Hello and welcome to our 25/26 prospectus. We are delighted to share with you details about our small and friendly college, photos and testimonials from our learners and stakeholders and course information on a wide range of programmes and provisions.
The Skills Academy is a great place to start for young people who do not feel quite ready for a larger college environment or are looking for an alternative education provision. Courses are available for young people aged 14-18 with more details on these found further in the prospectus.
With small class sizes across all programmes The Skills Academy offers a calm and nurturing environment where learners will be given an individualised experience that will encourage, inspire and support them to reach their true potential.
We are a small team of tutors and support staff who will be on hand in and out of the classroom to help learners during their time with us. These include our Advanced Safeguarding and Welfare Practitioner, Personal Tutor and Learning Support Assistants.
As well as all of the hard work our students do here gaining their qualifications, we also like to have a lot of fun. There are always opportunities to be involved in enrichment and enterprise projects, community projects and Skills Academy events. Check out our ‘Day in the Life’ page for these. That just leaves me to say thank you for reading our prospectus and considering The Skills Academy.
Everyone in this guide is either a student, staff member or friend of the college. Our thanks to all involved!
COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF
ARE YOU NOT CURRENTLY IN EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING (NEET*)?
If so, we have the perfect event for you. Tuesday 24th September NEET* 4.30-6.30pm.
You may have heard the term NEET* and wondered if this applies to you. If you are currently not in education, employment or training and would like to potentially start a study programme with us this year, come along to our NEET* open event and speak to our friendly staff.
We take enrolments throughout the academic year and would love to discuss the variety of options available to you at The Skills Academy. We can support you with your maths and
English, provide careers advice and guidance and get you back on track. Taking the leap into further education doesn’t need to be stressful or scary!
If an open event environment isn’t for you, you can also book a private 1-2-1 tour of our site, please visit our website www.skillsacademybillingham.ac.uk/ tours/ to make an appointment that suits you! You can also bring a friend, family member or guardian with you if you are feeling nervous.
*Not in Education, Employment or Training.
OPEN EVENT DATES:
• Tuesday 15th October 2024
• Tuesday 10th December 2024
• Tuesday 25th March 2025
• Tuesday 20th May 2025
All open events are 4.30 – 6.30pm.
COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF
PROGRESS FURTHER with The Skills Academy
Meet niel
‘‘At the Inter College Skills competition it was good to work with the other students from different colleges and see how they do things’’
Daniel
Heneeded supportwith
English and maths, social skills, confidence, and raising aspirations
September 2021
Whereheis now
Daniel now wants to progress onto an apprenticeship
“Daniel came to The Skills Academy when he was a Year 10 learner. He joined the Positive Pathways programme and over the course of two years completed and achieved qualifications in maths and English as well as developing those much needed employability and wider skills to support his progression onto post-16 education at Stockton Riverside College.”
Tracey Laycock Alternative Provision Manager
Hewas providedwith
“Dan has come on leaps and bounds since joining us and has even won student of the month. We are very proud of him and know he will do well in industry.”
Alex Thompson Curriculum Manager, Construction
’sAchievements
Level 1 Construction, English and Maths Functional Skills, GCSE Maths
FACILITIES
BEAUTY LAB NINE
As a hairdressing and beauty student, you will benefit from learning in our small and friendly salon. Appropriately named ‘Beauty Lab 9’ by previous students, the salon itself gives you access to stateof-the-art wash basins, workstations, a massage table and much more. All students will be supervised by a qualified lecturer.
ART AND DESIGN STUDIO
Realise your true potential in our colourful and creative art room. Paint, draw, model and photograph your way to success with help from our amazing lecturers. Showcase your skills at our own in-house exhibition and take part in real life commissioned artwork.
COMPUTER SUITE
Technology is advancing every day and whether you are browsing on the internet or creating digital artwork we can help. With a dedicated computer suite available, students are able to develop their skills and knowledge using a wide range of computer programs and packages.
KATY’S CAFÉ
Looking for a bite to eat? Katy’s Café has got you covered! Pre-order a hot meal or even just grab a snack during your lunch break.
CONSTRUCTION ROOM
Our spacious construction room allows students to learn and practise new skills alongside each other. The room is equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment you will need to develop a wide range of hand-tool techniques, drawing skills and much more. There are also opportunities for up-cycling projects.
COMMUNAL AREAS
Whether you are looking to catch up with friends or grab a quiet minute to yourself, we have something for everyone. Although we are small, we have the space to make you feel comfortable and enjoy your time at The Skills Academy.
