South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) are providing an alternative learning environment for Gloucestershire students with their new 14-16 Centre, SGS Create, opening in September 2023.
The new purpose- built center, will be based at the SGS Stroud campus and will provide an individually tailored curriculum for young people who would benefit from an inclusive, nurturing environment with a focus on learner wellbeing. Learners will study a programme of core GCSE subjects including English, maths and science as well as a selected creativee vocational pathway that will be taught by industry experienced tutors.
SGS Principal Sara-Jane Watkins said: “We are so excited about the development of SGS Create. This much needed provision will ensure 14-16 year olds, for whom mainstream education is not right, for them have the opportunity to access individualised support, a focused and bespoke curriculum, first class facilities and the right learning environment to do well and enjoy their education.
“Post pandemic, we have seen an increasing number of young people struggling with their own wellbeing who are looking for an alternative education to mainstream school. SGS Create will allow learners to focus on key curriculum, plus several vocational pathways in a supportive and nurturing environment with excellent progression routes.
“We aim to recruit learners who do not suit the standard school system, they may find the number and breadth of GCSEs studied in most schools to be overwhelming, they may not cope well with the structure and rules in place, or may suffer with social anxieties, being surrounded by hundreds of others learners. We would like to attract learners who are keen and willing to learn, who may need to access more pastoral support services or support through therapies and/or are looking for an alternative, with a particular interest and focus on the creative sectors.”
Around 10,000 students nationally aged 14 to 16 learn in colleges rather than mainstream schools, with more than 100 of England’s 228 colleges catering for those learners, according to the Association of Colleges.
SGS College is currently taking SGS Create applications via their website.
SGS College are holding information sessions about the new the SGS Create Centre at their open event on Saturday 28 January, 10am-1pm email sgscreate@sgscol.ac.uk to register.
