ASPIRE Work Based Learning

Qualification Level

You will study towards Pearson BTEC introductory qualifications at Award, Certificate, or Diploma level.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Vocational Studies in the first year.

Dependent upon whether you complete an Award, Certificate, or Diploma in Vocational Studies, you will undertake mandatory units in:

• Developing a Personal Progression Plan
• Being Organised
• Working as a Team
• Research a Topic

You may also have the opportunity to study subject sector areas including Art and Design, Business, Caring for Children, Creative Digital Media, IT, Performing Arts, and Sport.

From 2025 you will study a Level 1 BTEC in Personal Growth and Wellbeing.

Units can be selected by staff and students based upon their individual needs and cover topics such as:

• Improving Physical Health
• Role of Relationships
• Sexual Health
• Understanding Emotional Wellbeing
• Developing Resilience

Duration of programme 

One to three years, dependent upon qualification and individual circumstances.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, but suitability will be discussed at your pre-entry assessment. Many students use this Programme as a platform to build their personal and social development; others use it as a platform to transition into College life; many benefit from the flexibility of programme delivery and work-based learning opportunities within our enterprise activities.

If you have not achieved Level 2 in Functional English or Mathematics you will also receive support with these skills. Both will be blended into your programme and in separate classes each week.  

What does the course involve? 

The ASPIRE Study Programme supports visually impaired students with a variety of neurodiverse and additional needs with their educational, personal, and social development.

The Programme implements personalised learning plans, linked to your EHCP, in order to meet your individual needs.

There are a number of pathways you could take, over the course of three years:

Pathway 1:
You may need time to adjust to the transition into College life, living in the community, and education.

Pathway 2:
You may need time to establish your next steps in terms of life, living in the community, and education.

Pathway 3:
A springboard to develop core interpersonal skills in order to support and progress towards a Level 2 vocational programme area.

Some of the activities you may complete within the ASPIRE Programme are:

• sharing a hobby or interest with others within practical, work-based skills sessions.


• completing a performance to deliver internally or externally to a chosen audience, either face-to-face or online.


• research volunteering organisations and take an active role in a volunteering event which will make a positive impact on the community.


• studying children and young people and engaging with work experience activities to develop confidence in this area. Taking part in VI awareness events and research to share knowledge with local communities such as local and national primary schools, FE colleges, universities, and residential homes.


• on-site catering practice, both in the student Bistro and the public Coffee Pod (front of house duties, selling products, and engaging in customer service practice).


• arts and crafts activities, making products to sell or showcase both internally/externally.


• working within a gym environment (dealing with clients, upholding health and safety practices).


• business office activities, that include practical office work within the College's Working Office (photocopying, ring-binding, shredding, portfolio collation, stationery orders, and meeting staff requests, creating presentations and visual displays; supporting internal and external events).


• gardening projects such as working in the polytunnel to support in-house enterprises.

All of these opportunities will embed vital core skills such as Functional English and Mathematics and communication and problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods 

You will have the opportunity to work in small groups as well as independently, with support from subject specialist teachers. There will be opportunities to learn through practical tasks, problem solving activity, independent exploration and self-review. Classroom and outdoor time is afforded to build our team in order to work effectively together. Teachers use active reflection and evaluation techniques and are innovative in their approach in order to build upon students’ current skills levels. They regularly review, evaluate, mentor and coach students to develop their skills appropriately.
   

Work Based Learning

You will develop the skills towards work-based learning activities and build confidence through regular opportunities both on campus and, with the hope of progressing to, an external placement.  

Where will it take me? 

In Year 2, you will study a Certificate in your chosen sector area, such as Business. In Year 3, you will study a Diploma in your chosen sector area, or you may progress to a Level 2 vocational programme area.

You will be encouraged to progress towards a regular work-based learning placement, either internally or externally, in your second year.

Upon completing the ASPIRE course and having explored your interests and potential with support from specialist staff at RNC, you could move into paid, supported or voluntary work, and/or independent living in your home area.