Diploma
The Diploma qualification is available for young people aged between 14-19 years. It has been developed by teachers and employers working together. The Diploma courses are designed so that learning can be dynamic and hands on both in and out of the classroom. Diplomas involve both practical and theoretical elements.
Orford Park will include a state of the art Health & Science applied learning zone. It is anticipated that learners will undertake any classroom based work at their Diploma hub and attend the Diploma Centre for applied learning experiences. The facility will include:
- A furnished hospital ward and simulated one bedroom flat which has been modified to demonstrate meeting the needs of disabled people. Young people will gain an understanding of meeting care needs with a hospital and home care setting.
- An environmental/sustainable energy facility. This will include links to a weather station for the reading of, and interpretation of, its data. Demonstrations on the potential of renewable energy sources such as, wind turbines, green roofs and solar windows are also available within this facility.
- A sports science facility which will contain the latest equipment through which the impact of exercise and diet on health can be analysed.
- A commercial eating facility through which healthy eating will be promoted. Young people will gain experience in the kitchen, along with understanding the operation of a commercial facility.
- There will be a technology room, a learning facility and a 100 seater 3D theatre.
Community
The Diploma facility will be predominantly used by young people aged 14-19 from across Warrington, 9:30 – 3:30 Monday through to Friday term time. However, we are keen for the community to benefit from these facilities at other times. We aim to consult with the community about how these facilities can be best utilised in the evenings, weekends and school holidays. We envisage enabling access for community groups to the facilities for the delivery of community learning.
Employers
Our ambition is that the facility will be key in offering industry standard facilities and will therefore be accessed by local employers for their own workforce development. This will be managed in conjunction with Warrington Business School.
During the economic downturn the facility will be used to offer Apprentices who are out of work valuable experience until they secure alternative employment.
Chester University are also a key partner in the centre and will utilise the facility for foundation degrees and level four learning in the workplace.
If you are interested in sponsoring or utilising the facilities to meet your workforce needs in any of the following areas;
- care setting
- sports science
- catering/hospitality
- environmental/sustainable energy
Please contact 01925 443181 or email sbarlow@warrington.gov.uk