Applied Learning

Within our original Leading Edge Partnership (2003) we made a commitment to developing our vocational provision. It was within this context that we initiated 'The South Cotswold Partnership'. This partnership has grown incrementally from 3 to 6 institutions and currently 140 pupils from across the different schools participate in seven Level 1/2 courses. Participation in the programme has led to re-engagement and access to Level 2 courses or employment post 16. In 2007, the opportunity to lead 14-19 developments further through the achievement of the Applied Learning specialism within the ‘high performing specialist schools’ option, not only validated this work, but has enhanced our provision within the school and across our partnership.

Being a specialist school for applied learning has enabled us to personalise the curriculum for our learners. Pupils in Year 10 currently have the opportunity to follow an applied course in each of our faculty areas and we are keen to build on the success of our Music Technology courses in 2007 and 2008 which consistently yielded 100% A*-C grades and portfolio of applied ICT courses. In 2008 we were especially pleased with the group of gifted and talented pupils in Year 11 who achieved the prestigious CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) qualification.

We remain active within The South Cotswold Partnership and are currently engaged in preparing for the new diplomas. As an Arts College we plan to offer the Creative and Media Diploma from 2010 within the consortium. As a Technology College we are closely involved in the delivery of BTEC courses in Construction and Engineering as forerunners to Diplomas in these disciplines.

We provide careers information and guidance and work closely with the Connexions service. We have strong links with local businesses and are keen to develop these further.

As a specialist school for Applied Learning we are committed to:

• using the Applied Learning specialism to complement, link and enhance the subject specialism/HPSS options and further develop the school’s ethos and identity;
• providing a high quality applied learning offer based on consistent and effective information, advice and guidance for all young people, and clear progression routes;
• using Diplomas and applied learning courses and pedagogy to enrich and extend learning and contribute to whole school improvement by developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning as a distinctive and high priority feature;
• raising post-16 participation and provide young people with the skills and experiences needed for employment, self-employment, further education/training and higher education according to their individual abilities, aptitudes and ambitions;
• being a key partner in a Diploma consortium working collaboratively with partners and actively involved, or working towards, Diploma implementation;
• having good leadership and management of applied learning – schools are active partners in a learning community with their local families of schools, FE, HEI and businesses, working collaboratively to share resources and develop/share good practice;
• working in partnership with the wider community, including business and industry, to enhance lifelong learning opportunities in the context of the specialisms;
• having a coherent and robust plan to engage employers and sectors to impact on the school and curriculum

For more information about Applied Learning follow this link: http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/specialistschools/what_are/?version=1