Personal Development

Personal Development is a key priority in all aspects of college life. Great emphasis is placed on developing personal, social and relationship skills to build confidence, assertiveness and self esteem.

The programme is modular, supporting and tracking progression of individually set learning goals for each learner. Throughout the programme, learners develop and maintain progress files that enable them to take responsibility for their own learning and create their own record of achievement.

The College offers an OCN accredited programme in Citizenship and Peer Mentoring. This is a personalised programme where learners work together in groups taking part in discussions and role play concerning real and relevant issues. They are encouraged to form opinions, make choices and decisions, think about consequences and build relationships with others based on mutual respect.

The Citizenship module encourages social responsibility, the understanding of rights and responsibilities and of the democratic process. Through the college's Student Council, local and national elections, and visits to the Houses of Parliament and the Welsh Assembly, students are active participants. Citizenship activities, such as peer mentoring, volunteering and community projects, support managing disability and promote feelings of value.

Some modules are specifically concerned with issues of consent, health and safety. Relationships and Personal Safety encourage students to make informed choices concerning their health, safety and wellbeing. The Identities and Cultures module raises awareness of diversity and promotes respect for the differences between people; supporting visits include Sikh and Hindu temples, a mosque and Shrewsbury Abbey.

During their final year students are supported to manage the change from college to community. In addition they are encouraged to use their own experiences and empathy to support new students as peer mentors. Prior to leaving the students will have completed their personal statements and updated their CVs.