Key Stage 5 (Post-16)
In Post 16 our primary role is to give learners the opportunity to feel confident as young adults and prepared for life after Wilds Lodge School. We are able to offer a bespoke timetable based on learners’ interest, ability and also their plans going forward, whilst also encouraging all learners into the world of adulthood through a specific Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) course. We endeavour to deliver a creative curriculum that both supports learner interest and challenges them to achieve.
Learners in Post 16 have access to a wide range of Work Experience Placements in the local community, working with employers to give them the opportunity to gain some much valued Workforce skills – these include Timpsons, Sainsburys and smaller establishments such as idyllic cafes set on Rutland Water, to name but a few.
Learners are supported by our Careers Advisor who works tirelessly to look for future pathways for each learner – whether that be moving onto a mainstream college, an apprenticeship or full time employment.
We welcome both day and residential learners into our close knit team and work closely to provide an all round holistic approach and focus on progressing young people both academically and socially to be upstanding members of their community. We have an ethos at Post 16 that both challenges our young people to be independent thinkers, and embrace the opportunities Post 16 can offer.
Our offer:
Vocational programmes
What it is: Courses that prepare you to do industry related tasks (can include work experience).
Typical length: 1 year for a Level 1 or 2, or 2 years for a Level 3.
Levels: Levels 1–3+.
Leads to: Apprenticeships, work, college or university.
Traineeships
What it is: Work focused programmes to prepare you for work or an apprenticeship (includes work experience).
Typical length: 6 weeks up to 1 year.
Levels: N/A.
Leads to: Apprenticeships or work.
Apprenticeships
What it is: A paid job with training (typically 80% work and 20% study).
Typical length: At least 1 year.
Levels: Levels 2–3+.
Leads to: Higher apprenticeships, work or college.
A Level programmes
What it is: Academic courses preparing you for further study (usually 2 or 3 subjects).
Typical length: 2 years.
Level: Level 3.
Leads to: University, higher apprenticeships or work.
T Level programmes
What it is: Technical study courses designed with employers, taught by industry experts, with a work placement (often described as equivalent to 3 A Levels).
Typical length: 2 years.
Level: Level 3.
Leads to: Higher apprenticeships, university or work.
Our vision is to support and motivate all pupils to engage in learning, build confidence and resilience, enabling them to discover and develop skills and achieve their potential.
All learners receive a differentiated curriculum including careers education, delivered in a number of different ways to meet the needs and provision as described in their EHCP.
As a school we are aware that careers are changing all the time with global opportunities and technological advances. As a result, relevant and up-to-date labour market information is embedded within all lessons throughout the school. STEM careers are frequently discussed as part of GCSE Science and Computer Science lessons. From Year 9 upwards learners have access to vocational / workshop lessons e.g. Mechanics, Construction, Animal Care, Catering, DT and CAD.
The emphasis on vocational qualifications such as City & Guilds (Mechanics, Construction, Barista) and AQAs, alongside the academic curriculum, prepares learners for working life. The teachers are all industry trained and, therefore, have experience and knowledge of the standard of work required. Furthermore, learning takes place in up-to-date, work-focused settings e.g. CAD suite.