Applied Learning Centre

The Applied Learning Centre houses four distinct areas, covering agriculture, construction, motor vehicle engineering and hair & beauty.

Our state-of-the-art Applied Learning Centre was officially opened by the Duke of Gloucester on the 29th of November 2011 and visited by His Royal Highness Prince Charles in 2016. It is a single-storey, steel frame brick-built construction sitting within the existing school campus and includes an eight-bay hair salon and beauty treatment area, a motor engineering area equipped with two hoists, wheel-balancing and tyre-changing equipment, and a construction space with facilities for teaching plumbing, electrics, bricklaying, plastering, painting and decorating.

Our Bookshelf

Link to Applied Learning Centre Revision

Courses

Agriculture & Animal Care

These are two very popular Key Stage 4 options with students who wish to follow careers in the agriculture sector, veterinary care or the animal management industries. Students will study a range of topics. On the agriculture course students study sheep management, estate maintenance, animal husbandry, crops and tractor driving. Students following the animal care course will study topics which address animal welfare and health, housing and accommodation and behaviour. Both courses are a mixture of practical and theory lessons and are assessed by a series of written and practical assignments. On completion students can progress into specialised Level 3 qualifications or onto an apprenticeship.

Construction

The Level 1 and 2 Construction course looks at why the construction industry is an important sector within the UK economy and the key role it plays in all of our lives. Students will gain an overview of the types of activities undertaken by those working in construction, as well as an understanding of health, safety and welfare in the industry.

The practical unit of the course focuses on carpentry and joinery and, where possible, tasks in brick and block work, landscaping and some electrical and plumbing installation giving an introduction to the industry by using appropriate hand tools, materials and personal protective equipment.

Hair & Beauty

Courses are taught in the fully equipped salon which is located in our Applied Learning Centre. At Key Stage 4, we offer the Level 1 Hair and Beauty course which includes Shampoo and Conditioning, Skin Care, Introduction to the Sector, Face Painting, Nail Art, Manicures, Create a Hair and Beauty Image, Health and Safety and Salon Reception Duties. There is a practical element to the course, in which the learners undergo a series of tasks and assessments. At Key Stage 5, we offer the Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing course for Key Stage 5 students. This is a City and Guilds Qualification.

Motor Vehicle

At Key Stage 4, our Level 1 Motor Vehicle course is a popular option as it is recognised by the motor vehicle industry. Students study a range of topics including vehicle service and repair principles, engine systems, lubrication & cooling, tyre fitting, brakes and suspension systems. It is an ideal course for those who love practical work and looking to pursue a career within engineering. At Key Stage 5 students have the opportunity to study the IMIAL Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles (VRQ). This is run as a ‘pre-apprenticeship’ scheme of two days at UCC and three days in industry.

Our Extra-Curricular Activities

Each of the areas within the Applied Learning Centre offer extra-curricular opportunities such as trips to events like the Westmorland Show, clubs such as the Green Power racing car project and community projects which include supporting the school's annual pantomime.