Post 16 Curriculum
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.
The Government is committed to supporting students in the post-16 sector and provides financial support through the 16-19 Bursary Fund. HSD Post 16 Bursary Policy
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 and the environment. 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.
Adventure Learning – NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Sport (Outdoors)
Students who choose to undertake Adventure Learning within post-16 will be working towards an NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Sport (Outdoors). This course is perfect for those students who love to be active and would relish the opportunity to have a career working outside. The course will teach the students how Outdoor Instructors plan and lead outdoor activities including kayaking, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, mountain biking, paddleboarding and coasteering. The overall aim will be for the students to complete the course gaining the skills necessary to assess and manage risk, plan and deliver outdoor activities throughout the course and to become self-sufficient practitioners. As well as giving them the understanding of the careers and opportunities available to work within the outdoor industry.
Salon Skills & Barbering – City and Guilds
Our Hair and Beauty courses have been developed to prepare young people with the necessary skills, theoretical knowledge and understanding of employer expectations within the industry.
We are very proud of our realistic commercial salon at HSD, which has been designed to ensure we offer everything needed to allow the students to experience a ‘real life working environment’
Students will study a wide selection of Hair and Beauty skills including washing and styling hair, creative hair design, plaiting, twisting and colouring, as well as with a range of therapeutic beauty treatments and nail art.
Throughout the courses, students collate their theory, and practical photographic evidence to build a portfolio of work to showcase their skills development. When students have completed their time at HSD Post 16, they will be able to proudly share their Hair and Beauty portfolio, their CV and their vocational work experience record with a future employer or college of choice that together demonstrate a clear picture of their achievements and abilities.
ICT & Digital Skills
Digital Functional Skills Qualification, A relatively new UK qualification designed to equip learners with the essential digital skills needed for everyday life, work and further education. It’s part of the government’s push to improve digital literacy across the country.
The course focuses on teaching practical digital skills rather than theory, helping learners gain confidence using technology in real world contexts, and is taught for Level one and Entry 3.
Key topics covered include: Using devices and handling information, Creating and editing digital content, communicating online, being safe and responsible online, and transacting digitally.
Level one BTEC Introductory Certificate in Media, A great starting point for students who are interested in the Creative Media Industry but may not be ready for more advanced study like level 2 or 3 qualifications. A practical course which is portfolio based.
The course includes: Foundational skills in Media Production and software, Creative thinking and expression, Understanding the Media Industry, Soft skills Development
Following on from successful completion of the course students can continue onto studying the Level 2 BTEC in Creative Media.
Art and Photography;
“In Post 16 we offer Arts Award qualifications. Arts Award is a highly flexible, creative, and individualised pathway that allows students to build confidence, develop transferable skills, and achieve nationally recognised qualifications. Students can explore a wide range of art forms, including visual arts and photography, while also engaging with leadership opportunities and creative projects that promote independence and responsibility. Arts Award Discover and Explore focus on accessible entry-level skills, encouraging students to take part in creative activities and reflect on their experiences. As learners progress to Bronze, they can gain a Level 1 qualification, which is equivalent to a GCSE at grades 3–1. Silver Arts Award, delivered at Level 2, is equivalent to a GCSE grade 9–4 giving students the opportunity to achieve recognised outcomes that can support progression to further study, training, or employment.”
Stepping Stones to Employment
Harbour School Dorset are proud to be able to offer Post 16 students a supported pathway into employment. ‘Stepping Stones to Employment’ has been developed to complement and enhance our existing Post 16 Vocational offer.
Through extended work experience placements this will enable students to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours expected in the workplace.
During year 12, whilst studying their chosen Vocational specialisms, Mechanics, Hair & Beauty, Horticulture or Catering & Hospitality, they will create a personal ‘Vocational Profile’, learn how to write a CV, and fully understand employer expectations.
Year 13 students will be in their work placement for up to 3 days per week and attend school for the remaining time to work towards gaining their Maths, English and Work Skills qualifications.
At HSD we are committed to the ongoing development of successful employer partnerships to ensure that every one of our students is supported to achieve the strong foundations required to progress into paid employment, an Apprenticeship or a full time College course of their choice
“We believe that all individuals with SEN are capable of sustained paid employment with the right preparation and support”
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
