The Impact of the 14-19 learning pathways agenda on the young people of Bridgend - Case study 5
Case Study 5
Domain C
1.5 Child development and well being
NVQ 2 Children’s Care, Learning and Development is an established pathway delivered at Heronsbridge Special School. In September 2005 Bryntirion Comprehensive School established a partnership arrangement with Heronsbridge Special School. Level 2 Welsh Baccalaureate students interested in pursuing a Children’s Care pathway are taught at Heronsbridge and access valuable work experience in the school whilst working towards accreditation.
Rachel’s story reflects the effect this pathway has had on her attitude towards her future.
RACHEL’S STORY (18)
‘‘I couldn’t care less about school. It’s just a waste of my time. The only bit I like is winding up the teachers. That’s a real laugh but the rest is just rubbish. What do I want to know about History for? Or French, or Welsh, or Religion or anything they teach here? They tell me I’ll never get a job if I don’t work but I just don’t care. There’s nothing out there for me anyway - nothing in here and nothing out there.’
That may well have been something that Rachel could have said when she was a student in her local comprehensive school. That was certainly the way she felt then but now she feels very different. She finished year 11 in school with E’s and F’s in her GCSE’s and wishes she could go back and have that time again knowing she could have done better. Why the change of heart?
The only subject Rachel enjoyed in school had been Child Development. She’d had a friend with a disabled child and a relative with additional learning needs so she appreciated the relevance of this subject over the rest. It was during one of these lessons that a teacher pointed her to a new course that was beginning in a local special school which included working with children with additional needs. She would have a learning coach to support her and there would be two days in school where she could work towards the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification at Intermediate Level.
Interested in this new pathway Rachel went along to an interview and was accepted on the two year NVQ Level 2 course in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. She re-sat her Maths and English GCSE’s and gained a D grade in both and during the first year attended courses including Mobility, Epilepsy, Child Protection, Manual Handling and Fire Safety.
Upon completing the first year Rachel applied for a post at the special school as a Lunch Time Supervisor. Her application was successful and gave her the opportunity to spend more time with the learners as a paid member of staff. By the end of her second year she was encouraged to apply for another role as a Supervisory Support Assistant. Her monthly salary has doubled, she has had access to more training courses and she has been part of some out of school activities all adding to her experience and development.
In addition to this she has been appointed as a Play Scheme Worker during the school holidays so she can now work with children of all abilities all year round.
Rachel is now 18 years old and has come a long way over the last two years. So what does the Rachel of today think about it all? What type of thing would she say now to describe how she feels? Well, let her speak for herself.
‘This is where I want to be forever. I want to move up the ladder. I want to have a part in the lives of these children and make a difference to them. I can’t thank the school enough for their encouragement and support. I now get up in the morning looking forward to going to work and say WOW! I’m so lucky. So many of my friends have nothing and have no aspirations. I now live an independent life, pay rent and am saving each month. Life couldn’t be better.’
Contact Details:
Name: Kath Durbin - Post 14 Education and Training Development Officer
