A Work-Related Curriculum Development Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Targeting Students Aged 15 – 19

The student centre of this project is based on the following concepts:-

• Successful transition from school to Post 16 Education and Training
• Improved motivation and aspiration, encouraging students to take responsibility in securing their own future
• Provision of skills, experiences and understanding to support the making of their career choices
• Achievement of recognised and relevant qualifications to underwrite student success
• Acquisition of enterprise, vocational and life skills
• The adoption of a lifelong learning approach to ensure future security
• Collaboration with local employers to access the business community and build sustainable links

The project will assist those students for whom a strictly academic programme is unsuitable. A more vocationally focussed programme will help these young people make a successful transition into further education or training, entering the workforce willing, skilled and qualified.

In the first instance, students will follow the ASDAN Foundation for Work Award and also gain a Wider Key Skill Qualification. Some schools will choose to undertake the new Business and Enterprise element of the award as a vehicle for the students to set up and run their own mini-enterprise. A logical progression route having achieved the award would be ASDAN Career Planning. Teacher Training is offered free of charge to schools undertaking CYF.

Workshops to support the Foundation for Work challenge criteria will be delivered by EBP/CYF staff, taking advantage of their own experience and competence and supported by businesses to enhance credibility. A wide range of workshops are offered covering, for example:-

1. Dressing for Work
2. CV Writing
3. Customer Service
4. Job Search Skills
5. Individual Mock Interviews

Additionally, students will be able to access travel bursaries, childcare allowances and Student Apprenticeships.

As part of our ongoing commitment to web based developments, each school will receive copies of ‘Extreme Business’ – an interactive overview of how a local surf related company is run. A great emphasis is placed on enterprise and work skills. Teacher notes and a suggested scheme of work are included.

‘Business and Enterprise’ – a modular scheme that encourages students to work through the processes involved in setting up a business, from writing a business plan to cash flow forecasting.

‘GCSE Applied Business’ – the requirements of the GCSE are exactly met. Students are guided through the course, gaining appropriate knowledge to ensure success.

More developments are planned and you will be kept updated of these via the website.

Overall, the Create Your Future package is designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of both teachers and learners. The local business community is keen to be involved as all too often, school leaver’s lack the necessary work skills demanded of employees. These young people represent the workforce of the future and employers are willing to contribute time, effort and the benefit of their experience in helping the students to succeed.

The project dovetails perfectly into the Governments Statutory Requirements for Work Related Learning.