Level 1 Personal & Social Development

Personal and Social Development will support and encourage you to gain confidence, independence, communication, and social skills, while helping students to develop a wide range of key employability skills in a friendly and nurturing environment. This course is the natural next step from the Entry 3 Personal & Social Development course or could be the perfect starting point for your journey at college.

Putting you at the centre, we aim to empower you with essential life skills, give you the ability to progress further in education and enhance your employment prospects.

Personal and Social Development (PSD) is for young people aged 16-19 who may have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP/HN) or it may simply be that you need a gentler introduction into college life and feel anxious about starting college and want to explore and develop skills for life, independence and work and prepare for adulthood. As a PSD college student, you will be supported to widen the opportunities available to you to help you move on to employment, a supported internship, independence or further study whilst gaining accredited qualifications at entry level and level 1.

As a unique individual we will work closely with you to identify your long-term destinations and set targets along the way so that you achieve as much independence as possible.

WVR is a great choice for local young people, living and learning where you live, developing friendships and being ambitious about your future.

The course duration can be anything from 1 year to 3 years.

This exciting and engaging level 1 course provides a great foundation for personal growth, social interaction and the development of skills needed to succeed in life and work. Through a combination of classroom-based learning, community projects, practical activities and social enterprise you will gain confidence, independence and the ability to be able to thrive in a variety of social environments.

You will complete an Open Awards qualification in Skills for Further Learning and Employment that includes a range of interesting and relevant topics designed to help you problem solve, communicate and lead, be creative and innovative, use your initiative and ensure that your mental and physical well-being and health play a key role. Your time at college will also include building on your maths and English skills.

Throughout the year you will take part in a range of vocational experience days to give you a taste of what you might want to do the following year. These may include: construction & motor vehicle, health and social care, hair and beauty, graphics, media & ICT, art & performing arts, sport & public services and hospitality & catering.

Some of our students go on to study a second year at Level 1 but the majority progress on to a Level 1 or Level 2 course in a vocational area. Preparation for Employment and Supported Internships are also popular progression routes for PSD students and we are happy to discuss this option with you. You may find that once you have gained qualifications in another curriculum area you return to Foundation and embark upon a supported internship.

Industry Placement is a key part of your course and you will be given help and guidance in finding the right placement for you, day 5 of your week is dedicated to preparing you for placement which starts with an internal placement leading on to an external placement with an employer. Internal placements can be across college in a range of departments such as maintenance, catering, marketing, administration, reception and even the Principalship! You will get lots of support in preparing you for these great opportunities and your work at the café is a real confidence boost!

We have strong links with Warrington Hospital, Amazon, Warrington Council & Market and The Engine Rooms to name but a few and if a supported internship is one of your progression options then you may have the opportunity to work with one of these local leading employers. We have guest speakers from industry throughout the year and you will take part in work place visits to a variety of employers and working environments from construction to retail, entertainment to hospitality and catering.

You will be allocated a Progress Coach in addition we can offer the following if applicable;

• 1:1 in class support
• Lunchtime and breaktime supervision
• Meet & greet on entering and leaving the college
• Mobility support
• Exam access arrangements
• Orientation Modification of learning materials
• Specialist resources

We also have a welfare team that are on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help you during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

There are many providers who offer ‘similar’ courses, but what they can’t offer is the wide range of opportunities that will be available to you:

• Up to 5 days a week in college
• Individualised curriculum
• Internal and external work placements
• Enrichment activities, trips and visits
• Links with local employers
• Vocational experience days
• Independent living skills
• Running a café
• Excellent progression routes
• A team of dedicated staff with over 70 years of combined experience

There are no formal entry requirements for this course but it is expected that you will have gained entry level 3 at school or at college.

If there are any costs attached to trips and visits or any PPE required for experience days you will be given notice and all costs are kept to a minimum to ensure all learners can participate. Help may be available if learners are in receipt of a bursary.

Café uniform consists of black trousers/leggings/jeans, plain black t-shirt and flat, comfortable black shoes or black trainers.