Alternative Curriculum

Alternative Curriculum

Introduction We know that some students don’t engage with traditional education methods. These students need an alternative approach to education which is stimulating and engaging, allowing them to achieve qualifications and to grow and develop in a way which is more suited to their needs.

At Groundwork we offer a range of alternative curriculum programmes delivered by experienced and qualified trainers. These programmes contribute to your school peformance indicators and deliver improved motivation, attendance, confidence and self-esteem among pupils. They can also contribute to reduced NEET figures and lower staff stress levels.

For more information about any of our courses, to enrol your students or to arrange a ‘taster session’ please contact: Email: deborah.murray@groundwork.org.uk Tel: 0161 220 1000

OUR ALTERNATIVE CURRICULUM PROGRAMME

Horticulture Community Skills Social Enterprise Personal and Social Development

In 2011 Groundwork Trusts organised

296,400

days of community involvement by young people and got

2,400 schools involved in Environmental and Sustainable education programmes.

79% Of people we worked with said they felt more likely to return to education or training.

For more information about any of our courses, to enrol your students or to arrange a Taster Session please contact: daniel.healey@groundwork.org.uk or tel: 0161 220 1000

Horticulture Summary Content

Basic horticulture and construction skills including care of plants and trees, flagging, container growing, working with hand tools.

Employment skills and / or PSD aspects can also be incorporated.

Qualification

City & Guilds L1 Certificate and Diploma Practical Horticulture City & Guilds L2 Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma in Horticulture Units can also count towards PSD qualifications eg Open Awards, Step Up

Venue

Trafford Ecology Park or Birchcroft, Ashton-under-Lyne. Delivery on community allotments, gardens or within school grounds could also be arranged.

Duration

L1 Certificate & Diploma & L2 Certificate – 1 day per week 9.30-3.00 for 36 weeks L2 Diploma – 2 days per week 9.30-3.00 for 36 weeks Students can progress from Level 1 to Level 2 over 2 years

Further Information We have been running the horticulure alternative curriculum courses with Loreto High School in Manchester and schools in Tameside since 2010. Pupils at Loreto work towards the City and Guilds qualification administered

by Groundwork. Pupils at the Tameside schools are working towards their Open Awards Step Up qualification, undertaking various units on the Tameside Alternative Curriculum Carousel. All our regular attendees last year successfully achieved the City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma and are progressing to Level 2 this year.

Key Benefits Physical activity in an outdoor learning environment Practical tasks which engage learners Life skills including communication, team working, health and safety Progression opportunities

“The Groundwork Staff are excellent when it comes to motivating and enthusing pupils who may be struggling in a normal school environment�

TA, Manor High School

Community Skills Summary Content

Pupils identify, plan and deliver a community project. Examples might be decorating a community building, “grot spot” improvements and habitat enhancement. Delivery of a high profile presentation at the end of the project.

Qualification

PEARL Award – Personal & Social Development John Muir Environmental Award AQA Units and additional certificates such as Health & Safety

Venue Duration

At the school and/or on-site at community projects and venues Yr 9: 5 days per week for 6 weeks or 2.5 days per week for 12 weeks Yr 10: 2 days per week for 36 weeks Yr 11: 2.5 days per week for 36 weeks

Further Information Between 2008 -2010 Groundwork delivered our “Breakthrough” programme with New Charter Academy in Tameside with outstanding results. At the start of the programme over half the group had zero attendance.

Through the encouragement of the Groundwork staff, the attendance of the participants after the programme had risen to 67%. We achieved an 80% retention rate and 75% of learners re-engaged with education.

Key Benefits Engaging and interactive with practical results Builds confidence and new skills Allows young people to engage with their community Teaches and rewards life skills such as health and safety, attendance and punctuality.

It’s helped me and made me try new things. It’s taught me a lot of things, it has helped my confidence and I have even done a work placement. I’ve completed my ASDAN Bronze and First Aid and worked towards CoPE Level 1. I’ve now started doing some SAM learning on days I’m not at Groundwork” A student on our Breakthrough Programme

Social Enterprise Summary Content

Learners will research social issues and enterprises to develop a single or on-going enterprise activity. They will generate income for a social need of their choice, analyse strengths & weaknesses of their enterprise activity and generate a simple cash flow.

Qualification

Bronze SEQ L2 Award in Planning & Delivering One-Off Social Enterprise Activity Silver SEQ L2 Certificate in Planning & Delivering On-going Social Enterprise Activity

Venue Duration

At the school and project venue if appropriate Assuming 5 hours per day: Bronze Award – 1 day per week for 16 weeks Silver Certificate – 1 day per week for 26 weeks

Further Information This is a new programme for Groundwork which encourages and accredits young people to work for positive social change whilst gaining real employability skills.

Key Benefits Increases awareness of social and environmental impact Learn business skills including business planning and product and service development Develop employability skills such as health and safety, communication and team work

In 2011 Groundwork Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford invovled 3,302 young people in projects

Personal & Social Development Summary Content

Development of new skills and confidence through

Development of new skills and confidence through participation in other activities. This can include employment skills, communication skills, leadership skills, self-awareness and so on.

Qualification

Various – we can deliver NOCN L1 Step Up Award, PEARL, AQA units

Venue

At the school, Trafford Ecology Park or Birchcroft (where combined with horticulture) or on a community project where part of Breakthrough

Duration

Dependent upon qualification delivered and links to other programmes

Further Information Personal and Social Development is an integral part of all our Alternative Curriculum Programmes. Young people build and develop new skills and qualifications to enable them to re-engage with mainstream education or to progress into employment or other forms of learning.

We can devise a bespoke programme which meets the needs of your young people.

“ It has given (my son) something to do, he’s not bored, it’s raised his confidence and self esteem and he’s now talking about joining the Army. This time last year, he didn’t have any ambitions but now he is proud of the qualifications he has achieved and has enjoyed the work he has done.”

A proud parent

‘I would like to say that Jason* made huge strides in his development at Groundwork as a student, but most importantly as a young person making a breakthrough into society. His attitude and demeanour went from being closed, withdrawn and disengaged to being confident, pro active and determined. He now applies himself to tasks until completion and seeing his work as a result gave him a great sense of pride and achievement.’

John Howe, TA Loreto High School

* The name of this student has been changed, for privacy purposes

For more information about any of our courses, to enrol your students or to arrange a ‘taster session’ please contact: Email: deborah.murray@groundwork.org.uk Tel: 0161 220 1000 Visit: www.groundwork.org.uk/msstt

Groundwork Manchester, Salford , Stockport, Tameside and Trafford is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England.

Company Registration No. 6543150. Charity Registration No. 1124508. Registered Office: Timber Wharf, 42-50 Worsley St, Castlefield, Manchester, M15 4LD.