Quick facts
| Qualification type | RARPA (non-accredited learning) |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | Starting September, students will be in college four days per week, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. |
| Entry requirements |
Students must have an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP), be working at entry level and have been educated in a special school or special provision in a mainstream setting. All applicants will need to participate in a pre-programme assessment and establish suitability for this pathway. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | No |
Is it for me?
This course is a one-year programme for Entry Level students who aspire to follow the Pathway to Employment programme and require additional support to make the transition to this Pathway.
Students may need this support because of the difficulties they are experiencing with managing change or developing the personal and social skills needed to meet the expectations required to learn in a Further Education environment.
What you'll learn
Your Individual Learning Plan will be designed to meet your needs and support you to develop the skills to achieve your future goals. Your goals may include:
- Independence travelling safely to a range of facilities in the local community, making your own packed lunch or health meals/snacks, using the college library and other facilities, making a bed and other household tasks, participating in taster activities across the wider college.
- English: developing your communication skills, functional speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
- Maths: managing money and completing basic shopping tasks, functional time, number and measuring skills.
- Employability: getting organised for learning activities and following instructions, following safety instructions, punctuality, participating in the National Citizenship Scheme and other college activities.
- Personal and Social Development: making choices, managing friendships, working with others, keeping healthy, using a mobile phone and trying new activities.
- Thrive: participating in Forest Schools, healthy living and sport and ICT.
Equipment required for the course
All students are advised to bring a pen and paper to lessons.
Work experience placements
There are no requirements to complete a work experience placement on this course.
Assessment
Progress towards your goals will be tracked using RARPA (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement) and monitored on your Individual Learning Plan throughout the year. If you are demonstrating that you are ready to progress onto a Maths or English Functional Skills qualification/unit, this will be included within your RARPA goals on your Individual Learning Plan.
Further study
Through a person-centred approach to learning, this programme ensures that students are continually making progress towards their individual learning, life and work-related goals for the future.
Students may continue this programme for a second year or progress onto Pathway to Employment if this is appropriate for their needs.
Days & times
Starting September 2025