Posted: 09/12/08
Ashfield MP to visit pioneering college project
Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon will visit a project that is transforming the lives of young people across the area by giving them a second chance at education.
Mr Hoon will drop in to West Nottinghamshire College’s Ashfield Project on Friday 12 December to see first-hand its success and speak to students and staff.
Now in its second year, the pioneering project – based at the College’s Ashfield Campus in Huthwaite Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield – was set up to re-engage and support young people who are, or risk being, not in education, employment or training.
It caters for young people who did not achieve at school due to low attendance or other problems including bullying, undiagnosed dyslexia or having caring responsibilities.
The project offers a range of Entry to Employment and vocational courses – from Business Administration, Hair and Beauty, Fashion and Design, to Interactive Media and Motorcycle Maintenance – to give students a ‘hands on’ approach to learning; with smaller class sizes to provide more personalised support.
The curriculum is innovative, vocationally-relevant and underpinned by a strong philosophy of practical learning combined with citizenship, celebration of success and a culture of mutual respect.
The project provides a free bus service to help students get to College and has a later start time of 9.30am for those who have domestic responsibilities including family or parenting commitments.
Students are referred to the project by the Connexions service. In its first year, 63 young people enrolled and 49 successfully completed their programme. Of these, 90% have progressed on to the next qualification level, while three have entered employment – exceeding targets for success and progression rates within the first year.
This year, 115 students enrolled on to the project.
Sandra Cowley, Ashfield Project Manager, said: “We are immensely proud of the success of the Ashfield Project. It really has been life-changing for so many young people and the good work will continue. Our students are looking forward to sharing their stories with Mr Hoon who is always keen to keep up with developments at West Nottinghamshire College.”
Accompanied by College Principal Asha Khemka, Mr Hoon will spend his visit touring the building and speaking to students within the various curriculum areas about how the project has changed their lives and outlook on educational choices.
