Gateway (Aspire Broadway) OCR

This course is designed for young people with a special educational need or disability with a particularly acute social, emotional or mental health difficulty detailed as the primary need in their EHCP or formal diagnosis. It is also a suitable pathway back into formal education for those who have been home-schooled or out of education. Gateway offers a supportive environment in which students can share experiences, learn to feel safe at college and develop the skills required to succeed in education, at home and in their community. Gateway offers opportunities to explore the local community and overcome anxieties associated with day-to-day life, to communicate with others, to improve physical and mental fitness, to set goals, reflect on one’s own progress and integrate into the college community.

All Aspire curriculum promotes preparation for adulthood which includes personal independence, employment, looking after yourself in the home, travel and community cohesion.

All students will undertake work experience in our Aspire Shop, learning essential transferable skills such as customer service, problem solving, teamworking, basic finance and marketing.

Please note that ‘full time’ courses are between 16-18 hours per week and are not 5-day provision. Maths and English is taught as part of this study programme. For applicants currently on reduced or bespoke timetables with their current provider, please discuss minimum attendance requirements with a Learning Support Practitioner when you are invited in to college.

If your travel is provided by school, sixth-form or local authority, this will need to be reapplied for prior to starting college.

Areas covered can include (but aren't limited to) the following:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Personal development
• Mental health & well-being
• Sustainability
• Promoting independence in the community
• Physical health
• Study Skills
• Mindfulness
• Overcoming barriers
• Self-care
• Goal-setting

Students are assessed through witness statements, Q&A, observation and practical application, collated as a portfolio of evidence.

Formal assessment of maths and English will take place if suitable for the student.

Small financial contribution to educational visits, when required. Personal stationery. Weekly cooking ingredients. Suitable clothing and footwear for outdoors. Sportswear.

OCR Life & Living Skills Entry Level 3

All Aspire courses are for one academic year. Progression onto further study is dependent on maintained attendance, positive records of behaviour and evidence of significant progress made within the year.

Students studying Gateway may progress onto mainstream Entry to FE in an area of their interest or remain within the Aspire Department.

Applicants will be invited to attend a needs assessment to ensure support needs can be met. Following this, a mandatory taster session is arranged to provide transition into the area and for suitability for the programme to be assessed. If there are any concerns about suitability or our ability to meet support needs, this will be discussed with you. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.