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Case Study: Embedded Basic Skills in Action

During a recent visit to Rodbaston, I took the opportunity to observe a session on the Rural Skills programme. A group of seven students were making bird boxes in the workshop. They had covered safety issues prior to starting the practical work and when I arrived they were all engaged in the ‘doing’.

The Pre-Entry Curriculum Framework is for teachers who work with learners who have not yet reached Entry Level 1. It includes all learners and starts from the earliest stages of development. Many of the milestones - significant points along the continuum - and indicators - specific learning outcomes - were being covered during the session. For example, learners were sorting out the various pieces of pre-cut wood they required to make their bird box. This relates to Handling data, milestone 7/ indicator 2 in the numeracy curriculum, which states:

Throughout the session learners were carrying out instructions given by the tutor and this skill corresponds to Speaking and listening, milestone 8/ indicator 3:

The great thing about the session, was observing how each individual was engaged in the activity. The group contained learners with a range of abilities and all of them were enjoying and contributing to the session. Teachers finally have a curriculum framework that will enable them to help individuals develop specific skills that will increase their independence and improve their lifestyle.

For further information on Rodbaston College, contact Rob Pheasant: rob.pheasant@rodbaston.ac.uk