Pepper Pot Farm is working with Bradford Youthtrain to run National Open College
Network STEP-UP (Skills Towards Enabling Progression) accredited qualifications
aimed at young people aged between 13-16 years, who are disengaged from education
and at risk of long-term social exclusion.
Through working on the farm on a variety of outdoor practical, 'hands on' activities
it is hoped that students will develop social skills, build confidence and self-esteem
and also achieve academically.
The qualifications are currently available at Entry Level and Level 1 and have been
designed to address the needs of learners who require a flexible and achievable
alternative to more traditional qualifications. The credit-based units in these
qualifications have been specifically designed to engage learners as they are based
on personal interests and strengths. The Students evidence what they have learned
through building up a portfolio which is then assessed.
Units cover a variety of skills and subjects such as Personal Development and Life
Skills eg. basic literacy, numeracy, teamwork and work experience placement skills,
which would be gained through activities carried out on the farm and also Vocational
and Employability Skills such as horticulture (Developing an Awareness of Soil Types
& Garden Habitats), animal care, land and countryside management type courses gained
through more specific farm focused work.
When a learner completes a programme they
are awarded a certificate of credit, which describes the subject area and level
achieved. Credits indicate the quantity of learning undertaken ie. 1 credit represents
10 notional hours of learning. The credits are valid in their own right or can be
used towards other awards or qualifications ie they can equate to Performance Points
which in turn equate to GCSE grades.
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