The Government’s 16 to 19 study programmes are designed to provide students with a structured and challenging individualised learning programme that supports their development and progression in line with their future career plans. The principles of these study programmes are met in full at Landau Forte College Derby where students’ pathways:
- include one or more academic, applied or vocational qualification that stretches the student and links clearly to training, employment or higher education. All students follow a full time study programme of at least 540 GLH, comprised of a minimum of three A Levels or equivalent which reflects the greater demand of the latest academic and vocational specifications. However, four subject pathways are available for the most able students to facilitate their career aspirations. Pathways are monitored and revised when necessary, often incorporating an alternative Level 3 maths qualification, together with alterations of some entry requirements in response to the greater robustness of the new qualifications, which ensure students maximise their options of progression at the end of the sixth form.
- require students who do not have GCSE 4-9 in Maths or English to work towards the achievement of these qualifications, structured and supported through specific additional timetabled sessions.
- allow for meaningful work experience (related to the vocational area) and/or other non-qualification activity undertaken by all students, including supervised private study sessions, Learning for Life sessions and full participation in tutor time. The College plans for, and supports students to complete at least one full week of an external work placement. Students are also supported to complete other, virtual placements throughout the year. All students are also expected to engage in a culture of volunteering, where activities such as participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, National Citizens Service, and a range of academic and pastoral mentoring programmes, develop students’ personal skills and/or prepare them for employment, training or higher/further education. The College places great emphasis on maximising progression to the next stage of education, employment or an apprenticeship as shown by the successful progression of students onto higher levels of qualification, the rates of completion work placement in Year 12 and a CIAG programme which begins during recruitment of students whilst in Year 11 and continues throughout the Sixth Form, frequently delivered through visits or visiting speakers, specifically on Wednesday afternoons. Examples of these activities include oracy development, religious education, awareness of SHSV and CRE, presentations on a variety of degree courses & careers from a number of universities, a careers fair attended by many local and national apprenticeship providers, time dedicated to ‘attending’ super-curricular virtual lectures and the development of cultural awareness. In addition, all students take part in other meaningful non-qualification activity, notably but not exclusively during twice-weekly tutor time sessions and weekly Learning for Life sessions. Regular activities including debating current affairs and developing life skills are designed to build students’ character, confidence and resilience whilst also preparing them for adult life with specific sessions on the Law, Politics, Domestic Independence and Keeping Safe in a variety of scenarios.