Enjoyable learning

Vocational courses co-ordinated

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Wolverhampton's Raising Enjoyment & Achievement (REACH) scheme is tackling underperformance in 14-16 year olds.

Back in 2004, the future for many 16-year-olds in Wolverhampton was anything but promising, with 14% failing to achieve pass levels of 5A*-G. A similar proportion were not expected to proceed with any education or training. Of these failing pupils some were disaffected and disengaged, while others were socially excluded or had special needs.

Working in partnership, Wolverhampton City Council's 14-19 development team and its youth service wanted to give learners opportunities which would motivate, excite and engage them.

The result was the REACH scheme is delivered two days a week, with one day devoted to each of two qualifications: a BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Vocational Studies — the equivalent of four GCSEs — and the ASDAN Level 1 Certificate of Personal Effectiveness Award, which focuses on skills and social development and is worth one GCSE.

Each of the 14 schools taking part in the programme decides on which of the 13 vocational subject areas, such as construction or art and design, to offer pupils. If a student's school does not offer their choice of vocational subject they can visit one that does.

John Price, deputy head of 14-19 development for the council, says this collaborative approach was inspired by a recognition that students need different styles of teaching.

For the remaining three days in the academic week, pupils learn core curriculum subjects in their home school, which avoids them being separated from their friends or stigmatised by their peers.

Mr Price stresses that pupils are not forced to take part in the scheme.

"Parents and students are engaged in the decision-making process. We're not separating these kids out — they are getting the same types of activity as other learners but they are not bound by school options or by school walls. They have a whole city of options on offer."

The first cohort to take part in the programme has just completed Year 11 and Mr Price reports that feedback "is extremely positive". He recalls one troubled boy who didn't want to go to school and would hardly ever talk to other people.

"After taking part in REACH, that same lad came to our Beacon presentation, along with senior teachers and training providers, and gave a five-minute presentation to the panel. His mum nearly had everyone in tears when she said how he'd been transformed," Mr Price says.

The LGC conference Developing Integrated and High Impact Youth Services will be held on 25 September 2008 in London.