We have a variety of activities for you and your friends during your down time and between lessons. Try your hand at a game of pool or relax with a good book from our lending library.
WORKING KITCHEN
Cook up a storm in our working kitchen and learn some skills for life. Whether you are interested in baking cakes or cooking a curry, our facilities are the perfect place for you to learn.
ENGLISH AND MATHS
These are the skills that we can all take for granted, but we all use English and maths every day, often without even thinking about it.
At The Skills Academy we know how important these skills are to your future success and that is why we want to help all of our students develop their basic knowledge and pick up the qualifications to match.
For students under 19, it is a government requirement that you keep working towards these essential Functional Skills and GCSEs, if you haven’t already achieved a pass or grade 9-4.
At The Skills Academy, if you haven’t already achieved what you need, we will help you work towards these important skills and qualifications and continue to develop your knowledge of English and maths as part of your course. We want to help you make the grade!
STUDENT SUCCESS
Over the last two years 100% of our English Functional Skills students passed their qualification, with two of our students achieving grade 8 in their English GCSE!
STUDENT PERKS!
GYM ACCESS
STUDENT DISCOUNTS
Speak to our Student Support and Wellbeing Team about all the latest offers and discounts!
Grab a pass to the Durham University Sports Centre next door to our Stockton campus or check out the offers available at our Bede Sports Centre in Billingham. FREE MICROSOFT OFFICE 365
Completely free for you to use!
CAREERS ADVICE
You can get support with your CV, discuss your future career options and prepare for further and higher education opportunities.
FREE TRAVEL*
Travelling to and from Skills couldn’t be easier, with bus routes available across Teesside. See our website for further details.
For all of your course work and printing needs.
Speak to our Student Support and Wellbeing Team about all of our latest offers and discounts!
*Subject to change, conditions may apply.
**Subject to eligibility criteria. Visit the finance section of our website to check your eligibility.
12 REASONS TO CHOOSE THE SKILLS ACADEMY:
We have smaller class sizes which ensures learners have more access to one-to-one support.
Learning support is available in the classroom and to support with self-directed study.
We value your opinions and ideas and give you the opportunity to share them with us.
We deliver practical and hands-on courses with industry-experienced staff and equipment.
We have a small team of staff, who get to know all Skills students on a first name basis.
Our college is an inclusive and safe environment.
Our learner and parental feedback is outstanding.
We offer a wide variety of enrichment and tutorial activities.
We love to fundraise and take part in enterprise projects.
Our bespoke courses that meet the individual needs of each learner.
We work closely with the local community.
We have a calendar of planned visits, trips and employer events, scheduled throughout the year.
TESTIMONIALS TESTIMONIALS
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our learners, parents and guardians say about The Skills Academy.
“I think Skills has helped me socialise and come out of my shell.”
Sophie, Health and Social Care
“I love Skills because I have received support to help me improve my maths.’’
Nancy,
Hair and Beauty
“I like going to Skills because the lesson planning and structure is better than my old school.”
Abs, Digital Media
“Thank you so much for the provision for our learners. The work you conduct and the effort you put into each learner is incredible and you all deserve recognition for that.’’
English Martyrs
“My daughter likes coming to the college when she didn’t like going to school. She has gained more confidence and it’s heart warming to see her happy.”
SkillsCarolynne, parent
“The skills academy has provided a happy, safe and fun environment for a boy who was robbed of a “normal” education and gave a very worried mother peace of mind and hope for the future.”
SkillsKatie,parent
“Wow! What a special place you have. It was really obvious how you provide a caring, fun and safe place for your students and take a really pragmatic approach that supports your students with where they are at, at the time.”
Protocol Education
START YOUR DAY RIGHT!
We offer free tea, coffee and toast to all our students, every morning before lessons, to start your day right. Meet your friends and relax in our social spaces with a hot cuppa and a slice of toast!
ENRICHMENT
Being a student is about learning new skills, meeting new friends and building great memories. That’s why, alongside your course, you will get the chance to take part in trips, activities and events.
CHARITY FUN
We love a fundraiser at The Skills Academy, so you will get the chance to join the fun and help do your bit for a good cause.
ENTERPRISE
We want to help develop your career and professional skills. All programmes at The Skills Academy include enterprise opportunities and events where you can develop your own business know-how.
TUTORIALS
At The Skills Academy you will take part in regular tutorials alongside your course. This is a chance to keep track of your progress and get the support you need to plan your next steps.
