Page last updated at 13:28 GMT, Wednesday, 21 July 2010 UK
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Students at Tudor Grange School in Solihull are taking a fresh approach to learning, with online vocational qualifications from vision2learn for schools.
Catherine Johnson, Lead Teacher at the school said: “We wanted to offer additional qualifications that the students could work on at their own pace but with teacher support if they needed it.”
Tudor Grange believes that young people are entitled to a curriculum that prepares them for life's opportunities, responsibilities and experiences. The school prides itself on the ability to meet the needs of every pupil by giving them the choice and flexibility to build a curriculum that’s right for them.
More than 55 pupils at Tudor Grange School have been studying for a vision2learn for schools Healthy Eating qualification which leads to an NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Nutrition and Health.
“We find that vision2learn for schools helps to add value to the subjects that our students are already studying,” explained Catherine Johnson. “For example, the Healthy Eating qualification ties in really well with the work that students are already doing in GCSE Science and Food and Nutrition. It helps to qualify and add depth to their learning, as well as giving them the opportunity to gain an extra qualification.”
A recent government report* showed that young people, particularly those who feel ‘disengaged’ from school and learning, were more likely to feel confident and enjoy studying practical, ‘hands-on’ subjects. Future changes to the 14-19 curriculum in England include plans to expand the diploma system and offer more opportunities to study vocational subjects that could help to engage young people.
For Tudor Grange students, who have been busy working towards their GCSEs, vision2learn for schools offers flexible, pressure-free learning that they can relate to. Learners at the school could complete the Healthy Eating course online and fit it around their other studies. All vision2learn for schools courses carry GCSE equivalent points and can contribute to students’ overall achievement. For learners in difficult circumstances who may struggle at school, it’s an ideal way for them to continue learning and achieving.
Catherine Johnson said: “For one student, who attends school on a part-time basis, it meant that he could continue to work independently on the course. It will help to contribute towards him achieving 5 GCSEs, which is our minimum aim for all pupils at Tudor Grange.”
Studying the vision2learn for schools Healthy Eating course has enabled pupils at Tudor Grange School to take control of their own learning. They can work their way through interactive online study units, testing their learning along the way with quizzes and activities. The course includes units on diet, nutrition and food issues, including a wide range of healthy eating tips, resources and ideas. Students complete exercises, such as researching and creating their own healthy eating plans and menus to help them to eat a healthy balanced diet, while teachers can track their progress via the online system.
“The students loved the Healthy Eating course!” said Catherine. “They could easily relate to the idea of using information technology and learning online. They liked the flexibility and sense of ownership they got from working through it independently. In particular, a Year 11 Science group have really enjoyed it. They loved the fact that it’s interactive and they could work through it at their own pace. For them, it’s a much more engaging way to learn than watching a teacher standing at the front of the classroom going through a power point presentation.”
Year 11s at Tudor Grange recently celebrated passing their Healthy Eating course with flying colours. Their new qualification is equivalent to Grade B at GCSE, and will contribute to their overall achievement, as well as being a great confidence-booster.
Catherine added: “We’ve been so pleased with the way that the students have responded to vision2learn for schools and the Healthy Eating course that we’re planning to take it further in the next school year with a group of younger learners. Again, we hope that it will help to engage them and add depth to their learning.”
“Tudor Grange School is a fantastic example of a forward-thinking, inclusive secondary school,” commented Jonathan Ovenden, Business Development Director at vision2learn for schools. “The school is helping pupils to gain confidence and motivation by offering additional vocational qualifications that they can complete at their own pace. Students are discovering exciting new ways to learn and, at the same time, they are better prepared for the world after school.”
*Department for Children Schools and Families, ‘Disengagement from education among 14-16 year olds’ Andy Ross, National Centre for Social Research.
To find out more about vision2learn please contact Jonathan Ovenden on 01661 864470 (mobile: 07730 402653) or email: jonathan.ovenden@creatingcareers.com.
For press enquiries please contact Zoe Mullan on 07553 374198 or email: zoe.mullan@creatingcareers.com.
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