22 students in Years 10 and 11 from a number of Sutton's secondary and Special schools celebrated completing the ‘Key Stage 4 Way to Work Programme’. This was a series of 16 workshops and work-based learning activities in catering, construction, hair and beauty and motor vehicle maintenance. The aim of the programme was to provide learners with an opportunity to learn new skills and try different courses that may enable them to progress to further training or employment at the end of Year 11. In addition each course had an element of accreditation and support with the development of English, Maths and IT.

All the students received certificates for participating on the programme and there were further awards for 100% attendance, most improved learner and best achiever. At the end of the course one student commented "The best part of the course was the practical work, it was mostly enjoyable and fun with the teachers and class mates".

The feedback from learners and schools alike has been very positive with requests to repeat the programme, perhaps over a longer period of time next year. 19 of the students completed a feedback survey with 100% agreeing they have learnt new skills on the course, learnt something new about possible jobs and careers related to the course and helped to develop a can-do attitude.

No-one underestimates the challenge younger students present in the classroom and just how much patience and support it takes from curriculum staff to manage them successfully, however, the outcomes for several of the young people are inspirational and every one of them has made positive gains in confidence, as well as personal and vocational skills - in many cases against their own expectations. A number are joining full-time courses in September, one has secured a Level 2 Apprenticeship and some of the Year 10s will be opting to join an ‘Aspire’ programme sponsored by their home school.

Based on information supplied by Gemma Devine.