supported learning supported learning
TRANSCRIPT
Supported LearningSupported LearningDelivering Excellence for Students with Learning Difficulties
Belfast Met is the largest further and higher
education college in Northern Ireland and
the sixth largest in the UK. At Belfast Met, we
aspire to be a college which has a significant
impact on the people and communities
we serve – enhancing individual lives and
contributing to the success of the city of
Belfast and the region of Northern Ireland.
The College is committed to excellence in every
way. We pride ourselves on providing a complete
student experience – in addition to a varied
qualification offering, we nurture your personal
development and boast a spectrum of support
services to assist you upon your student journey.
The Centre for Supported Learning is
recognised as a Centre of Excellence having
recently won an Aontas Award for Excellence in
Adult Learning. I am immensely proud of what
has been achieved and I look forward to the
continued success of the School in providing
high quality teaching and training.
We are delighted that you are considering
coming to Belfast Met and we hope you find it
educational, fun and rewarding.
Marie–Thérèse McGivern,
Principal and Chief Executive
Welcome 01
Supported Services at Belfast Met 02
Innovations and Developments 04
What Our Students Say 07
Courses 10
Supporting you at Belfast Met 16
Work with Partners and Stakeholders 17
Contents
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 01
Alison Anderson
Curriculum Area Manager,
Centre for Supported Learning
The Centre for Supported Learning, within the
School of Community Education and Skills for Life,
is the first choice specialist provider of educational
opportunity for school leavers and adults with
moderate, severe and complex learning difficulties.
A recognised leader in this field, our dynamic centre
delivers ground breaking, innovative and creative
educational and vocational skills programmes
tailored to meet individual learner needs.
We deliver our programmes in an inclusive and
supportive environment. The students may avail of
vocational training, employability skills, budgeting
and money management skills - in preparation for
adult life.
A highly skilled and qualified specialist staff team
both, academic and support, are experts in the field
of learning difficulty and are dedicated to ensuring
the learner is empowered to achieve their personal
best, become more independent and ultimately a
valued and confident citizen of the city of Belfast.
All students in the Centre follow nationally
accredited qualification pathways ensuring they are
well placed to fulfil personal goals and aspirations.
The Centre works proactively with a range of
partners enabling clear progression routes for
students and opportunities for post College life.
Welcome 01
Supported Services at Belfast Met 02
Innovations and Developments 04
What Our Students Say 07
Courses 10
Supporting you at Belfast Met 16
Work with Partners and Stakeholders 17
www.belfastmet.ac.uk02
Learning Resource Centre
The Library/Learning Resources team are here
to support your learning. At Belfast Met we
offer outstanding facilities to complement your
experience as a student. Most importantly we
provide a welcoming, supportive environment
with friendly and experienced staff that are
knowledgeable about our services and always
available to support you with your learning.
Support Services at Belfast Met
Students Union
As a student at Belfast Met, you can join the students
union and benefit from all its services.
You will be able to:
• obtain an NUS/USI student card which will enable
you to get discounts galore;
• attend social activities run by the students’ union;
• get free student offers and give-aways throughout
the year;
• become a class representative;
Our support staff will help you access the Students’
Union and its services.
Accessing Help from Disability Services /
Inclusive Learning
If you have an additional disability such as a
hearing impairment we will ensure that you get
the necessary support from Disability Services to
enable you to participate fully in college life.
Your personal tutor will organise this for you
following an assessment.
Our range of student support services will assist you every step of the way
“ “
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 03
www.belfastmet.ac.uk04
Working with Belfast Circus SchoolThe opportunity to go to the Circus to learn some really cool circus skills, meet new people and improve your self confidence as well as putting on a performance to show what you have learned.
Join a band and record your songs
The opportunity to work with our music students to find
your inner groove and record your own music.
Set up a small business
Work with your class mates to set up a small business to
raise money for a charity of your choice.
Fresh
Join in Belfast Metropolitan College’s innovative creative
thinking programme, FRESH. The pioneering FRESH
programme, exclusive to Belfast Met, will broaden your
enterprise and employability skills by exposing you to
a FRESH creative process. Embracing a combination of
design thinking processes and skills development,
you will acquire new attitudes to assessing, challenging
and shaping innovation.
