Gateway Skills Diploma

Accreditation at Strands Sixth From Centre is provided through Gateway Qualifications and is delivered through a Diploma in Skills for Independent Living (Entry Level 1, 2 and 3) qualification, which runs over a two year period alongside Maths and English at Entry Level or Level 1.

The Strand Sixth Form Centre course is called the SKILLS Diploma.

All of our tutor groups are small with appropriate levels of support from qualified teachers, teaching assistants and tutors. We are able to provide tailored teaching timetables and bespoke courses relevant to each student, in order to meet their own needs.

The curriculum is differentiated to enable and empower students to build on strengths and interests whilst developing skills and knowledge. Our programmes of study offer a broad range of engagement and they are accredited through Gateway Qualifications, which cover personal and social skills, employability skills and learning skills, as well as vocational studies based in real working environments and in conjunction with our partner contacts and the school's charity shop. Our new 16-19 curriculum gives learners the opportunity to select options within their course and gain skills in the following areas:

• Maths, English and PSHE
• Arts and Media - Digital skills, photography, printmaking, painting
• Science - Learning topics such as forces, electicity, energy and space and working towards GCSE Physics.
• Landbased Studies - Gardening, food growing, animal care, estate management skills
• Construction Skills - Carpentry, bricklaying, using tools and decorating
• Enrichment- Including options such as bike skills, craft and home maintenance
• Sport and Active Leisure - Participating in sport, planning for fitness and diet, coaching and sports leadership
• Enterprise and employability skills - Including work placements in Year 13
• Hair and Beauty- Hair care and styling, nail care, reception duties and make up
• Hospitality and Catering - Food preparation, cooking, diet, menu planning and customer service
• Independent Living Skills and Travel Independence
  
  

Pupils already attending Sidestrand Hall School in Year 11 are automatically considered for commencement and progression through to Strands Sixth Form Centre and the SKILLS course offer.

Pupils that are not attending Sidestrand Hall School in their final year of KS4 are admitted to school via the Local Authority's policy for the admission of pupils to special schools, and therefore interest should be via their EHCP Coordinator. All students attending the Sixth Form have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

All students have planned and supported transition meetings and participate in work experience or employer engagement activities which are tailored to their own individual needs and ambitions. All progression routes beyond Strands Sixth Form Centre are carefully planned in close consultation with students and their parents / carers and agreed with relevant placement officers, agencies and other support networks through Transition Plans.

Students often move on from the Strands Sixth Form into further education at a college or training provider after completing year 13. They may specialise in a more specific area at college when they leave Sixth Form once they are more aware of which pathway they are interested in pursuing further, e.g. catering or construction for example. Some students may move into an Adult Services provider after Sixth Form if this is most appropriate. Employment based programmes or apprenticeships may also be a suitable route for some of our students. Careers advice and support is offered to explore and identify the most suitable pathway for each student after Sixth Form.