The Annual Courses

Vocational Qualifications for GCSE students

ACE offers a variety of BTEC vocational technical awards/certificates at level 1 and level 2. These qualifications form part of the students option choice in year 9 and are delivered at ACE in either Rackheath or Great Yarmouth to students in year 10 and/or 11. Technical awards are high quality level 1 and 2 qualifications that provides 14 to 16 year olds with applied knowledge and practical skills. The vocational subjects that can be studied* include Construction, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Health and Social Care, Catering, Hair & Beauty and Land Based Studies (Horticulture). These vocational qualifications are delivered one day per week; the students attend ACE to undertake their BTEC qualification either at level 1 or level 2. By attending a vocational learning centre the student has the opportunity to experience learning in a more industry style setting. These courses are practical by nature and assessed through a portfolio of evidence. Our courses are ideal for any students who have a clear idea of which sector they would like to work in and can provide the student with some preparation and practical experience, giving them an advantage by opening doors to further training, college or apprenticeships. We welcome telephone or email enquiries. If you are looking for PRIMARY SCHOOL SUPPORT, click HERE

* Subject to availability/changes each year

 

 AP) 

Alternative Education

ACE, as an alternative education (AP) provider, offers a number of different schools programmes to suit the needs of your learners. For secondary schools in Norfolk, we offer a range of age-appropriate programmes for Key Stage 3 and 4.

Provision Timetable from September 2024 - July 2025

 For any students 14+, any of these options can be adapted to include a formal qualification. Our group sizes will remain small, with a focus on reintegrating hard to reach learners with a nurturing and inclusive approach. We are also equipped to provide Maths and English support and interventions if demand is expressed for this. Packages are tailor made to suit the individual learner requirements, subject to availability.


See our AP digital leaflet HERE. If you are looking for alternative provision for PRIMARY SCHOOLS, click HERE

If you would like to refer a young person to ACE, please use the forms below:

  1. Guidance
  2. Pre-placement Visit Record
  3. Initial Referral and Admissions Form
  4. Pre-placement Baseline for Pupils
  5. Learner Code of Conduct Agreement
  6. Progress Visit Record
  7. Mid or End of Placement Evaluation



INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Day to day activities

Secondary school students attending ACE spend the whole day in one vocational subject area, depending which day of the week they attend:
Monday - Childcare
Tuesday - Construction
Wednesday - Motor Vehicle
Thursday - Catering
Friday - Construction

Whilst on site, they will do a mixture of practical and portfolio work. The practical work provides a hands-on learning experience. Group sizes are small, usually 6 to 10 learners in a group

General information

A full day starts at 9.30am and ends at 2.30pm. There are two short breaks either side of a lunch break. Students are required to stay on site at all times. No smoking or vaping is allowed at ACE. No hot meal is provided to students, so they should bring a packed lunch and snacks. We do have a vending machine on site, selling snacks and drinks at a discounted rate. If a child has a free school meal, the school will need to provide a meal.


Group dynamics are considered with all referrals and the level of support needed is decided at the referral stage, once all information about the student has been received. ILPS. IEP’S, Support Plans, SEN Plans and Behaviour Plans are used to ascertain suitability to attend ACE.

Short Courses

Bespoke Programme

The bespoke programme is designed to revisit the basics of empathy and responsibility, which in turn will support the development of positive behaviours. Research shows that during the transition from primary to secondary school, some students struggle to gauge new boundaries and environment changes. While many students cope with these changes and adapt to their new learning experiences, others find it more difficult to meet the expectations set in secondary school. The programme provides a platform for success, working in small groups students learn how to problem solve, resolve conflict and take responsibility for their actions, while understanding how their actions affect others. Teamwork, communication, confidence building and goal setting activities delivered in our practical vocational training centre enable the students to think about their future educational needs.