At SJV we believe that Vocational opportunities, as learners move through school, are vital in supporting Children and Young People into next steps; whether that be in to our own or external Post 16 provision or engaging in wider community work-based activity.
The vocational curriculum offered at KS4 and 5 is essential in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding of each learner, whilst also maximising engagement and enjoyment in learning.
We have several on-site facilities for vocational activity where pupils can study for various BTEC qualifications. These include resources for the delivery of BTEC programmes (Entry Level and Level 1) in Hospitality and Catering, Art, Food Technology, Media, Construction, Horticulture, PE/Sport and Personal Care. This gives our young people the opportunity to develop key work and personal development skills, preparing them for life after St John Vianney School. As pupils move through to Post 16, our BTEC offer expands in breadth and width securing further opportunities for learner progression in many vocational sector areas.
Horticulture
The students in Horticulture gain skills growing a wide range of fruit and vegetables, as well as knowledge required to maintaining the site. There are many opportunities for working with increasing independence, and learners respond well to the physical nature of the tasks at hand.
The site has become a tranquil part of the school and is enjoyed by an increasing number of learners who like to use it as a relaxation area. This happens frequently in spring and summer, when the garden is in full bloom and our learners can see the results of their time tending and nurturing the plants.
Construction
The students in BTEC Construction focus their work on developing the skills of bricklaying, concreting and also in painting and decorating.
Construction areas have been transformed into bespoke painting and decorating sections or building activity spaces, which provides each learner with hands on experiences of construction activity.
Personal Care
Learners undertaking experiences in Personal Care use the school’s specially developed Salon, a realistic working environment for the ‘Introduction to a Personal Care’ course. The students learn about professionalism, work ethics and Health and Safety, as well as the subject area specific units. The students study basic manicure, hair care and wider information on keeping yourself and others safe, through maintaining highly effective hygiene standards, which are required in any professional work environment.
Gymnasium
The Students in BTEC use the public gymnasium at Longford Park to look at the world of work from a sporting perspective. They are expected to plan for developing effective personal exercise programmes, understanding the importance of personal hygiene and know how sport facilities are managed and organised. They are also expected to improve their general understanding of how to develop their personal fitness.
Media
In Media Studies our students look at a wider range of i-media activities. They develop the skills to write out, act and record a short film collectively. They developed the ability to edit and production their film and to share their outcomes as evidence of learning in this area.
Photography
Photography is a very popular course in KS4 and Post 16. In KS4 pupils experiment with their use of cameras and their photography, developing an array of photo editing skills using ‘photoshop’. Those young people who choose to stay on into Post 16 will follow the GCSE specification for Photography, developing the skills to secure Level 2 success, through more in depth growth of their skills and knowledge.
