Getting Connected

Getting Connected is a curriculum framework designed to help young adults on the margins of education and employment to reconnect with learning and foster their personal development. The framework is intended to enhance the self-esteem and emotional literacy of those young adults outside the formal education and training system. It is aimed primarily at young adults aged 16-25 but is also benefiting many aged 14-15.

Getting Connected is comprised of nine units, which can be accredited by OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA). Each unit may be accredited individually. Achievement of four accredited units earns a young adult the full Profile of Personal Development award, considered equal to a NVQ Level 1.

The units can be addressed in any order and in a manner that best suits the need of the learner. While learning outcomes are given, how these are addressed is decided entirely by the young adult and their mentor. Five competencies of emotional intelligence underpin the learning outcomes provided: self-awareness, self-management, motivation, empathy, and managing relationships. Young adults involved with the curriculum are encouraged to explore their lives and plan for their futures. They are supported to explore their attitudes, feelings and behaviour as well as exploring their relationships with others.

This opportunity to respond to individual learning preferences, a key feature of the programme, is a means of increasing the likelihood of achievement and success. Young adults with higher levels of emotional literacy coupled with increased confidence and self-esteem are more likely to become effective learners and to take full advantage of the opportunities open to them.

The success of the Programme hinges on effective relationships being developed between young adults and mentors (practitioners) working with them. Mentors are youth workers, Connexions PAs, health workers, probation staff, social workers, volunteers - anyone working with young adults. To enable mentors, and potential mentors, to gain an understanding of the nature of the curriculum framework and how it can be used with young adults, training courses are offered throughout England and Wales.

Getting Connected was developed by the Young Adults Learning Partnership (YALP). This joint initiative between NIACE (the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) and The NYA (National Youth Agency) researches and develops effective approaches to learning and personal development among young adults on the margins of education, training and employment. YALP continues to undertake research and development activity to evaluate and progress the Programme, and to extend its reach.

The Getting Connected Programme is now managed by The University of the First Age. For further information, please contact Sally Milicev ( smilicev@aoy.org.uk ) or Marilyn Stanley (mstanley@aoy.org.uk)

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