My Town Project
This is our very successful, collaborative project with South
West College funded by JISC (Joint Information Systems
Committee) to enhance the use of mobile technologies in
the classroom by students with learning difficulties. You get
the opportunity to develop friendships and share information
about your studies by video conferencing and Skype
enabling you to develop your communication skills and make
use of new technology.
Learning at Belfast met is creative, enjoyable and really
fun. As part of your studies you will have the opportunity
to take part in our new initiatives and developments to
make learning really exciting, inventive and give you the
opportunity to practice real life skills. Some of these include -
Innovations and Developments
Learning TogetherLearning TogetherLearning Together
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 05
Learning TogetherLearning TogetherLearning Together
www.belfastmet.ac.uk06
The College has been working successfully
in partnership with Hillcroft Special School
for the past 6 years to develop and deliver
a Transition to Adulthood programme to
school leavers.
This very successful innovative and
energetic programme emphasises the
development of knowledge and skills
through practical real life experiences and
accredited learning. Hillcroft and Belfast
Met have worked together to develop
independence and coping skills as well as
increasing confidence and self esteem in
our learners. The experience of being in
college as a student has a very positive
impact on the real life learning of the young
people involved.
We are delighted with the successful impact
of this partnership on our learners and wish
to continue developing it in the future.
Martin Beattie, Hillcroft Special School
Case StudiesHillcroft Special School
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 07
Susan Galbraith
Susan is in her first year on the Training for
Success Skills for Work Level 1 Programme.
Skills for Work is a Department for Employment
and Learning (DEL) funded programme.
Susan has studied various courses at Belfast Met
and has completed her Essential Skills in Maths
and English as well as doing a BTEC in Vocational
Studies and a City & Guilds qualification in
Employability and Personal Development.
The course has enabled her to get involved in a
wide range of activities in organising fun days and
taking part in fundraising activities. Susan’s tutor
Clare Corey went on to say “Susan is a delightful,
enthusiastic and hardworking student who is
always willing to assist other students in the group.
She attends daily and has established
a range of transferable and work skills that will
help her in progressing on to face the many
challenges and opportunities in the second year
of the programme”.
Robert Graham
Robert first came to Belfast Met when he was 16
years old, through a link course run in conjunction
with his school. He had the option to stay on at
school for another three years but decided to leave
and come to College.
He enrolled on the Towards Work and Independence
Course full-time and he really excelled on it. Robert
said “I enjoyed doing cookery, English and Maths,
IT, car valeting and the Enterprise Project. I made
lots of new friends and engaged fully in College life”.
He is now at college two days per week part-time
doing the Right Track IT and Right Track Basic
Performance Skills and is enjoying the course and
continuing his learning and development.
Robert is also part of the Special Olympics team
and has had the opportunity to visit lots of different
countries and won many medals taking part. He is
also an active volunteer for the Special Olympics.
What Our Students Say
“ “
Debbie Galbraith, Parent
It is obvious that the tutors are focussing all
their efforts on developing the students to the
best of their potential and more importantly
they see every student on the course as
having a future.
Etta Graham, Parent
“ “Over the years at College, Robert has
gained an enormous amount from his
studies, both socially and academically.
He can now deal with social situations
in an independent and mature manner.
Being part of a team at College has greatly
enhanced his life.
www.belfastmet.ac.uk10
The Centre for Supported Learning has full-time further education courses’ Training for Success (TFS) provision, part-time and community based courses for students with moderate, severe and complex learning difficulties.
Full-time Further Education for students aged 16 plusTowards Work and Independence
NOCN Entry Level 3
Towards Independence Programme It will give you the confidence and skills necessary to become more independent in your daily life and become a responsible young adult. This is a brilliant and exciting programme where you will learn more about yourself. Explore Belfast and your local area, organise your own student events, work as part of a team and update your computer skills – all whilst
obtaining an Open College Network (OCN) qualification.
