School Leavers

Apprenticeships

We want to help you make the right decision by giving you all the facts, information and assistance you may need. So have a good look here on our website to get a feel for college life and how you might benefit from increasing your attractiveness to employers with some additional qualifications, or by using college as a stepping stone towards higher education. Our doors are open to you if you wish to call in, look around for yourself and ask some of our current students what it's like to study and socialise here. And if you're still not sure whether college is right for you, give us a call and we'll arrange an informal, one-to-one chat to give you impartial advice and guidance on your future.

Further education for young people

What's college like?

There are many differences between being a pupil at school and a student at college, but the main two are that at college, you will have more freedom and independence than ever before. You will be respected as an individual and treated as an adult, within a friendly and supportive environment. There are no bells and no uniform (except for practical courses, eg. mechanic's overalls or chef's whites). And you will also have a great time and make many new friends. Ask anyone and they will tell you that your student years will be some of the best years of your life and many of the new friends you share your experiences with will become the best friends you ever make.

My Programme of Learning

Individual learning

Everyone is different; no two people are the same.  Each person will need different things from their learning programme.  Your needs are shaped by who you are, your previous experiences and where you want to be - your aspirations for the future.  At South Staffordshire College we recognise this so that your programme of learning reflects these factors and is designed to meet your needs.

Each learning programme comprises of:

The Core Programme - the vocational part of your course (the subject for which you enrolled)

Key Skills - these are the skills that everyone needs to function throughout their working and personal lives.  They are transferable from one life situation to another.  They include Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology.  You will be guided to the most appropriate for you according to your previous experience and career aspirations.

Twice each term your Progression Coach will meet with you for your one-to-one Progression Coaching session.  This is the opportunity to review your progress to ensure that you are on target to achieve your qualification and fulfil your potential.  An important part of these reviews will be target setting and action planning that will help you make the most of the opportunities on offer.

The Personal Development Programme provides you with the opportunity for developing team working and problem solving skills, and improving how you learn.  These sessions will also focus on issues that will help you to stay safe and healthy, make a positive contribution to the College, wider community or environment, and prepare for the future to achieve your ambitions and financial security.  Through this programme all learners will complete a sustainability qualification as part of the College's commitment to raising awareness of environmental issues.  We aim to ensure that the College community contributes to sustainability targets.

Enrichment - Wednesday afternoon activities are organised throughout the year to give you the chance to get something 'extra' out of your time at College.  This could be an additional qualification or a Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver or Gold level to add to your CV; the chance to pursue a hobby or try something new.  You could take the opportunity to help others or raise money for charity.  Trips are also arranged throughout the year giving you the chance to visit somewhere new and see something different.