portland-prospectus-2016

College Prospectus
unimagined
realise the
you

Portland College is a charitable
independent specialist college
offering residential and day
programmes to disabled students
and citizens.
With a range of part-time and
full-time courses on offer, and all
the support and advice you will
need - you will be sure to find a
course to help you move closer
to achieving your goals and
ambitions whatever they may be.
2
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

welcome to
Portland
College
contents
Realise the unimagined you 4-5
Our curriculum 6-7
Developing the independent you 8-11
Work experience 12-13
Supporting you 14-15
Superb facilities 16-17
Life after Portland 18-19
Freedom and short breaks 20-21
Portland community 22-23
3

Your guide to Portland College
unimagined
realise the
What’s on offer
Here at Portland College we create an environment
which will provide you with the opportunity to realise
the unimagined you. How do we do this? With
excellent teaching and learning, providing support from
experienced and committed staff and giving you access
to some of the best facilities and resources in the
East Midlands.
This guide is a taster of what we have to offer - you
can find out more about our curriculum and what
student life is like on our website or social media sites.
you
FOLLOW
US!
4
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

‘‘
The college strives
to be the best it can
be and has
appropriately high
expectations for it’s
learners
OFSTED 2014
‘‘
5

Your guide to Portland College
‘‘
STUDENTS ARE ENGAGED IN
MEANINGFUL, PRACTICAL
ACTIVITIES WHICH TEACHERS
PLAN WELL TO MEET
INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
OFSTED 2014
‘‘
6
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

our
curriculum
With such a wide range of qualifications available - from
pre-entry level to level 3, we will tailor a programme to
suit your individual disability or needs. For a full list of up
to date qualifications visit www.portland.ac.uk
Depending on your interests you will access one of our
six vocational study programmes which focus on a wide
variety of subjects, within that programme you will then
be streamed on an individualised route depending on
your assessed level. Functional skills Maths, English and ICT
are embedded within learner’s study programmes through
bespoke individualised approaches and targets as well as
through discreet group sessions.
Each learner has an individual timetable tailored to them.
This will include any additional specialist support which is
provided from our on-site communication; physiotherapy;
occupational therapy, care and nursing teams who work in
and out of the classroom to support learning.
Collaborative partnerships across College ensure that you
will be challenged and skill development is promoted
within practical and individualised programmes.
We also have a dedicated Behaviour Support Manager
working solely on keeping learners safe and happy while
at College.
7

Your guide to Portland College
developing the
independent
you
Study Programme Options
Communication & Life Skills
This study route enables learners to develop their individually determined
communication and life skills. Close working with therapists and specialist teams
across the College, enables learners to have an individualised programme, which
will incorporate interests and future goals. Practical experience and active
exploration will encourage you to increase your independence and transfer your
skills into everyday activities and across contexts.
Horticulture & Animal Care
The programmes in this vocational area can be customised to meet individual
needs to provide meaningful experiences in Small Animal Care and Horticulture
in a safe and supportive environment. We provide teaching and learning in a real
work environment. Facilities include; a small working farm, areas for plant
production (under glass and outdoors) and the whole of the College grounds
where you will develop personal, as well as, subject specific skills.
Sport, Leisure & Fitness
Within this programme, you will not only learn about sport but you will learn
and develop skills that will support you in your everyday life. Whether you want
to coach, work in a leisure centre, work in a gym or sporting environment, then
this is the option for you. Learners will have lots of opportunities to work with
local schools, colleges, national governing bodies and also the chance of some
excellent work experience options, including various leisure centres and sports
clubs in the local area. The Duke of Edinburgh Award falls within this study
programme and has 3 levels over a wide variety of outdoor activities.
8
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

‘‘
STUDENTS DEMONSTRATED EXCELLENT
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND AN ABILITY
TO EXPRESS THEIR CHOICES AND
COMMUNICATE MORE EFFECTIVELY
WITH OTHERS
OFSTED 2014
‘‘
9

Your guide to Portland College
‘‘
IT ALL RUNS
SMOOTHLY AND I
GET THE HELP I
NEED. I LIKE TO BE
INDEPENDENT
HERE AND THEY
RESPECT THAT,
BUT I KNOW I AM
SAFE TOO
STUDENT
‘‘
10
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

