The Skills Academy Course Guide 17/18

THE SKILLS ACADEMY

2017/18

A part of Stockton Riverside College

Course Guide

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WELCOME

Hello and welcome to The Skills Academy, a part of Stockton Riverside College. My name is Marie Clay and I am The Skills Academy Manager. We pride ourselves on offering learners the opportunity to study in a calm and supportive environment, to build confidence and gain qualifications in English, Maths and other vocational areas. The rest of this guide will give you some ideas of the courses that we offer. If you want to know more come to our open events or drop in for a chat.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Marie Clay, The Skills Academy Manager

ABOUT US

Offering a range of introductory level courses, The Skills Academy is the ideal choice if you prefer to learn in a smaller environment. It provides another option for those aged 14 to 18 who may be looking for a different kind of learning experience.

With a focus on practical learning, lessons are delivered in a calm and friendly environment, helping you to build the skills and the confidence you need to succeed.

All courses at The Skills Academy are delivered by Stockton Riverside College.

OUR COURSES

HAIR, BEAUTY & CATERING This course will help give you essential life skills while introducing you to the hair, beauty and catering industries.

Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Industry and Introduction to the Hospitality Industry Level 1 award – one year What will I do?

You will take part in both theory and practical sessions to develop technical skills in beauty, hairdressing and catering. You will also attend Maths and English lessons, work on My Work Search and take part in enrichment and work experience opportunities.

You need: Places on this course will be offered on an individual basis and require a reference from your present educational provider.

What’s next?

You could go on to study a Level 1 Certificate in Beauty Therapy, Level 1 Certificate in Hair or a Level 1 or Level 2 Certificate/ Diploma in Catering Services.

SUCCES

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Our students say…

“You come here and it is like a family.

Everyone is the same in this college, it has really helped me.” - Becky, HAIR, BEAUTY & CATERING.

CHILDCARE If you would like to work in the childcare industry this course will introduce you to the skills you need to succeed and show you how to apply them at work.

Caring for Children Diploma Level 1 – one year What will I do?

You will develop the skills needed to work with babies and young children through a combination of theory and practical sessions. Covering subjects including development, safeguarding, health and safety and organising activities, you’ll learn how children develop and pick up effective techniques for interacting with youngsters.

You need: Places on this course will be offered on an individual basis and require a reference from your present educational provider.

What’s next?

You could move on to a relevant Level 2 qualification such as the CACHE Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care.

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Our students say…

“I liked The Skills Academy because it is smaller and better for people who feel anxious.”

Charlotte, Childcare Charlotte moved on to a Level 2 qualification at Stockton Riverside College.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Everyone needs IT skills whether you are at work, home or even on the move.

This course is for those who have a grasp of the basics but want to build on that knowledge.

Introductory Certificate in IT Level 1 – one year What will I do?

You will build on skills including how computer systems work, protecting computers and data, programming a computer, designing and creating your own spreadsheet and managing an IT project.

You need: Places on this course will be offered on an individual basis and require a reference from your present educational provider.

What’s next?

You could move on to a relevant Level 2 course such as the Level 2 Technical Diploma in IT.

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CONSTRUCTION Our Construction course will give you the chance to try a variety of trades and see which you enjoy most. This a practical course with an element of theory based sessions.

Construction Skills Certificate Level 1 – one year What will I do?

You will get an introduction to basic skills in joinery, painting and decorating, decorative effects, health and safety, along with an introduction to construction, construction projects and enrichment activities.

You need: An interest in learning a variety of construction skills.

Our students say…

“I am really glad that I came here.

You are using your hands and work with different materials. The teachers and staff are really nice.

Doing this course made me realise that I want to be a joiner.” - Matthew, Construction Matthew is now moving on to Stockton Riverside College to continue his studies in Construction.

What’s next?

You could continue your studies in a particular trade or apprenticeship.

CREATIVE ARTS

If you are creative and you have a passion for art, then we can offer you the chance to explore your interests and develop your creative skills.

Exploring Creative Arts Extended Certificate Level 1 – one year What will I do?

You will develop a range of creative skills including art and design, media and performing arts, which will help you decide the direction you would like to take.

You need: An interest in learning more about the creative arts, including design, media, and performing arts.

What’s next?

You could move on to a relevant Level 2 course, such as Art & Design, Creative Media, Film Production, Production Arts or Performing Arts.

SUCCESS Our students say…

“It has been really good.

It is small and the staff are all friendly and helpful.”

Amy, Creative Arts Amy is now moving on to a Level 2 course at Stockton Riverside College and hopes to go on to become a teaching assistant in art and design.

SUCCESS EMPLOYABILITY Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development Entry Level 3/Level 1 - one year

Our students say…

“The Skills Academy is great if you feel anxious working with large groups. I have been happy here.”

Penny, Employability Penny is now off to Houghall College in Durham where she will study Animal Care.

