We understand mainstream school education isn’t right for every young person, so we’ve created Youth College to offer 14-16-year-olds a different way of learning. In a supportive, inclusive and non-judgmental environment, students can be themselves and make a fresh start studying a vocational course, alongside a balanced curriculum of English, maths and science.
With a strong focus on employability and developing work-related skills, not only will it help students reach their goals and future aspirations, it’ll support their needs and develop self-esteem, self-image, self-confidence, resilience and general well-being.
Alongside the main curriculum area, all of our Youth College students will study those essential core GCSEs*, which include:
*Assessments will be carried out to determine whether you will study at functional skills or GCSE level.
Students should think carefully when selecting this part of the study programme. We want all students to enjoy what they choose to study, and it should be something that they think they’d like to do as a career. If they’re not sure, or they don’t know, don’t worry, our team is on hand to talk through the options with them.
Vocational courses you can study include:
For many of our programmes, additional qualifications are attached to them. For example, dermatitis awareness, exercise studies and food hygiene.
All students will have the opportunity to gain work experience within each of the vocational areas.
Speak to us for full information on the vocational courses we offer. Please note, we only accept students who will be aged 14 or 15 on 31 August 2021.
After being rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in October 2019, they had some great things to say about TyneMet:
Youth College is for 14-16-year-olds who are interested in a more vocational programme of study as an alternative to a traditional school curriculum.
If a student wants to join our Youth College, there are two ways to do this. If a student currently attends school, they must speak to the school first to seek their support with the application process. The school will then contact our Youth College Manager to progress the application process. If a student is electively home educated, the parent or carer can contact the Youth College Manager directly to progress the application process.
Schools will give the Youth College Manager information about the student. The student will then be invited into college for a taster session, followed by a meeting with the Youth College Manager, Programme Leader and a member of the SEND Team, if appropriate. After this initial meeting, students will be invited back to college to complete assessments in English and maths. If successful, students will be offered a transition place on one of our programmes. If the student successfully completes the six-week transition period, they will then formally become one of our Youth College students.
Students can join our Youth College in either year 10 or 11. If students join us in year 10 and are successful, they can progress on to year 11 as a Youth College student. If students join us in year 11 and are successful, they’ll have many opportunities to progress into their chosen career pathway, like joining one of our further education programmes or becoming an apprentice.
Youth College students may be taught alongside older students who have already left school, or they may be part of a bespoke Youth College group.
Youth College students have their own common room, so they can meet other Youth College students of the same age, where they can socialise, relax and seek support from staff. Youth College students also have full access to all communal areas of the College that are used by Further Education students.
This all depends on the programme of study the students have chosen. For example, some Youth College students will have their skills assessed in the Salon, workshop or kitchen, whereas other assessments could include assignment writing or presentations. For maths, English and science, we assess in line with national assessment guidelines and could include teacher assessments or exams.
There are internal work placement opportunities, for example, in the Salon or our kitchen and restaurant that are both open to the public.
We have a range of sporting activities available across the College that our Youth College students are welcome to participate in.
We have robust safeguarding procedures in place to keep our Youth College students safe and to protect their well-being. Attendance text alerts are sent to parents and carers if a student is not present when a register is marked. Email alerts are sent to key staff, who will contact the parent or carer to confirm why the student is absent.
Our Youth College students are supervised during all timetabled lessons and are only allowed off site during lunchtimes if their parent or carer has given consent. Youth College students won’t be allowed to leave college for any reason until consent has been given by the parent or carer.
Our Youth College common room is only available to year 10 and 11 students, and is supervised by a member of staff.
If you want to know more, check out our policies and procedures.
Here are some links you may find useful.
And don’t forget, we’re always happy to help, so feel free to get in touch.
Our team is always ready to help. So if you have questions on courses, your career, or anything else, complete this contact form and we’ll be in touch.