Admin & Events Organisation
This vocational area has two strands that intertwine administration and events. The
administration area will cover the organisational side of event planning such as coordinating
an event, advertising using email, leaflet distribution and posters. We will also
encourage you to work with other groups to co-ordinate events, for example, learners
studying hospitality and catering or performing arts. The programme incorporates
traditional administrative tasks such as photocopying, creating resources, laminating and
delivery of items across the college campus.
Creative Arts & Media
This are offers a programme of study ranging from pre-entry up to Level Three and all
learners are encouraged to develop future skills in ‘real life’ working environments.
Activities include, dance, music, drama, media, arts and crafts, soap making, performing
arts and theatre craft. You will be encouraged to participate in the co-ordination of the
programme, make independent choices and take control of art exhibitions, student
shows, competitions, film making and marketing, enterprise projects and much more.
Retail & Marketing
This study programme provides the opportunity to work in and experience roles,
responsibilities and expectations within the retail sector. We have many opportunities
for the development of transferrable skills both on campus and within the wider local
community. You may take part in work experience in the onsite student shop or
Student Enterprise Emporium, where you will communicate with customers, handle
money, learn about stock rotation and control, purchasing stock and store hygiene.
11

Your guide to Portland College
work
experience
Learners are supported to participate in work
experience placements to further develop their
knowledge and employment skills. From the
outset you are encouraged to talk about your
work interests and any previous work experience
that you may have already had.
Together we discuss your aspirations, then assess
and advise you on realistic options that could be
available to you through a work placement.
Where possible we search for placements local
to your home town as you may wish to continue
or seek further opportunities once you leave
College.
There are also many opportunities to experience
live work at Portland College itself in the main
reception areas, canteen, coffee shop, e-bay shop
and other environments across the campus.
Partnerships
We have a number of partner employers locally
and in the neighbouring areas who support
learners with placements. Some of our students
have gone on to gain paid employment following
a successful work placement.
Organisations that we have worked with include:
12
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

‘‘
AN INCREASING NUMBER
OF STUDENTS ATTEND
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
WORK PLACEMENTS
LEARNING TO COPE
IN DIFFERENT
SETTINGS
OFSTED 2014
‘‘
13

Your guide to Portland College
FOLLOW
US!
‘‘
STUDENTS MAKE
GOOD PROGRESS
IN DEVELOPING
THE PERSONAL
AND SOCIAL
SKILLS THEY
NEED FOR THEIR
FUTURE LIVES
OFSTED 2014
‘‘
14
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

supporting you
At Portland we provide a variety of support appropriate to your
needs to enable you to participate in every aspect of College life.
The multi-disciplinary teams from across the College work closely
with each other to provide information and practical advice.
Student Services
The Student Services team are centrally
based so that you can access them for
information, advice and guidance while
at College. They can help you to
arrange counselling or advocacy and
information, advice and guidance
around careers and personal
opportunities so you can plan your
next step once you leave college.
Everything is confidential so you can
turn to them for help with any personal
issues that may be affecting you.
Communication Support
The Communication Support team,
which consists of Speech and Language
Therapists and Communication Aid
Specialists, will support you to
recognise reasons and opportunities for
communication in an environment that
supports any difficulties with
comprehension that you may have. The
team aim to enhance your ability to
make choices, become more
independent and achieve your learning
goals.
The Therapists also work closely with
care staff to assess your eating and
drinking needs and produce feeding
guidelines if required.
Physiotherapy
The Physiotherapy team will help to ensure that you
are safe and comfortable whilst learning, by providing
postural management and wheelchair services, as well
as tailored physiotherapy programmes. These services
enable you to access the learning environments and
attend without the distractions of mobility problems,
uncomfortable seating and pain sometimes felt as a
complication of your disability.
Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapy team will support you to
manage or achieve independence with everyday
activities whilst at College to allow you to be more
independent when you move on. The team provide
one-to-one treatment, specialist equipment, a sensory
modulation service and transition planning as well as
delivering a range of workshops to develop your skills
in preparation for adult living.
Nursing
The Nursing team consist of registered nurses and a
health care assistant and are committed to providing a
quality and proactive service to meet your health care
needs whilst promoting independence.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
The PBS approach is embedded throughout study
programmes on an individual basis. Learners are
encourages and supported to manage their behaviour
independently with the guidance of a dedicated
behaviour support manager and pastoral tutor.
15

