Video Transcript - Suzanne Gould

Hi, I’m Suzanne Gould and I’m Head of Vocational Skills at Ryburn Sixth. It’s a full-time course for those from 16-19 with an Educational Health Care Plan, who need extra support as they prepare for adulthood.

As a parent of a young person with special educational needs, I have walked in your shoes and I get it. I understand that worry that they’ll just drop off a cliff at 18 when school support ends. Everything about our Vocational Skills programme is designed to make sure that doesn’t happen. I absolutely love my job, and seeing young people gain confidence and flourish.

The course is very practical, building the skills and independence needed for adult life. Our students study functional Maths and English qualifications; core skills like reading, money, time, and filling in forms. We cover independent living and travel skills, personal safety, emotional wellbeing, and relationship and sex education. Afternoons are dedicated to enrichment activities, things like gardening or creative arts. It’s a varied, flexible and engaging course which meets students where they are and allows them to develop their own interests.

Students from many different high schools come to Ryburn Sixth for Vocational Skills and soon get to know one another and form a strong team. There’s a great atmosphere, and we always have a laugh together. We are based in our dedicated and well equipped STEP Centre, and also benefit from the great facilities Ryburn has to offer. We have access to specialist subject teachers, and our C&K Careers service, who offer great advice and opportunities including helping students access work experience.

We work closely with outside agencies including the local authority post 18 participation officer to make sure our students have the support they need when they are young adults. We see relationships with students’ families as absolutely crucial to supporting our students.

One of the most valuable things is developing friendships and a social life. Being able to do things that many take for granted, like travelling to the cinema or cafe with friends, is a milestone for many of our young people. Our Vocational Skills students make progress in key skills, communication and independence, develop friendships and end up feeling more confident, fulfilled and prepared for adult life.

The best way to find out more is to get in touch with me for a chat about your choices. You can phone or email me at school, or enter your details on our webpage and I’ll get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.