Fosse Way, the innovative special school in Radstock, has recently taken the unprecedented decision to open an ‘Enterprise Centre’ for its Sixth Form students. This pioneering initiative, unique in the special school sector, will focus on equipping students with a variety of skills essential to success in the world of employment.

The Centre, situated in offices at St Peter’s Business Park, has already provided students with an exciting range of learning experiences to prepare them for life

beyond the school gates.

In place of the familiar ring of the morning bell and the morning register, the

students gather expectantly around a large state-of-the-art computer screen to review and plan their strategy for the day ahead. The high profile of information technology at the centre reflects Fosse Way’s recent designation as a Microsoft Associate Showcase School, a programme conceived to ‘highlight innovative leadership and teaching across globally recognised schools’. Fosse Way is the first special school in the country to join.

On a typical day, a team of students might be producing and delivering professional-standard identity cards for local businesses, while others prepare for the launch of a new venture that will see them undertake grounds maintenance for local employers, including St John’s Primary School. When not directly involved in an expanding portfolio of business ventures, students hone the skills they will need to secure jobs after leaving the centre. In recent weeks, they have learned how to write a compelling CV, answer probing interview questions and

take public transport independently.

The students are able to deepen their understanding of employment through regular work placements in the local area. One student, Adam Curtis, explained how he had recently enjoyed placements at both Halfords and Eve’s Kitchen, a meal

delivery service based in Paulton. His colleague,

Jordan Jones, spoke enthusiastically of recent work experience at Norton Sports and Camping. When asked about the benefits of the centre, Jordan was unhesitating and emphatic: “We can really focus on work.” Students are supported in the workplace by a job coach, employed full-time by Fosse Way.

However, the classroom has not been entirely consigned to history for the sixth-formers. All students attend the Somer Valley campus of Bath College one afternoon each week to expand their repertoire of skills. Since September, the students have been taking a course in Horticulture and are now looking forward to beginning one in Animal Care in the New Year. These studies will ultimately enable the students to gain a qualification in the field of enterprise activities.

Assistant Principal, Graeme Athey, who is responsible for post-sixteen education at Fosse Way, is keen that the students’ experiences should mirror the actual world of work as closely as possible. To this end, much of the income generated by the students’ various business ventures is reinvested in the centre, with a view to further developing the training and employment opportunities it is able to offer.

However, provision is also made for the students to enjoy the fruits of their labours, just as they would in paid employment. Income from regular car-washing services provided for teaching staff at Fosse Way is invested in a fund that will enable the students to enjoy a well-earned end of year residential visit to Center Parcs!

Tim Carter