Your guide to Portland College
superb
facilities
The college sits on a 40 acre site and
the facilities you will have access to are
second to none.
From the creative Art Zone, to the
small animal farm, and from the Beeches
Lodge Bed & Breakfast to the O Zone
multi-faith and relaxation centre, you
will find plenty to occupy your time,
both in and out of lessons.
16
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

‘‘
WE OBSERVED THE INDIVIDUAL
SUPPORT THAT LEARNERS RECEIVED
AND THIS WAS DONE DISCREETLY TO
ENABLE LEARNERS TO BE AS
INDEPENDENT AS POSSIBLE
CARE QUALITY COMMISSION 2014
‘‘
17

Your guide to Portland College
‘‘
A GOOD
PROPORTION OF
STUDENTS
ACHIEVE THEIR
LONG-TERM
GOALS AND
PROGRESS TO
THEIR CHOSEN
DESTINATIONS
OFSTED 2014
‘‘
18
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

life
after Portland
Moving on after College can be an exciting and challenging time,
with lots of change and choices to be made about the future.
We will support you with a transition plan that outlines what you
want to achieve after you leave College and what support you may
need to live as independently as possible.
Your plan will cover every aspect of your life, including education,
supported employment, housing, health, transport and leisure
activities.
Our transitions team will work with you and your family throughout
your time at Portland College.
FOLLOW
US!
19

Your guide to Portland College
freedom
& short breaks
Portland Freedom offers Day Centre Services, Independent
Living Programmes, Short-Stay Breaks and Assisted Living
Programmes, all based on the College campus and within
our local community.
A range of bespoke and structured schedules are available
and can be built around your education programme should
you wish.
For more information on a more independent future, please
visit our website.
20
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

‘‘
...SHE HAS CLEARLY BENEFITED FROM
HER STAY AT PORTLAND, AND WILL TAKE
THESE SKILLS AND THE CONFIDENCE SHE
HAS GAINED UNDER PORTLAND’S CARE,
WITH HER INTO THE FUTURE
PARENT OF STUDENT
‘‘
21

Your guide to Portland College
‘‘
THANK YOU SO MUCH
FOR TAKING SUCH
GREAT CARE OF OUR
DAUGHTER THIS LAST
YEAR. WE WERE ABLE
TO RELAX KNOWING
SHE WAS WITH
PEOPLE WHO CARE
ABOUT HER
PARENT OF STUDENT
‘‘
22
To see our full student curriculum go to www.portland.ac.uk

Portland
community
Fundraising
As a registered charity, here at Portland College we
rely on our community to help us to raise substantial
amounts of money to provide equipment, support
and improve the infrastructure of our college.
For details on our latest appeal and fundraising
events, please visit our website.
Volunteering
We are very fortunate here at the college to receive
enthusiastic support from many dedicated
volunteers. They provide valuable assistance in
classrooms, serve in our Coffee Shop and support
our fundraising team.
Friends Of Portland
Our Friend of Portland scheme allows you to
support the work of Portland whilst keeping in
touch with relevant news and developments within
the college.
As a Friend you would be an ambassador for the
college along with being our inspiration, eyes and
voice to share in our vision and contribute to the
shape of our College in the future.
Portland Enterprises
We are more than just a college here at Portland;
on our campus we have a Coffee Shop, Beeches
Lodge B&B, Portland Print and Portland Functions,
all of which offer competitive prices to the public
with profits coming straight back into the college.
FOLLOW
US!
23

Come and see us
Visit our website to find out the dates of
when our next Open Day is being held.
If you would like to come sooner, then
simply call one of the marketing team
who will be happy to arrange a
convenient time and date to suit you.
How to apply
See the website for a step by step guide,
or alternatively, call one of the team and
we can pop some further information to
you in the post.
Portland College
Nottingham Road Mansfield
Nottinghamshire NG18 4TJ
T: Main College Reception 01623 499111
T: Student Recruitment 01623 499186
F: 01623 499134
E: marketing@portland.ac.uk
www.portland.ac.uk
FOLLOW
US!
A Company Limited by Guarantee No.408340.
Registered Charity No.214339.
Patron: Her Majesty the Queen