Vocational

At Venn Boulevard Centre, we provide a range of vocational learning opportunities for our pupils. Vocational subjects are courses of study that focus on practical applications of skills and knowledge required for specific trades or professions. These qualifications are different from traditional academic qualifications, as they are designed to prepare students for employment in specific industries or trades.

Vocational qualifications can be a great way for students to develop valuable skills and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. Our vocational subjects are designed to support pupils in achieving qualifications and engaging in learning by providing practical and industry-focused skills that are highly sought after by employers.

We offer a range of vocational subjects both delivered on site, such as hospitality, media, computing, and food technology, as well as through working in partnership with external partners. We believe that working with external partners helps to provide our students with a more rounded vocational experience that is reflective of real-world industry practices.

Some of the commissioned placements we have used and what they do are shown in the table below:

Commissioned Placement Description
Motorvation Provides hands-on experience in mechanics, car maintenance, and repair
Hull QPD Work towards Diploma Level 1 and 2 in Entry to Uniformed Services
Vulcan Offers training in hair and beauty and construction and building trades
Orchard Training Offers vocational training in construction and building trades, including plastering, bricklaying
Local Works Preparing the Young Person for the World of Work and Sporting Activities

We believe that vocational learning can provide a valuable alternative pathway to academic qualifications, and can help our pupils to develop essential life and employability skills.

By offering vocational subjects in a variety of industries, we aim to provide our pupils with the opportunity to explore different career options and find the path that is right for them.

“Pupils welcome new arrivals with understanding and compassion.”

Ofsted

“Once at school, the life coach works with
individuals to help them to deal with any anxieties that they may have.”

Ofsted

“Pupils talked to us about the way in which you
and your staff celebrate difference and help to make everyone feel valued.”

Ofsted

“Teachers consider
pupils’ emotional well-being deeply and give them space when they need to refocus.”

Ofsted

“Pupils at your school feel safe.”

Ofsted

“Within classrooms, teachers reward positive behaviours consistently.”

Ofsted

“Inspectors saw first-hand the way in which your staff spoke to pupils with compassion and respect.”

Ofsted

“Pupils make strides socially and emotionally.”

Ofsted

“The systems and structures that you have put in place ensure that pupils feel safe at school.”

Ofsted

“You seek to identify any triggers which cause pupils to behave erratically and you work towards eliminating these.”

Ofsted

“A time of ‘reflection’ at the end of the
day allows pupils to consider how they have performed at school and helps them to focus on their attitudes and behaviours. ”

Ofsted

“Pupils told inspectors that they really value the way in which they feel respected at your school.”

Ofsted

“Pupils value the way in which you and your
staff make everyone feel included.”

Ofsted

“Before coming to
school, you and other leaders work hard to understand the needs of individual
pupils.”

Ofsted

“Teachers and teaching assistants work hard to ensure that pupils are ‘nudged’ in the right direction in lessons.”

Ofsted

“Your school helps pupils to become
confident rounded young people.”

Ofsted

“An SEMH curriculum runs through the heart of your school.”

Ofsted

“Pupils are given chances to reflect upon this
through ‘life books’ where observations are made, and improvements praised.”

Ofsted

“All pupils benefit from targets to help them to develop their social and emotional skills and to build a level of resilience.”

Ofsted

“The work of the
life coach can include one-to-one work in addition to positive thinking strategies,
mindfulness and aromatherapy.”

Ofsted

“The most striking aspect of your school is the way in which you plan to support pupils’ individual needs.”

Ofsted

“Teaching at your school is characterised by positive relationships between members of staff and pupils.”

Ofsted

“A time of ‘reflection’ at the end of the
day allows pupils to consider how they have performed at school and helps them to focus on their attitudes and behaviours. ”

Ofsted

“In classrooms, pupils focus hard and respond well to any advice and guidance that is given to them.”

Ofsted