Towards Work ProgrammeThis course is for those with moderate/severe learning difficulties. It gives you the confidence and skills necessary to become more independent in your daily life and begins to prepare you for the world of work. You will gain skills in reading, number, writing and computers. You will sample different vocational areas such as painting and decorating, car valeting, textiles and catering. Enterprise is also a key part of this course and you will participate in the Enterprise Challenge,
establishing a small business for charity.
Employability ProgrammeLeaving school? Seeking employment in a supported learning environment? Want to learn new employability and enterprise skills, build confidence, meet new friends and have great fun at the same time? Come and join us as a student at Belfast Met. You will achieve an Open College Network qualification. Subjects include: Computers and IT, Communication and Number Skills, Interview Skills
and Building your own CV.
Courses
Routeways Training for Success - Edexcel BTEC
Level 1 Certificate in Vocational Studies
The Routeways programme is specifically designed
training for Success Programme for young people
with moderate learning difficulties. Students will
select qualifications in the following areas: BTEC
Level 1 Certificate in Vocational Studies - Retail,
Catering and Hairdressing , BTEC Level 1 Certificate
in Work Skills and a BTEC Level 1 Certificate in
Hospitality. The key strength of the programme is
that all students are ‘supported’ through a team of
specialist lecturers. Each learner’s will have their
own individual pathway.
Right Track Level 1 - NOCN Level 1 Certificate in
Skills Towards Enabling Progression
This Level 1 Course is aimed at preparing
you for independent living. Subjects include:
Communication Skills, ICT, Money Management,
Practical Cookery and Home Management,
Personal Development and Assertiveness and
Working as a Member of a Team. Our welcoming
and supportive tutors are experienced and know
how to make your time at College successful and
enjoyable. There will be lots of support and advice
to help you learn, progress and make choices.
Pathfinder City and Guilds Level 1 Certificate in
Employability and Personal Development
The Pathfinder Level 1 programme is designed
for young people aged 16 and over who have
a moderate to severe physical disability and/
or learning difficulty and who require additional
support in order to access further education.
The programme provides an integrated full-time
educational experience and you may be given the
opportunity to sample a work placement or to join
in developing an enterprise project. The course
will give you the confidence and skills necessary to
become more independent in daily life. This exciting
and fun course will provide you with the ideal
opportunity to experience study life, to have fun,
learn and prepare for the future with the support
that you require.
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 11
Right Track Part-time
Independent Living Skills delivered in Millfield
and Castlereagh
This programme runs on a Wednesday and students
have the opportunity to learn basic cookery and
daily living skills such as money management and
managing your leisure time. This programme is for
adults with severe learning difficulties.
Enterprise - Millfield Campus
This programme runs on a Monday on the Millfield
Campus and students will have the opportunity to
set up a small voluntary business and raise funds
for charities, learn money management and how
to relate with the general public and wider College
community. They will also have the opportunity to
gather market research and to work as part of a
team.
Core Skills delivered - Castlereagh Campus
This programme runs on a Friday and students will
have the opportunity to develop their literacy and
numeracy skills. You will develop your reading skills,
essential form filling skills, planning skills, budgeting
and personal money management.
ICT - Millfield Campus
This programme runs on a Thursday and students
will have the opportunity to develop computer skills
including email, accessing the internet, writing a
word document and developing a PowerPoint.
Students will also explore the use of computers for
Leisure purposes.
Community - Millfield Campus
Students will explore their local community
investigating community facilities and what it
means to be part of a community both locally and
nationally. They will explore the role of the Council in
community life and what it means to be a citizen of
the city of Belfast.
Creative Activity - Millfield Campus
This programme is delivered on a Friday and offers
students the opportunity to release their inner
creativity. Students will get involved in drama and
music performances as well developing their skills
in art and crafts. There will be organised visits to
creative and art exhibitions and facilities such as the
MAC throughout the year.
Right Track - Muckamore Abbey
A bespoke part-time provision in Muckamore Abbey
designed to meet the needs of adults with severe
learning difficulties who live in the Abbey and who
are preparing for a new life in the community.
Community Based Provision
Some of our students have such busy lives that
they have only time to fit in short courses. Our two
hour Community classes are ideal for this purpose.
