Live and Learn Project

The academic year 2008-2009 was the first year in which Herefordshire Council ran the Live and Learn project and it was a resounding success. There were over 250 learners aged between 14 and 16 years old on the project. Live and Learn has just had it's second successful year in 2009-2010 with 200 learners completing a number of programmes, it's also been successful in engaging Home Educated learners.

So what is Live and Learn?

Live and Learn is Herefordshire's Key Stage 4 (KS4) Engagement programme and is run by Herefordshire Council's 14-19 Team, part of the School Improvement Service. Live and Learn is for 14-16 year olds who are either disadvantaged and / or disengaged from education.

Live and Learn allows young people to spend time on work placements and tuition in colleges and with training providers, whilst still following the compulsory elements of the National Curriculum. The young people spend a day a week in practical sessions run by a range of local organisations, including:

• Education Development Service (EDS)
• Herefordshire College of Technology
• Keith St Peters Hair Academy
• Motov8
• Taste for Adventure
• The Outbase
• Wyewood

One day of vocational training a week provides students with an important route back into education and allows them to gain valuable work related qualifications and experience, as well as building up essential work and life skills. There are a variety of courses available from the local providers, some are job area specific others offer generic transferable skills for employment, including:

• Engineering
• Salon Services
• Suite of Qualifications (including key skills, Duke of Edinburgh, paddle power)
• Childcare
• Health and Safety
• Construction
• Land Based Studies
• Preparation for Employment

A variety of young people, who previously struggled in more traditional education settings for a number of reasons, are now able to settle and progress in environments tailored to meet their individual learning and training needs. The programme also ensures learning pathways and progression routes are established for those students involved ready for when they leave school.

Each young person is supported by an assigned Live and Learn Coordinator, as well as parents, teachers and training providers to ensure successful participation in the scheme.

For more information please speak to your school, Connexions, or contact the Learning and Curriculum Team at Herefordshire Council.