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The NVQ Language Course at Avon Valley College
Video clips
View some of the good practice described below in the case study.
Case study
'Disaffected students are developing a more mature approach to their learning. This seems to be seeping through into other curriculum areas. I have been asked to help other schools to develop their NVQ provision.' Susan Hinton, Head of MFL
Context
Avon Valley College is a specialist Sports College with a growing population of students. The school teaches an innovative range of subjects to 11 – 18 year olds. There are a growing number of adult education courses and out of hours courses. Students have access to a range of qualifications including CGSE, AS and A2, BTec and NVQ courses. The provision of construction, hair and beauty, mechanics courses are well established. The college is part of a consortium of other secondary schools in the Salisbury Plain cluster. The college is very much part of the community and liases closely with other prividers to ensure our students are offered the education most suited to their needs. Avon Valley is a recognised Investor in People, a designated Healthy School and is aiming towards International School status
Key objectives
To offer a more appropriate work-related language course to some students in KS4 to improve motivation and results in languages.
How the programme is organised
Currently there are 119 students in Year 11 studying NVQ Languages with a similar number in Year 10. Construction has approximately 20 students in Year 11 and these students have language input during their language lessons. Hair and Beauty currently has approximately 150 students but they do not have Hair and Beauty specific language units to complete. Hair and Beauty will be liasing with the MFL department to develop units to be accredited.
Results/effect
The students have achieved Level 1 and are working towards Level 2 for almost 92% of the cohort. The NVQ course in languages has had a motivational effect in surprising areas. Students want to attend after school lessons and arrange lunchtime sessions to complete specific tasks. Staff are asked for feedback – not for the answers. There is a lot more peer support in the NVQ lessons. It has been recognised by the students that it is OK to ask each other for help or correction of their work. The knock on effect cannot yet be measured but improved resultsare anticipated in the summer of 2008.
The MFL teachers have adapted to the different teaching style and regularly exchange resources and ideas. They are pleased with the progress their groups have made and are encouraged to continue to deliver the NVQ. Other vocational staff have approached the languages department to discuss a language input for their courses. Colleagues are keen to deliver the language content and seem willing to learn alongside their students.
Future developments
Resources will continue to be developed and the school will probably expand the range of languages offered. It is hoped to develop a hair and beauty and a mechanics course in MFL.
Author: Susan Hinton, Head of MFL at Avon Valley College
