Progression courses

Stepping Stones

• Want to come to Orkney College UHI and gain valuable qualifications?
• Not sure what subject area you would like to study?
• Keen to try new challenges?

Aims of course

This new full time Orkney College UHI course aims to give students the qualifications and opportunities to access other Orkney College UHI courses at National Certificate level.

This course will give students experience in a variety of subject areas.  Students can then be supported to make an informed decision on which subject area they would like to further pursue, to achieve their academic and career goals.

Course description

The course will involve students experiencing a variety of subject areas, through project based learning which will provide a variety of creative and practical activities. The course will also provide the opportunity to achieve useful academic qualifications which will help students progress onto other college courses in the future including Get Ready for Work

Work experience will be an integral part of the course.

Course content

The course consists of a variety of SQA modules at Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 levels and based around the following areas:

• Core skills: IT, communication and numeracy
• Planning and organising events
• Employability skills – writing CVs, application forms, interview skills
• Health and safety
• Accident and emergency procedures
• Hospitality
• Study skills
• Work experience

Entry requirements

This course would be ideally suited to school leavers who are unsure what to do next.

Applicants need to have 4 Standard Grades at 4 or above.

Preparation for Progression

Preparation for Progression endeavours to build on existing strengths and develop vocational skills. The main focus is on personal, social and vocational development.

The course involves a general timetable that accommodates a wide range of skills and interests. The timetable includes core skills; communication, numeracy and information technology. The rest of the timetable is made of units from vocational subject areas plus areas of general development.

The following subject areas are included:

• Core skills; communication, numeracy, IT
• Art and design
• Business enterprise; Young Enterprise Scotland
• Hospitality
• Environmental projects
• Agriculture
• Local studies
• Home cookery
• World of Work; vocational development
• Work placement

The course lasts for one academic year and involves attendance for approximately 34 weeks.  Work placements are arranged for a one week block prior to the Easter break.

Those who complete the course will be awarded an Orkney College UHI Certificate and SQA Certificate for NQ units achieved.  Students can progress on to vocational training, further training for employment or on to employment.

The curriculum adheres to the Curriculum for Excellence and aims to enable each student to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor.

Students run their own Young Enterprise Scotland Company developing and selling various products. The programme gives students the opportunity to identify and develop their skills through teamwork and functional activities. Students experience activities that range from running a business to making presentations and from customer care to the world of work. The course aims to enhance a student’s ability to make informed choices and work towards positive employment.

Pathways to Independence

Aim of course

The main aim of the course is to support students in developing their skills to enable them to access an independent lifestyle

This full time programme of study incorporates 18 hours a week of direct class contact over three days for 36 weeks.

Course description

This course will focus on the development of practical core skills for independent living within a task centred approach.

There will an opportunity for this group of students to discuss and develop their own person centred plan with trained social care staff during the period attending college. Progress in the college programme will feed into the person centred plan.

Key learning support information for each student will kept in students' tutorial folders. Students will be expected to share this information with College staff and other community professionals involved in the delivery of this programme.

Course content

• Tutorials
• Communication for independence
• Numbers for everyday situations
• ICT (technology)
• Getting to know your community and the resources within it
• Horticulture
• Cooking for healthy eating
• Art and design/practical home-making skills
• Healthy lifestyles
• Joinery skills/DIY

Emphasis on development of life skills.

Entry requirements

• Follow simple instructions,
• Have an awareness of others in the group
• Make a contribution to a group
• Study in a classroom environment
• Focus on a learning activity
• Participate in a variety of group activities
• Stay in a room, focus and participate in appropriate learning activities
• Show interest and willingness to learn in a busy college environment

Applicants will be expected to attend an interview.