Our Employability course is made to meet your needs.

Offering you the chance to take part in a range of activities, you will develop skills that will help you to increase your independence, progress into further study or possibly move into work.

What will you do?

Offering a personalised course that meets your requirements, you will take part in a variety of activities to build your confidence and skills, with the opportunity to carry out work experience or a vocational placement.

What’s next?

You could move on to further study, work, supported or voluntary work, or more independent living.

MEDIA

Introducing you to basic Creative Digital Media practices, skills and techniques, you will work on a variety of projects, experiment with your ideas, and look at the work of media practitioners in areas such as film, digital graphics, animation, web and advertising.

Diploma in Digital Media Level 1 – one year What will I do?

You will cover all aspects of digital media in a practical and exciting way, including how to create animations and advertisements, how to make a short film and how to create a website. You will also learn about research and planning.

You need: To demonstrate an enthusiasm for studying creative media production.

What’s next?

You could move on to a relevant Level 2 qualification such as Creative Media Level 2.

PRINCE’S TRUST

Are you out of work and not sure what you want to do next?

The Skills Academy offers the Prince’s Trust Team programme, a free 12week personal development course for those aged 16 to 25 that will build your skills and looks good on your CV. It is good fun, you will make new friends, gain work experience and a qualification. (All travel expenses are reimbursed and existing benefits are not affected.)

Prince’s Trust Team Programme 12 weeks What will I do?

This is a hands-on course that will see you take part in a range of activities including community projects, fun challenges, team building, and you’ll go on an adventure residential. You will also gain work experience, get interview tips and work on your CV. You need: You must be up for a challenge and willing to give 100%.

What’s next?

Many of our young people move on to employment, further education or training.

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS Summer celebration at The Skills Academy It’s always fantastic to see our students celebrating their achievements at The Skills Academy.

This summer we recognised all of our students’ efforts with a special awards ceremony, complete with barbecue and summer games.

With certificates for everything from English and Maths progress to attendance and most improved, the awards ceremony marked the end of the academic year.

Students will now move on to further study, volunteering opportunities or seek employment.

Well done to all for achievements large and small. Want to know more about the courses available at The Skills Academy?

Visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/courses/ the-skills-academy

HOW WE’LL S Health & Wellbeing The college has a team dedicated to your health and wellbeing. If you need information or advice on anything from financial worries to bullying, sexual health or drug and alcohol misuse, our youth workers are available to help.

Learning Support One to one support can sometimes be provided in class for learners who have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP). Our specialist team can also help with any learning needs you may have such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or autism. Sessions are usually an hour long and will help to identify strengths and areas for development and ways of supporting your needs.

Safeguarding Across college we have a safeguarding team and a full time safeguarding officer to prioritise your safety at all times. We can offer advice, support and ensure that help from other agencies, external to college, can be sought 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 ensure you are heard and safe at all times.

UPPORT YOU Equality and Diversity

We value the diversity of our college community and promote inclusion for all. We ensure that all of our students receive the same provision and access to our services. We encourage a culture of respect and commit to tackle prejudice at all levels. By encouraging students and staff to share their own experiences, we aim to promote mutual understanding.

Student Finance You will be invited to fill out a finance application form when you come for an interview at the college, or apply online www.stockton.ac.uk/student-finance-application. This will determine whether you are eligible for support with travel, childcare, meals or equipment*. *Subject to change.

English and Maths You may not always realise it but English and Maths play a part in everything we do, they are also skills that mean a lot to employers. That is why, alongside your lessons, our team will help you to build on these essential skills.

Free WIFI ACCESS Free Meals* +Plus student offers at the SRC Sports Centre

FREE STUFF

Free Travel* Free Print Credits

*Subject to change. Conditions may apply.

BRAEMAR ROAD

RIEVAULX AVENUE

MARSH HOUSE AVENUE

WHERE WE ARE

MARSH HOUSE AVENUE

You can find us off Marsh House Avenue in Billingham, on the old Billingham Campus/ Northfield School site, near SRC Bede Sixth Form.

SKILLS ACADEMY TS23 3ET

SRC BEDE SIXTH FORM

LOW GRANGE AVENUE

HOW TO APPLY • Find the right course for you.

• Apply online at www.stockton.ac.uk/apply and choose your own interview date.

It couldn’t be easier.

OPEN EVENTS Come and see for yourself, meet the team and get a feel for the place at one of our open events: Tuesday 26th September, 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday 28th November, 3.30pm – 6pm GIVE US A CALL Got any questions or want to know more, give us a call on 01642 607 464 or visit www.stockton.ac.uk

The information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of going to print.

STOCKTON

RIVERSIDE

COLLEGE

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THE SKILLS ACADEMY

The Skills Academy, Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, Stockon-on-Tees, TS23 3ET, 01642 607 464 Stockton Riverside College, Harvard Ave, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6FB, 01642 865 566