Gateway Qualifications has published a case study on the coastal conservation programme our Endeavour students took part in last academic year.
Learners aged 16 to 24 from Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form College used Gateway’s Level 1 Vocational Studies qualifications as the framework for real conservation and volunteering work along the coast and in the countryside around Redcar and Cleveland.
What students did
- Researched and applied for Sea Watch Observer volunteer roles with Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, writing application letters and attending formal interviews. The process was adapted for each learner, including communication boards for students who are non-verbal.
- Created a native wildflower meadow at Rosecroft Fields in Loftus, carried out moth and species surveys, built bird and owl boxes and made planters of British herbs and fruit, as part of The Junction’s All Our Futures project.
- Took part in the Blue Influencer programme, run by The Junction and funded by the Ernest Cook Trust, with kittiwake surveys, whale and dolphin watching, marine wildlife identification and beach litter picks.
- Designed and built Beach Library boxes at Redcar, Saltburn and Skinningrove, after a beach clean turned up abandoned buckets, spades and toys. Visitors can borrow donated beach toys and return them after use.
Because assessment was built into work the learners valued, their qualifications followed on from it. Learners grew in confidence, independence and communication. The Beach Library was covered by BBC News, and the class received Junction Heart Awards, with several learners recognised individually for resilience, volunteering and personal contribution.
Thank you to course tutor Helen Beadnall, support assistants Ashleigh McNamara, Jade Rogers, Rachel Griffin and Hannah Kennedy, and Olivia Dunn at Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.
Read the full case study on the Gateway Qualifications website