Welcome to our first edition of the Fernways Futures newsletter. We will be providing you with key information which will help you support your child with their next steps after Fernways – whilst this may seem like a long time away, please don’t put off starting to think about the ‘What will happen next?’.
As an introduction, it may be useful for you to have a clearer picture of what each of the qualification levels mean as these have changed in recent years.
At Fernways, all students will be working towards Entry Level, Level 1 and 2 qualifications which provide them with the building blocks to move on to the next stage of their lives. During key stage 4 (years 10 and 11) all students will have the opportunity to work towards an appropriate qualification (whether this may be Entry Level Certificates, Functional Skills, BTECS or GCSE's) in their core subjects (English, Maths, Science) as well as a personalised selection of other qualifications such as Travel and Tourism, Sport and Drama and DT. These options will be available to choose during year 9 in the Spring term.
Our Fernways Futures team are here to support you and your child through the transition into the next stage of their learning and guide you through the next steps of their lives to post 16.
It is always a good idea to remember that not many people know the exact job or path they want to follow as a teenager, it is ok to change your mind at any age, what we can do to support each student is help them be aware of the options that are available to them.
In future newsletters we will talk about Labour Market Information (LMI) which will offer our students details about possible jobs and careers that they may be interested in. We will also provide guidance on post 16 pathways whether it’s a further education, college or a supported internship. There are lots of options available.
During year 10 our students will be undertaking supervised work experience. We are keen to develop our network of contacts so if you or, you know anyone, who works somewhere which may be able to offer an interesting placement or visit, please get in touch!
Futures Spotlight
Each month we will provide you with information on either a further education facility or a career. We will kick start with Brooklands College in Weybridge, Surrey. They offer lots of vocational (practical) based courses rather than the traditional A level route. For more information, please visit their website.
Brooklands College is a Further Education College offering a friendly and welcoming environment. They have a specialist SEN unit separate to the main building which provides a nurturing environment for young people needing extra support with their learning. All of the courses have been designed to meet the needs and abilities of the learner. Programmes include a range of nationally recognised qualifications and offer pathways to further study, employment or independent living.
Many of the courses give students the opportunity to experience vocational areas which may include Art and Design, Media, Hair & Beauty, Care, Catering, Engineering and Business.
There is a large campus in Weybridge and a smaller campus in Ashford with a selection of courses. They specialise in the provision of vocational courses, including apprenticeships, which have been developed in partnership with employers to ensure students are learning the skills they will need in industry. These courses offer a practical approach to learning which is valued by employers and students alike.
Here’s what Brooklands College can offer:
- Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (January 2020).
- 21 different full-time courses and 15 apprenticeship areas.
- Industry experienced lecturers who help you achieve your best.
- Courses are offered at Entry Level as well as Levels 1, 2 and 3.
- English and maths can be studied alongside your vocational course, for those with GCSE grade 3 or below.
- Easy transport links.