14-16 ALTERNATIVE PROVISION, POSITIVE PATHWAYS AND VOCATIONAL STUDIES
There are a range of programmes available for young people who are aged 14-16 who are referred by their secondary schools or local authority virtual schools. They must be in either Year 10 or Year 11 of their school years at the start of the programme regardless of age. Parents/guardians and young people themselves cannot apply for this programme directly.
The aim of all provision is to reduce the risk of young people being permanently excluded from their school, support schools to provide a bespoke package for their young people and to re-engage young people back into education, raising aspirations and providing an opportunity of positive progression at post 16.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Type: Level 1, part time/full time/roll-on-roll-off*
Length
POSITIVE PATHWAYS
One – two years depending upon the referral and young person
This is a roll-on-roll-off programme that can be accessed at any point during the academic year on a part-time/full-time basis. Full time is Monday – Friday, 10am3.00pm.
This programme supports some of the main key stage 4 subjects and includes:
• Maths and English – Functional Skills
Entry Levels – Level 2 (initial and ongoing assessments will determine if any registrations for qualifications are completed along with attendance and engagement)
• PSHE
• Enterprise and enrichment
• Tutorials
• Wider key skills
• Vocational sessions in art, digital media,
hair and beauty, construction, health and social care and childcare.
VOCATIONAL STUDIES
Places may be commissioned on one of our study programmes. These include:
• Level 1 Award/Certificate Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Industry
• Level 1 Award/Certificate Construction Skills
• Level 1 Award/Diploma Health and Social Care, Children and Young People’s Settings
• Level 1 Award/Diploma Art, Design and Media
• Level 1 Certificate Digital Media
Taster sessions and bespoke timetables in these subjects may also be available.
All of these programmes will have a mixture of 14-16 and 16-18 learners. Registration with awarding bodies for a qualification will only be made where a learner fully attends and is engaged.
BESPOKE PROVISION AND TIMETABLES
We pride ourselves in our ability to be flexible and responsive for our stakeholders and young people. Bespoke small group provision and individual timetables for learners can be considered upon request.
14-16 ELECTIVE HOME EDUCATED PROVISION
There are a range of programmes available for young people who are aged 14-16, not on a school roll and are registered with their local authorities as Elective Home Educated. They must be in either Year 10 or Year 11 of their school years upon the start of the programme regardless of age.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Type: Level 1, part-time
Length
PROGRAMMES INCLUDE
• Maths, English and Employability
One year
• Level 1 Award/Certificate Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Industry
• Level 1 Award/Certificate Construction Skills
• Level 1 Award/Diploma Health and Social Care, Children and Young People’s Settings
• Level 1 Award/Diploma Art, Design and Media
• Level 1 Certificate Digital Media
• Taster and non-qualification bespoke provision where appropriate
Maths and English will be available at GCSE and Functional Skills Levels Entry – Level 2.
Learner enrolments on maths and English will depend on the outcomes from initial assessments at the start of the programme and on-going assessment results.
All of these programmes also include weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.
Parents/guardians and external agencies can enquire and apply for a place. Following confirmation from the local authority of Elective Home Educated status the young person will be invited in for a tour and interview.
Etc. including The Skills Academy do not directly enrol learners aged 14-16. All learners registered as Elective Home Educated will remain so for the full duration of their college programme.
KING’S TRUST ACHIEVE ELECTIVE HOME EDUCATED PROGRAMME
New for September 2024 for The Skills Academy is The King’s Trust Achieve Elective Home Educated Programme. The programme includes a King’s Trust Certificate in Personal Development and Employability. You will complete work related experience and work towards gaining qualifications in maths and English. These are available at GCSE and Functional Skills Levels Entry – Level 2 and will depend on the outcomes from initial assessments at the start of the programme and on-going assessment results.
Length
INTRODUCTION TO THE HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY
This qualification provides the ideal introduction to the hair and beauty industry and covers essential practical skills and industry knowledge. This course gives students the chance to explore the opportunities within the hair and beauty sector. This is a predominantly practical-based course with an essential element of theory-based sessions.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Type: Level 1, full-time
Length
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
You will explore:
• Introduction to the hair and beauty industry
• Professional image
• Manicure
• Skincare
• Customer service
• Hairdressing techniques
• Employer visits and talks
• Career opportunities
One year
Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE Maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.
This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.
HOW WILL I LEARN?
All practical sessions take place in our industry-standard salon which includes hair wash basins, beauty beds and treatment units.
