Norton College Tewkesbury

Our Learning Centre is a calm environment, used for one-to-one Mathematics and English tuition.

Students work on a one-to-one basis with a Teacher/Tutor focusing on Mathematics and English from Entry Level 1, 2 & 3, Level 1 & 2 and GCSE qualifications. This is incentivised by our points based rewards system where students can earn points for their achievements, engagement in core lessons, working towards their EHCP targets and following our college values.

Learning is set at the student’s own pace and style and focuses first on improving self-confidence with aspects of learning.

Staff are highly experienced with working with young people who find formal learning challenging and are skilled at finding a way that works for each individual.

Other on-site lessons include PSHE, RE and Well-being.

Our Vocational Hub supports the delivery of a wide range of Vocational subjects including Woodwork, Bricklaying, Maintenance and Painting and Decorating.

For many of our students, especially those who have struggled in formal classrooms, English and Mathematics, core skills will be incorporated into this ‘hands on’ approach to learning.

Qualifications are tailored to meet the needs of the students and vary from OCN Entry Level to BTEC Level 1 Construction. We also facilitate our young people accessing CSCS Card training.

Norton College Tewkesbury has a dedicated Music Recording Studio and Performance Space.

The Music Recording Studio is used to engage and inspire students who may be reluctant to participate in English activities. Composing music and writing lyrics can be a far more creative way to develop English skills.

The Performance Space is where the students have the ability to learn to play traditional instruments such as guitars and drums.

We recognise music as an important method for re-engaging students who have struggled in more traditional educational settings.

Our Science Suite includes a Lab and Learning Space where students can focus on engaging in Science through practical exploration, as well as working towards Entry Level and GCSE Science qualifications.

The focus is in practical and investigative activities and include Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Science lessons can also be undertaken in the natural environment, including lakes, fishing pools, woodlands and the area local to the College.

Our modern Catering Hub offers excellent facilities for our students to not only indulge in the creation of their favourite foods but also discover new flavours and ideas from around the world. This allows them to express their own individuality whilst gaining qualifications for those students who wish to pursue catering and hospitality as a career.

Teaching can be done on a one-to-one basis or within a group. This can be a positive opportunity for students to develop communication skills with peers through collaborative activities

A large area of Norton College Tewkesbury is dedicated to Sports facilities. There is a large sports hall for tennis, badminton, basketball and football. We also have an outdoor sports area for group activities.

We have a dedicated gym where students can access cardio machines, free weights and resistant based equipment, with supervision.

Together with Norton College Worcester, we team up for larger sporting activities on a regular basis.

With all of our facilities, students have the opportunity to work towards BTEC Sport qualifications.

We have an exciting Art Hub where students can express their creative abilities and desires. We have large wall spaces specifically designated for students to customise. Students can access a variety of mediums such as messy paint, fine art, graffiti, producing 3D sculptures and table top designing.

Students can access art for relaxation, as well as completing OCN, GCSE and BTEC qualifications.

We place a significant emphasis on Community Learning and developing key ‘real life’ skills so our students have the opportunity to experience shopping trips, restaurants, cinemas and access to public transport, so they can develop positive communication and social traits.

We offer the opportunity to participate in local community projects such as fayres and expeditions.

When students have engaged in their core learning, they can also access activities such as: adventure playgrounds, sailing and kayaking, bowling, the arcade, trampolining, swimming, pool and snooker, beauty sessions such as nails; golfing ranges and horse riding.

For those students who struggle to access on-site education, we offer an Outreach programme to help remove the barriers to learning with dedicated home tutors.

This can include home visits or meeting in the local community to build relationships and trust between our tutors and students.

We support our students in becoming as independent as possible whilst meeting their specific needs. We plan to provide a safe bridge between college life and preparing for adulthood. Success in the Post 16 provision can look different for each student, as we provide personal transition plans to increase confidence and relieve anxieties towards their futures. We aim to reduce their need for adult support in learning and life skills, so that they will be able to function more independently as they grow.

Post 16 provision is tailored to the students age, aptitude and ability. College creates an individual bespoke programme that takes into account students interests and levels, allowing them to try new activities in a supported environment. The Post 16 provision offers students the opportunity to carry on with their academic studies, along with a work experience placement, link days to local mainstream Colleges or training providers and continued access to IAG (Information, advice and guidance).

Students can access qualifications from Entry 3 to Level 1 in Employability and Development Skills in the form of an Award, Certificate or Diploma. Students can also complete a Level 2 Award in Employability.

When a student is ready to move on from Norton College Tewkesbury, they are highly supported in their next step to give them the best chance of success upon leaving. Our experienced college staff proactively liaise with employers, future destinations, parents/carers, LA’s and relevant agencies to find an appropriate opportunity which matches their interests. We are proud of the excellent progress our students make when they leave us and this is recognised in the high percentage of students that enter further employment, education or training.

Engagement and feedback

What are your expectations for my child’s engagement and the support that we as parents and carers should provide at home?

We understand the complex needs of our students and will factor this in to our expectations for each individual. We will match staff to students who clearly support them to participate in all of the activates.

We expect students to work with us to overcome any barriers that they may have learning in this way.

Our expectation of parents/carers is that they take an active role in supporting our students to access and complete the remote learning. We will communicate regularly with them to share progress and any concerns.

Additional support for students with particular needs

How will you work with me to help my child who needs additional support from adults at home to access remote education?

We recognise that some students, for example some students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), may not be able to access remote education without support from adults at home. We acknowledge the difficulties this may place on families, and we will work with parents and carers to support those students.

Click here to see Norton College Tewkesbury’s Early Help Offer:

NCT Early Help Offer