Assessment

Prospective students visit the college for an assessment, beginning the process of information gathering and for the prospective student to learn about the range of programmes available.

The department offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where prospective students are encouraged to demonstrate English, maths and IT skills without the fear of failure. Students are asked about previous learning experiences and future plans, providing sufficient details and information to then select tasks appropriate to the learner’s level. Current school Records of Achievement, reports and certificates are requested to help establish a profile of the candidate, including their hopes and aspirations for the future.

Baseline Assessment is the process by which students gain a realistic understanding of themselves, their abilities, aptitudes and preferred learning styles, for the purpose of identifying clear, realistic goals and an appropriate learning programme.

Assessment covers all areas of the student’s life and is, therefore, an inclusive assessment.  It will involve not only vocational and educational requirements, but also independent living skills, community access, personal and social development. Such a holistic assessment is essential to develop an individual programme that leads towards a planned destination and to determine how progress will be achieved and monitored.

The student is challenged to experiment with new concepts and develop new skills to match these to their aspirations.

During the first term a student will:
• Continue to develop ability in a range of functional skills
• Visit vocational departments to make an informed choice about their course
• Undertake a personal development programme
• Follow an independent living programme and a community access programme
• Participate in the extended curriculum, including social and recreational activities