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VOCATIONAL

The vocational curriculum at Cranbury College has been designed to open doors for every student. We value the contribution that creative, practical and vocational learning brings to a student’s development alongside the traditional subjects. We have designed a learner-centre approach to the curriculum with a flexible structure and knowledge applied in practical based assessments. Our ethos and the wider enrichment opportunities that we offer our students is important to us, our students have been referred to us for a reason, very often a mainstream curriculum is not accessible to them, due to many having complex needs. We want to give them every opportunity to gain the essential skills and knowledge they need to move on to their next provision.  

KEY STAGE 3  

Students are given the opportunity to choose one vocational pathway alongside the mandatory study of life skills. 

Life/Learning Skills 
Many of our students lack the basic life skills to be successful in the modern world. Students will learn how to manage their money and explore different types of banks and building society accounts that are available to them and the services that they offer. They will be exposed to the benefits of budgeting and put this into practice by visiting several local shops, buying items using a set budget. Students will use these items to host a tuck shop for fellow students. They will learn how to deal with common problems in daily life that they may encounter, to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives now and in the future.  

Trades and Upcycling 
Students can study trades; this consists of basic Health and Safety requirements and how to recognise the different tools used in the construction industry. They will be introduced to the basic skills required to paint a fence, wallpaper a given area in our school, wire a three-pin plug with a particular emphasise of the benefits of working as a team. 

Hair and Beauty 
Students can study hair and beauty in our simulated salon. They will learn about Health and Safety requirements in industry, how to present a professional image and the importance of good communication skills. They will learn how to shampoo/condition hair, style hair, plait hair and set hair, carry out a manicure, perform nail art and how to apply make-up. Practical skills will be underpinned by knowledge-based theory. 

Students will undertake AQA unit awards, all students can gain AQA Unit Awards and progress to a higher level. AQA Unit Awards can be tailored to our students’ needs and abilities and for those students who are with us for a small amount of time. 

KEY STAGE 4  

Students are given the opportunity to choose two vocational pathways, developing core skills and evidencing them consistently to a high standard. 
 
Life/Learning Skills 
Students can learn life skills and build on previous knowledge; they will learn how to manage their money and explore different types of banks and building society accounts that are available to them and the services that they offer. They will be exposed to the benefits of budgeting and put this into practice by visiting several local shops, buying items using a set budget. Students will use these items to host a coffee morning at school. They will learn how to deal with common problems in daily life that they may encounter, to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives now and in the future. Students will be introduced to the benefits of driving and learn basic highway code and driving theory and the benefits of having a passport to travel the world. 

Trades and Upcycling 
Students can learn trades, building on previously learnt skills to undertake basic brick laying skills, tiling a given area of the school and how to hang wallpaper. Progression is available to students who have previously completed a lower level AQA Unit Award, enabling them to experience trades at a more in-depth level. 

Hair and Beauty 
Students can study hair and beauty in our simulated salon, building on previous knowledge, producing work consistently to a high standard. There will be opportunities to bring models in to carry out services such as styling hair, plaiting hair, setting hair, perform a manicure, paint nails using a pattern, apply make-up to create a day or night look. Students will be exposed to different hair types, skin types and nail shapes, and be able to recognise these during a client consultation. Progression is available to students who have previously completed a lower level AQA Unit award, enabling them to experience Hair and Beauty at a more in-depth level. 

Employability Skills 
Students can study employability skills to better prepare them for transition into the world of work. Helping them to understand what skills and qualities that are desired by employers. Students will learn about how mindset can influence decision-making, why motivation is key to success, the importance of setting goals, managing their time and how to keep improving.
Students can achieve a NCFE Level 1 Award/Certificate in Employability Skills 601/4680/1