Work Related Learning
West Herts College 2008/09 was the first year that Chessbrook commissioned its own courses from West Herts College for Years 10 & 11.
Students could choose from 3 options:
-
Construction, including plastering, brickwork, painting & decorating and tiling
- A combined course including a term each of Catering, Floristry and Retail
- Motor Vehicles
The students learned lots of new skills and also experienced a taste of college life – they soon realised that the staff were a very different proposition to Chessbrook!
Motor Vehicles
“This has been a great success, particularly for one pupil who has excelled himself and provided valuable support to the other students when they weren’t sure which nuts and bolts to undo! The course is taught at Kings Langley Campus where there are about 15 cars to work on.” LSA
Floristry
“I am pleased to inform you that your girls in Floristry have passed their qualification C&G Level 1. The external verifier wanted to pass on her comments that she was very pleased with the practical side, and that their folders were as good as the Level 2 folders she had seen.”
Heather Russell, Head of 14-16, West Herts College
West Herts College: Headstart Courses
When students finish Year 9 they have the opportunity to go to West Herts College one day a week for both Year 10 & 11. At the moment we have students who study Child Care, Sport and Construction Skills; Year 10’s on a Thursday and Year 11s on a Friday.
This year, a pupil in Year 11, won the Most Improved Award for the Bridging to Foundation Construction Course. Well done! This is a great achievement as he had to make his own way from South Oxhey to Dacorum campus in Hemel each week.
Another Year 11 student earned a Distinction in her Childcare course – Chessbrook is very proud of her excellent achievement!
Work Experience
Many KS4 students have to chance to do work experience, either for one week or one day a week over the whole year. Students have worked at a variety of employers including, Lincolnsfield, nurseries, mechanics, Watford FC, hairdressers and a music studio.
Alternative Provision
Projects are run throughout the week and for 2009/10, the options will include:
- Motocross
- Working with Horses
- Survival Skills & Outward Bound
- Construction
- Childcare
- Motor Vehicles & Electrical Installation
- Prince’s Trust xl Club
- Rickmansworth Fire Station
- Visiting local businesses