Qualifications
Ruskin Mill Trust works closely with a range of awarding bodies, in particular the Open College Network (OCN), to ensure that there is a diverse range of appropriate qualification available for students.
Open College Network (West Midlands):
Skills for Living and Work is currently being used in the schools and colleges for students 14 years and older. The programme is available from Entry Level 1 through to Level 2 and can be awarded as an Award, Certificate or Diploma dependant on the amount of credits accumulated. This provides a flexible framework that enables students to build credits through a range of units applicable to their individual timetables. Students receive a nationally recognised qualification upon completion of their course.
Personal Progress is being introduced for students requiring a lower level qualification and was developed with PMLD students in mind. This is only available at Entry Level 1 and is assessed through the Achievement Continuum.
Employability and Development Skills is available from Entry Level 3 through to Level 3 and there is also the ability for this to be awarded as a dedicated programme such as “Employability and Development Skills in Creative Studies” or “Employability and Development Skills in Land based Studies”, up to Level 2. This makes it a useful programme for moving into employment. It is available to all provisions but most likely to be used in the colleges for students with specific destinations and aspirations. This can be awarded as an Award, Certificate, or Diploma but Award is not available if it has sector area.
BTEC
Ruskin Mill Trust is registered with Pearson Edexcel and can deliver a range of Btec awards and certificates. These are available in the colleges and will shortly be available in schools. The qualifications will be available to students who need them as a dedicated pathway to FE or employment.
LANTRA
Ruskin Mill Trust is able to deliver a range of LANTRA qualifications, which can be a useful additional qualification for students wanting to move into land based work. LANTRA qualifications are competence-based certificates in areas such Chainsaw, Brush Cutter etc.
Functional Skills
Functional Skills qualifications are offered at all Ruskin Mill Trust Colleges and Schools, offering maths and English from Entry Level 1 to Level 2. Pupils and students can undertake GCSE’s at Freeman and Brantwood and these will be available in Glasshouse College and Ruskin Mill College in the future to meet individual need and conditions of funding.
Access
This is a Level 3 programme to support individuals transitioning to university, and is currently only available at Freeman College.
Food Hygiene
The Food Hygiene Award is available at Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2.