EDUCATION REPORT

Gateways holistic approach to education includes the creation of individualised programmes for each student for both academic and vocational pathways. In moving to virtual teaching, Gateways faced the challenge of ensuring that all students were both supported and engaged with their studies. Both teachers and students rose admirably to this challenge. The success of the students and their capacity to cope with such an enormous change to the delivery of lessons is a direct result of the ability of the talented Gateways teaching team to adapt their teaching methods in these difficult times.

Vocational Subjects

• BTEC Business Enterprise: this new course provides a grounding for students to progress to an apprenticeship or further education. This has started online and will continue in person in 2021.

• Hair and Beauty: now run as a certificated, industry recognized Level 2 Diploma (VRQ) which prepares our students for a career in this sector. This has started online and will continue in person as soon as possible in 2021. The course will offer opportunities for students to work directly with members of the public.

• Food Health and Hospitality: a Level 2 BTEC in Home Cooking Skills that equips students with this vital life skill.

Outcomes:

• Gateways achieved a 100% pass rate in all 2020 exam courses:

- English and Maths GCSE, with all students achieving grades 9-6

- Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English

- BTEC Home Cooking Skills

- Personal Training OCN course

A variety of courses are on offer:

Core Academic Subjects

Maths and English Language and Literature, with the intention to offer Science in 2021/22. These qualifications include entry level, functional skills, GCSE and A level.

• Personal Training: Gateways runs a Level 2 BTEC in personal fitness, delivered by an experienced, professional trainer, which is designed to provide students with a valuable alternative route to employment.

• Drama and photography are also offered, according to demand.

Coaching

In 2020, Gateways introduced individual coaching sessions to support students in identifying their personal and career pathways.

• Since the start of lockdown in March 2020, Gateways has - provided an average of 55 sessions a week; - recorded 660 online student attendances.