Work Related Learning
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What is Work Related Learning?
Work Related Learning aims to develop the practical and personal skills and the knowledge required to be able to make choices and act independently as an adult. It is intrinsic to our curriculum offer and an area very much enjoyed by all of our young people.
At Uplands School the approach and activities used may range from developing a sense of being an adult and an awareness of action and consequence, to developing real practical skills and knowledge required in the working world and community. This may apply to real work, progress to further education or supported living. Our students are taught self-help skills in all areas and are encouraged to take responsibility for as many areas of their life as they can.
All students have the opportunity to participate in practically based Work Related Learning opportunities as part of the curriculum. Work related learning and internal and external work experience placements support our students to apply their knowledge and skills in real life situations in order to prepare them for adulthood; supporting them to have the knowledge of the world they need to make choices and develop their independence.
Work Related Learning Events
Employer Feedback
100% of work experience partners rate communication with Uplands as Excellent/Good and reported that Uplands kept them updated, communication was "awesome", that students enjoyed their placements, that everything has worked so well, improved by having a chance to build a relationship on both sides, that the benefit has been huge and that the school were flexible working with the employers to make arrangements work for both the students and the businesses. Significantly, when asked for any questions/suggestions, 80% of employers simply asked when we were working together next.
Our employers report that students:
- Are lovely young people that enjoy coming.
- Enjoy doing what is asked of them.
- Benefit from mixing with other employees.
- Grow in confidence.
- Learn new skills.
- Develop as individuals.
- Learn life skills to take away and use in the future.
- Make new friends.
Our employers report that their organisation has benefitted as:
- Students are of great help in their café.
- It allows them to give a little back to the community.
- It supports the charity so well.
- They are recognised for their assistance in the various work placement programmes in Swindon.
- Staff enjoy assisting students in work experience learning.
Work experience partner survey
The positive effect is clear to see and hear during these sessions and we can’t thank all stakeholders enough for their contributions and interactions, even participating in role play! This all helps so much towards students experiencing a real, happy and effective learning opportunity.
[Jan and Erica Milsom, Chairman and Committee Member, Blunsdon Village Shop]
Awesome communication! It has been amazing and we had all information we needed.
Everything has worked so well. Support staff knowledge of personalities has been a tremendous help. We have also appreciated the staff team being proactive and being part of the whole team!
The whole arrangement has been made easier by having the chance to build a good relationship on both sides. We have learned lots about SEND from the young people we have met.
Students clearly enjoyed the work, were more talkative and confident as a result and have come out of their shell.
The benefit has been huge! Such individual progress has been made and so many life skills learnt. We are so proud of them and of their achievements.
We can’t believe the growth in the students' confidence.
It was great that students were given the opportunity to explore roles within an industry and operate a fork lift truck. They listened to instructions and followed them and understood the potential dangers of working in a Warehouse.
We have enjoyed working with the students and are pleased they have enjoyed their placement.
Our staff and volunteers have seen the benefits of supporting work experience and some have been able to demonstrate their own skills whilst working alongside the students.
The staff, volunteers and customers who have come into contact with the students have all come to realise the benefits of working and being with the students.
Our organisation has benefitted by engaging with the community.
We usually work with adults so to be able to communicate and engage with younger students is a great experience. It teaches us the skills to communicate and guides us to support those with additional needs - we love it!
We look forward to working with Uplands School and welcoming the next crew! Thankyou!
When are you coming again?! A wonderful school with amazing teachers, support staff and students
Parent and Carer Feedback
Excellent support in sixth form preparing students into adulthood - going out into the community, cooking simple meals, sorting out washing, work experience etc. Thank you.
[Parent, Griffon Class]
Each child is different and have different goals in life. I think all the staff at Uplands do well in getting my son to where he is and more because of the support they have given him [Parent, Condor class]
My son loves to learn at school and enjoys work such as at the cafe.
[Parent, Hawk class]
Student Feedback
Below are some of the comments from our students who are taking part in work related learning at Uplands School:
It makes me really really proud now I’m successful in my job”. Jake
It makes me so happy; my favourite is working in the café serving customers”. Zak
“I learned lots of jobs - working in the office, poolside and in the bar - it was great!" Matthew
I didn’t think I wanted a job but now I want to work in a big café. You’re constantly busy and on your feet, making notes and making it clean for the customers; I help customers with their shopping - it makes me feel really happy to help other people. I was so nervous when I started two years ago, now I really enjoy it. It has helped me not be so nervous”. Charlotte
