HECC

Students and Young People

Selection to take part in the Skill Force programme represents an opportunity for you to succeed both in school and, even more importantly, after you have left. Taking part in Skill Force activities and course work leads to positive outcomes both in the short and long term:

• Confidence, Self-esteem and Respect.
• "Life Skills" to help you succeed in a challenging world.
• Unique "experiences" that few people ever get to try.
• Qualifications and a great CV that can lead to a good job, further training or entry into an apprenticeship programme or College or University.

Parents

Our programmes are specifically designed to engage young people through a different approach to learning. Our aim is to give young people the knowledge, skills and attitude that will help them with life after leaving school. We seek to maximise opportunities in training, employment and future life chances.

Schools use Skill Force to deliver programmes right across the student population from Primary School right through Key Stages 3 & 4 and onto Sixth Form. All of our instructors are CRB checked and many are former military personnel who have a wealth of experience in working with young people and in developing confidence and skills.

If your child has been allocated a place on the Skill Force Programme, they are already off to a great start. Our Core Programme runs for 2 years, during which time students will be involved in a variety of activities that will contribute to them achieving many of the following nationally recognised Awards and Qualifications:

• ASDAN Bronze Challenge and CoPE Award - the work of these awards is varied covering life skills, adventure pursuits, environmental, community and work based projects and expressive arts. Likely to be recognised nationally accruing points in a similar way to GCSEs.
• Young Lifesavers Award - qualifies your child in First Aid.
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Bronze & elements of Silver) - this can only be achieved if your child attends the Residential Camp. A nationally recognised award proving team spirit, effort and enthusiasm to any future employer.
• Key Skills/Wider Key Skills - Proving competence up to level 2 in the Key Skills. Recognised nationally accruing points in a similar way to GCSEs.

What does it all mean?

In some cases your child may not study for as many GCSEs as some other students, but instead will be provided with a 1 day per week vocational and activity based programme.

We will work both in the classroom and on organised trips with your child throughout the term. We will liaise with teachers and yourself over your child's progress.

What do we need you to do?

We hope that you will encourage your child to fully participate in all activities and to do their best.

We hope that you will ensure that your child attends the residential phases to get their Duke of Edinburgh's Award: 1-2 nights away in the Spring and a Residential Week away in the Summer.

What do you need to remember?

Our instructors are there to help your child. We want them to succeed and we will do everything we can to ensure they get as much as possible from the programme; because their success is our success.

For any more information please visit the skillforce website here

Paul Harris
Team Leader Bristol (South)
Skill Force Development
Tel: 07788763338