The Aspire Pathway

This course is aimed at learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) who wish to focus on developing skills linked to their mental wellbeing such as building resilience and maintaining a growth mindset. This will enable them to feel confident and capable of taking their desired next steps towards a positive and independent future.

The Aspire pathway allows learners to develop the transferable skills required to allow them to access the world of work and academic courses at Level 1 and beyond as well as independent living. Throughout the course, learners will develop their ‘mental wealth’ and leave College with the knowledge required to manage their anxieties individually so that they are able to achieve their goals. 

You need a minimum of GCSE grade 2 or Functional Skills Level 1 in Maths and English. Places are allocated on an individual basis, following an interview and initial assessment.

On this course, you will develop skills to help you create and develop a personal ‘toolbox’ of individualised support strategies to help you manage your mental health effectively so that you are able to access both further education and activities in the wider community.  Lessons will be focused on wellbeing, accessing the community, employability and independent projects that are relevant to your personal and career interests.

The Aspire course follows the structure of ‘Steady, Ready, Go!’ to ensure that you feel able to take your next steps. Term one focuses on ensuring that you feel steady within your environment at College and feel able to access your learning. Term two focuses on supporting you to develop the skills that you need to be ready to achieve your goals and your chosen next steps. Term three provides you with access to options and the opportunity to try out different areas of academia or employment to make sure that you can go on to the next part of your journey and be successful. 

There are no formal qualifications offered on this course. Learning is RARPA based.

Based at the Ilkeston Campus, you will learn through a combination of classroom and community-based learning. The timetable is flexible and will be tailored towards the needs of the individual students.

Basic stationery such as pens, pencils and a ruler are required. All other equipment needed will be provided. It is expected that learners will access the local community as part of their learning, so bus fare will need to be provided by the learner.

Learners set targets which are then reviewed every half term. 

Your learning support needs will be assessed and reviewed throughout the year. 

Students typically progress to programmes at Level 1 and above within academic or vocational areas of the College or advance to apprenticeships. 

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk