From education to employment

HOME-EDUCATED STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM COLLEGE SUPPORT FOR GCSES

Leicestershire students in Years 10 and 11 who normally learn at home are benefiting from dedicated support to succeed with their English and maths GCSEs thanks to a special part-time programme run by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC).

The college is opening its doors to parents of home-educated students on Monday 7 March 2022 at its Wigston Campus to showcase the self-contained provision which runs one day per week within its own dedicated space.

Suzanne Burdett, Progress Coach for the Home Education programme said, “The number of pupils being taught at home has grown considerably over the last two years and, as a college, we are now supporting around 100 students who want to study for, and sit exams in, GCSE maths and English. Some of our students have always been home-educated, and others started learning at home after experiencing anxiety or issues such as bullying in mainstream school. Students respond really well to our small group sizes of up to 12.

“Young people have spent so much time at home over the last few years, and our students really enjoy meeting up with their peers once a week. I have seen them grow in confidence with us and learn to take responsibility for their studies and their futures. The programme is a great springboard for their next steps and most of our students progress into further study, for example, at NWSLC, or on to an apprenticeship.”

In addition to a subject tutor for maths and English, home-educated students on the college programme benefit from the pastoral support of a dedicated coach. Tuition sessions take place on one day per week from 8.45am and 4pm and students must complete three additional hours of study online and in their own time. The programme is fully funded by the government so there are no tuition or exam fees.

Student Riley B previously attended local mainstream primary schools but did not progress and left formal education at the age of nine unable to read or write. Riley had been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of five and dyslexia was confirmed whilst being educated at home. Last year, Riley accessed the Home Education programme at NWSLC and settled in well despite his initial reluctance. He went on to achieve a Level 5 in GCSE Maths and is now studying carpentry and joinery, as well as English, at the college.

Jamaal P said, “I found the transition from primary to secondary school particularly difficult. I struggled to develop relationships with the teachers and students which lead to impacting on my education, so my Mum decided to teach me at home. The home-education scheme allowed me to integrate myself back into society. Alongside my studies, it was a great way to enhance my social skills and much easier to make friends with people who were in a similar situation to myself and making new friends. The help and support I got from the staff and students have helped me to take my learning further.”

Olive H said, “The best thing about the programme is the small class sizes and the one-to-one teaching time. The programme helped me to gain the confidence to decide what subject I would like to do. I hope to start a career in the creative sector and will start a course in art and design at the college in September.” 

Deanna H said, “The teachers are great and help out a lot with our learning. They are really supportive and have helped me to decide on my next steps. College is one of my favourite places to come. It is a safe space where I can relax.” Deanna intends to study fashion and textiles or performing arts at college when she finishes her GCSEs. 

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “We’re really proud of our home education provision and have seen some outstanding results amongst students of maths and English. These crucial qualifications are so important for onward progression in education or employment, and we are delighted to be able to provide a supportive environment to growing numbers of home-educated students that are really benefitting from this bespoke provision.” 

Home education students follow GCSE maths and English programmes at NWSLC’s Wigston Campus

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