At HSD, our Post 16 curriculum is focused mainly on enabling the students to gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications that they will need to successfully gain employment or progress on to FE college courses. With this in mind, our curriculum is designed around vocational subjects; students’ study 2 vocational subject choices along with Maths, English and Life and Living Skills.
All students participate in OCR Life and Living Skills with a key focus on preparing them for adulthood. The units include Independent Travel, Accessing Community Facilities, Communication, Money Management, the World of Work, Shopping and Preparing Meals.
Students can stay on in Post 16 for 1 or 2 years, depending on their individual needs and future aspirations.
Vocational Subject Areas
- Mechanics – Skills and Education Group
Students have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for and are required to enter the Motor Industry. They study a wide range of automotive systems – These will include: Engines, Steering and Suspension, Battery and Lighting, Fuel, Brakes and Vehicle Inspections.
Students compile a portfolio of their work. This consists of theory worksheets and photographic evidence of practical tasks that they have completed in our industry standard workshop.
“I would say that the motor vehicle route is really good for students who are keen to get their hands dirty and spend more time in a practical environment, as well as a great introduction to the automotive industry!
The resources in the workshop were extremely beneficial and unique to my learning at HSD and is something I would recommend every learner to take advantage of” Jaego S.
- Catering and Hospitality – City and Guilds
Catering and hospitality skills are transferable worldwide, if you have a passion for food and are thinking about working in service industries, perhaps in hotels or restaurants this course could be for you.
Students work in our professional training kitchen learning a range of cooking methods and techniques. Learner’s evidence their work through worksheets and photographic evidence of their practical work.
- Practical Horticulture – Skills and Education Group
Learn the basic skills, knowledge and understanding of working with plants and in landscape industries. Students learn how to use machinery, tools & equipment in order to propagate plants and trees as well as land management.
This course could lead onto working in land-based industries, estate management or environmental conservation.
- Sports and Healthy Living – BTEC
Throughout this course students participate in a wide selection of sporting and fitness activities; the course is designed to give students the opportunity to try out team and individual activities that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to.
Learners also look at the importance of maintain a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise and eating healthily.
- Salon Skills & Barbering – City and Guilds
This study programme is designed to equip young people with the skills needed to start their career within this industry.
Students learn and develop the skills and knowledge to be able to enter the world of Hair and Beauty. They study a wide selection of units that range from Hair design and colouring through to relaxation therapies and nail art.
Students collate their evidence in a portfolio format, this will include the theory elements and photographic evidence of their practical work.
- Art and Photography;
Students produce a portfolio of practical work showing their personal response to a set starting point, brief, scenario or stimulus.
The learners compile a portfolio which may be presented in appropriate formats for the specification title they are following and chosen area of study. This could include sketchbooks, digital presentations, mounted sheets, maquettes, prototypes, animated work, scale models or illustrated written work.
The Learning Environment
At HSD we recognise that our Post 16 students have progressed on from school and are moving towards Further Education or employment, with this in mind we aim to create a learning environment that is more fitting to what they might find at college.
Students are permitted to wear their own clothes, rather than the school uniform, and have access to the Post 16 Common Room where they can study, relax and socialise.
Our Students are supported by a team of talented and skilled professionals offering a complete, bespoke therapeutic package. Our students can access therapies across the school, including Music for Wellbeing, Art Therapy and Equine Therapy as well as offering a safe, friendly and calm environment. We are able to guide, nurture and mentor our students to enable them to reach their full potential in readiness for the next chapter of their lives.
Student Views
“I like it because it’s chilled, you have more independence and its relaxed. I feel that it is helping me be prepared for my future”
Kenzie P
“The teachers are always nice, as well as supportive and kind. The facilities are better than what I had at secondary school, and you can wear your own clothes which we feel comfortable in”
Bethany W
“I would recommend sixth form at HSD as they have helped and supported me to transition back into a school environment”
Sammi-Jo M
