Supported Learning Successes
REAL results, REAL success stories
Christopher Goldsworthy
Next Steps
Christopher’s social skills and confidence has improved so much since he started at college on the Next Steps course and he is now pursuing his dream to study IT, eventually to degree level!
“I liked the sound of the Next Steps course and saw it as a stepping stone to move on to other courses. I was not very confident when I first started at college and I certainly never thought about going to university but now anything seems possible.”
“My course teacher was absolutely brilliant and has helped me so much. Because of him I knew I had the support I needed to progress. He helped me improve my reading, writing and Maths skills and taught us how to write our CVs amongst many other things. The course really does get students ready for further programmes or employment and that is really good. As part of the programme I also got to volunteer at Irchester Country Park where I had to carry out general park attendant duties. Again this gave me more confidence and I started believing in myself.”
“After a year on the Next Steps course I felt ready to move on to the Level 1 Diploma in IT. I have always been interested in computing and I was so pleased to be able to study the subject at college. I have since passed my IT course and I am now moving up to the BTEC First programme. After that I am thinking about going to university which is something I had never seriously considered. I still keep in touch with my Next Steps course teacher and know where to go if I need help or advice. I would recommend Next Steps to anyone who needs a bit of help moving on.”
___________________________________________________________________________
Seneta Khan
Seneta was nervous about settling in to college as a part time learner but it wasn’t long before she felt at ease and transferred onto the full time Accessing College & Employment programme.
‘I liked making friends and taking part in IT, cooking and art lessons. The teachers make classes a lot of fun – they are really friendly and helpful.
Despite personal difficulties Seneta made excellent progress socially and academically. As her confidence and enthusiasm grew she became much more independent, enjoying college trips and actively participating in classroom sessions.
‘I really enjoyed the time we visited the Tower of London. We took part in a project to see how we could make the displays better for people with learning difficulties. It was exciting. I liked seeing the old armour and learnt lots.’
Seneta has since progressed on to the Next Steps course where she completed a work placement at a local hairdressers.
‘I got to help out in the salon as if I really worked there. I met new people and customers which I loved.’
Seneta is looking forward to the future after completing the programme at Daventry.
___________________________________________________________________________
Tom Magee
Tom used to attend a local day centre before he began the full-time Accessing College and Employment course at Daventry. This could have been quite daunting for Tom but his energy in the class enabled him to make lots of friends and settle into college life quickly. He especially enjoyed the practical sessions like woodwork.
On top of his course Tom also attends a work placement at Danetre Hospital which gives him additional skills and confidence. He is now continuing on the full-time programme at Daventry.
___________________________________________________________________________
Donna Hutchinson and Victoria Gore-Locke
Donna and Vicky took full advantage of college life. They became good friends while at college and have worked very hard to improve their basic skills to help them achieve their ambition of working with children.
They took leading roles in the running of a small business as part of their work skills course and have also enjoyed working in the College’s Lunch Box Restaurant to complete a preliminary cookery course and gain their Foundation Food Hygiene certificates.
They have been accepted onto a childcare course.