ROUTE  4

The Route 4 course is an alternative curriculum for young people in years 10 and 11 with an emphasis on work related learning.

There are FOUR aspects to the course:

• A college course
• A work placement
• AQA Unit Award Scheme
• GCSEs in the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science)

• Students follow a course at Great Yarmouth College, which they attend on a Wednesday morning.  The school provides transport to and from the college, but students must provide the clothing required for their particular course.  The courses are run over two years and students who complete their course gain automatic entry into the college when they leave school.  Courses currently available for 14 –16 year olds are Hairdressing, Catering, Construction, Horticulture and Motor Vehicle Maintenance.

• Students attend a work placement one day a week that is set up through the Connexions service. They can express a preference as to what sort of work they would like to do. Students are required to fill in a work experience journal, which is assessed, and a pass certificate is awarded if the student has met all the requirements.

• Route 4 lessons in school try to offer a wide range of activities both written and practical.  These activities are run in conjunction with the AQA Unit Award Scheme, where candidates work through a number of units and are awarded certification at the completion of each unit.  In year 10 citizenship, group work and team building are explored.  In Year 11 units based on post-16 planning and practical life skills are investigated, which will help the student after leaving school.

The course is designed to offer a broader curriculum that will meet the individual educational needs of those who may find academic subjects challenging.  It looks to encourage and motivate students, and to give them confidence and focus with regard to their schooling and career plans.