FUTURE PROGRESSION
Progression onto a specific hair or beauty programme from level 1 to level 2.
ART, DESIGN AND MEDIA
If you are creative, love drawing, painting, sculpting, and you have a passion for art, then we can offer you the chance to explore your interests on a course that is just right for you. Whether you see yourself as a budding artist or designer, a future film maker, make-up artist, fashion designer or animator we can help you develop the skills you need.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Type:
Length
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
You will explore:
• Fine arts
• Painting
• Textiles
• Graphics
• Sculpture
• Photography
• Community projects
• Exhibition
Level 1, full-time
One year
Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE Maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.
This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.
HOW WILL I LEARN?
You will learn through practical-based activities and projects using a range of different mediums, materials and state of the art equipment.
FUTURE PROGRESSION
You could move on to a relevant level 1, level 2 or level 3 course, going on to specialise in art and design, creative media, film production, production arts or performing arts in the future.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SETTINGS
If you are interested in a career within the social care sector, whether that be working with children, the elderly or support services then this course is for you.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Type: Level 1, full-time
Length One year
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
You will explore:
• Safeguarding
• Health and safety
• Healthy eating and lifestyle
• Awareness of equality and inclusion
• Employer visits and talks
• Career opportunities
• Principles and values in health and social care/early years and childcare
• Working with others
HOW WILL I LEARN?
You will learn through a range of taught and practical sessions. This would include visits from employers and opportunities to take part in projects across the public sector.
Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE Maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.
This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.
FUTURE PROGRESSION
Progression onto a level 1, 2 or 3 course or apprenticeship in health and social care or childcare.
CONSTRUCTION SKILLS
This qualification provides the ideal introduction to the construction industry and covers essential practical hand tool skills and industry knowledge on legislation and health and safety. This course gives students the chance to explore the opportunities within the construction trades. This is a predominantly practical-based course with an essential element of theory-based sessions.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Type:
Length
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
You will explore:
• Health and safety
Level 1, full-time
One year
• Introduction to the construction industry
• Practical sessions in a range of construction trades
• Taster sessions at other Etc. college sites
• Community projects and enrichment activities
• Employer visits and talks
Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.
This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.
HOW WILL I LEARN?
You will learn in a workshop environment
using construction tools and equipment which will develop hand tool techniques and trade skills.
FUTURE PROGRESSION
Progression onto a specific construction course or apprenticeship.
DIGITAL MEDIA
If you are creative, and want to discover more about today’s media landscape, then this is an ideal course for you.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Type:
Length
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
You will explore:
• Creating a storyboard
Level 1, full-time
One year
• Designing an interactive presentation
• Producing an advert
• Layout design for a digital product
• Creating an animation
• Shooting a short film
• Making an audio recording
As well as wider key skills including being organised and developing a personal progression plan.
Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.
This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.
HOW WILL I LEARN?
You will predominately learn within our IT suite which is equipped with the most up-
to-date equipment and software.
FUTURE PROGRESSION
Progress to a relevant level 2 or 3 course in digital media/IT.
FELIX THRIVES AT THE SKILLS ACADEMY
Name: Felix
Lives: Billingham
Aspiration: A career in the arts
Course: Art, Media and Design
Why I chose Skills...
• The smaller class sizes.
• The friendly and supportive staff.
The small enviroment meant that oneto-one support was easier to access. The staff were wonderful and really encouraging, which helped me achieve what I wouldn’t have been able to do in a mainstream school.
Next Steps...
Felix is now studying A levels at Bede Sixth Form including Art and Design and RPE.
HEIDI FELT AT HOME AT THE SKILLS ACADMEY
Name: Heidi
Lives: Hartlepool
Aspiration: A teacher of art
Course: Art, Design and Media
The atmosphere was so friendly, I always felt welcome and understood. It really helped me gain my confidence.
Why I chose Skills...
• It was a good choice for me coming from a home schooled enviroment.
• So I could study my GCSE English when I was ready.
Next Steps...
Heidi has now progressed on to a level 3 qualification in art and design.
We offer a wide range of services to ensure you always feel safe and supported during your time with us.
CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Whether you have chosen your future career or not, our highly qualified and experienced careers advisors can help you plan the route to your success. We support you to make informed decisions about your future, help raise your aspirations and reach your full potential.