Classes are mornings, afternoons and evenings
and they take place in college campuses and
Community Centres throughout Belfast.
Classes include computers, Skills for everyday
Life (English and Maths), Personal Development,
Gardening, Practical Cookery and arts and crafts.
All of our part-time provision is accredited
through NOCN.
Part-time Courses
www.belfastmet.ac.uk12
Achieving and moving on is a very personal thing
and is different for each individual. We will support
you and your family to make choices about your
future and what to do next.
This section Includes case studies of some of our
learners and how they have progressed through
the various options available at Belfast Met.
The College is a leader in developing courses
that reflect current and future skills needs, with
employability and the learner placed at the centre
of all that we do. To this end, we support students
into employment, better employment or a route
towards employment
Progression Opportunities at Belfast Met
Olivia joined Towards Work and
Independence, Towards Independence
strand from school.
In her first year Olivia required additional
support and had a one to one support
assistant. Olivia progressed so well in her
self confidence and independence that
she was able to come into her second
year without any additional support.
Olivia has excelled in independent daily
living skills, has learned to be more
independent and assertive. Olivia can
make choices about her life and next
year will progress to the Orchardville
Society were she will do two days work
placement a week and come to College
part-time to develop skills that will
support her in her placement.
Olivia has been a super student and we
look forward to seeing her on our
part-time provision.
Olivia
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 13
AchievementAchievement
www.belfastmet.ac.uk14
Carl came to the centre while at school as part
of the school partnership programme, learning
how to travel independently.
At the end of that year Carl joined the full-time
Entry Level 3 Towards Work and Independence/
Employability programme during which he
successfully maintained a work placement with
Chest Heart and Stroke.
After achieving his Entry Level 3 qualifications
Carl applied for and was accepted to Training
for Success Pathfinder Level 1 BTEC Vocational
Studies and was there for two years.
Carl has completed his Level 1 qualification and
has applied for Level 2 Business Admin course.
We are all very proud of Carl and his
achievements.
Carl
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 15
ProgressionProgression
www.belfastmet.ac.uk16
Supporting you at Belfast Met
As parents of our students’ your views and
support are very important to us to enable us to
meet the needs of our students both academic
and social.
We have regular review meetings with parents
which take place twice a year and we encourage
you to build on College based learning at home.
We develop close working relationships with
parents and related professionals to ensure our
learners are fully supported whilst at College.
Parents
The staff team in the Centre for Supported Learning
are leaders in their field and are a professional,
expert, creative and dynamic team totally dedicated
to the education of our students. Whether they are
undertaking a further education or training course
we aim to provide them with the skills necessary to
become more independent in daily life and to look
towards a more independent future.
Staff team
The College can present many exciting
opportunities and challenges. To help you take part
fully in College, we have a dedicated enthusiastic
and expert support team on hand who will help you
in many ways including.
• finding your way about College
• help you make choices in the canteen
• support you with any personal care needs
• make sure you can find your class
• assist with your transport arrangements
• support you in day to day classroom activities
• liaise with family/carers
• manage your money while at College
• be there to answer any problems you might have
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 17
We have extensive liaison and strong relationships
with a number of key stakeholders to enable us to
continue to develop and achieve excellence.
Some of these include:
PartnersOrchardville Society
Now project
Belfast Trust
Mencap
Disability Action
Cedar foundation
Opportunity youth
Muckamore Abbey Hospital
Special needs Careers Service
Knockbracken
SchoolsGlenveagh Special School
Torbank Special school
Hillcroft Special School
Fleming Fulton
Longstone
Cedar Lodge
Rostulla
St Gerards
Mitchell House
Park School
EmployersDunnes Stores
British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland
Poundland
Charleston Hairdressers
Re:Store
Sainsburys
City Picnic
Dorothy Perkins
Work with Partners and Stakeholders
Contact Information
The School for Community Education and Life Skills, Centre for
Learning Support welcomes the opportunity to meet with you and to
discuss our provision.
For further information please contact:
Alison Anderson
Curriculum Area Manager
Centre for Supported Learning
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 028 9026 5410
Linda Clarke
School Administrator
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 028 9026 5415