or conservation.
Learners develop skills to help them prepare for the world of work, for example, health and safety, first aid and job-seeking skills, and they will be helped to make decisions about planning for their futures. Assessment is continuous throughout the year and may include written pieces, practical work, role plays or discussion.
Work experience will form part of the programme, allowing learners to gain confidence and skills in a real workplace.
Skills for Working Life - Entry Level 3
For this course, learners will further develop a range of more specific transferable skills that they are particularly interested in and which are valued by employers. The vocational areas will include some of those taught at Entry Level 2, and work experience related to the learner’s area of interest is a key element of the course.
Learners will be encouraged to be involved in wider activities, for example, a youth enterprise scheme, the Malvern Garden Show and sports events.
From these courses, learners can progress within Entry Level vocational subjects and then on to Level 1 vocational areas or to other training or employment.