The college has Matrix Standard accreditation which confirms the outstanding, comprehensive advice and guidance delivered by the team. Our careers advice is based on an embedded programme of careers education and guidance which meets the Gatsby Good Career Guidance Benchmarks. These benchmarks ensure you have access to quality careers guidance, together with work experience, encounters with employers and current labour market information. This in turn ensures you can make informed decisions about your future career plans. For more information on what services our careers team can offer please visit our website.
STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELLBEING
Student Support and Wellbeing are here to offer you support during your time at The Skills Academy. We organise activities and events throughout the year, giving you the chance to pick up new skills, find new interests and prepare for the future. We can also help support you with any issues that might be affecting your studies, accessing advice and information on anything from financial worries to bullying, sexual health, drug or alcohol misuse. We also have great links with a number of external support services.
SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE
With a dedicated welfare member of staff at The Skills Academy, we prioritise your safety at all times. We can offer advice, support and ensure that help can be sought from external agencies to enable the best outcomes for our students’ safety and overall wellbeing. If you should feel unsafe or feel you need to access support we are here to make sure you are heard and safe at all times.
We offer information, advice and guidance on a range of issues including:
• Mental health
• Managing relationships
• Housing
• Substance misuse
• Sexual health
• Benefits
• Internet safety
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
We value the diversity of our college community and promote inclusion for all. We make sure that all our students receive the same provision and access to our services. We encourage a culture of respect and commit to tackling prejudice at all levels. By encouraging students and staff to share their own experiences, we aim to promote mutual understanding, tolerance and respect.
STUDENT BURSARY
When you come to The Skills Academy for an interview you will be invited to fill out a bursary application form, or you can apply online. This will determine whether you are eligible for support with travel, childcare, meals or equipment*. Students can also get a TOTUM card, giving discounts on music, fashion, books, films and much more. For more details about fees and funding visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/college-life/ fees-funding-and-loan
If you are under 19 at the start of your course there should be no fees to pay. If you are aged 19 or above speak to our Admissions Team about potential funding, fees, repayment and student loan opportunities.
*Subject to change.
**Subject to any prior funding previously granted or obtained.
SEN/EHCP
We are committed to supporting you to meet your individual goals and aspirations. We welcome applications from students with special education needs, learning disabilities/difficulties and other support needs. We will work with you to provide you with the right resources, support and services to meet your needs.
To ensure we can provide the best support we will ask to see a copy of your Education and Health Care Plan or SEN (Special Educational Needs) Support Plan. This will allow us to understand your support needs and provide appropriate support.
We will work with you, your family and your current provider to put in place a transition plan to help you settle into and adjust to college life.
We work closely with the local authorities to adhere to the special educational needs code of practice (SEND) to meet the needs of our students.
TASTER SESSIONS
FRESHERS’ FAIR BAKE
SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS
BY CAR
From the North
Leave the A19 at the A689 junction signposted Hartlepool. At the roundabout take the second exit on to the A1185, signposted Seal Sands. At the junction turn right on to Marsh House Avenue. Go straight on at the roundabout. Continue straight ahead along Marsh House Avenue and you will see the college entrance on your left.
From the South
Leave the A19 at the A1027 junction. At the roundabout at the top of the slip road turn right. At the next roundabout turn left on to Wolviston Road. Continue straight ahead on Wolviston Road, through three sets of traffic lights. At the next junction turn right at the traffic lights to Rievaulx Avenue. Continue all the way to the end of the road, passing through one set of traffic lights. At the T-junction turn left on to Marsh House Avenue. You will see the college entrance on your right.
BY BUS
With a bus stop right outside our campus, The Skills Academy is well served by a number of local bus routes.
For more information on local bus routes and times visit: www.connectteesvalley.com and www.travelline.info.
BY TRAIN
Our nearest station is Billingham, which receives from Middlesbrough and Newcastle.
The college is a 15-minute walk from the station. For information about train times and fares please call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
The Education Training Collective (Etc.) is a group of vibrant colleges and training providers offering high quality educational opportunities.
Incorporating Bede Sixth Form College, Innersummit, NETA Training, Redcar and Cleveland College, Stockton Riverside College and The Skills Academy, the Etc. delivers a full range of courses, training and apprenticeship
Did you know?
We have made a pledge to reduce our carbon footprint, improve sustainability, increase recycling and cut back
That’s why, when you have finished with this guide we are asking you to pass it on to a friend or family member, recycle it, or return it to us at the freepost address.
opportunities to learners aged 14 to adult, as well as professional and commercial courses.
We aim to create greater opportunities for all of our students and communities by equipping people with the skills to help them in to employment, raise aspirations and meet the economic demands of the region
