Breaking down barriers to opportunity

It’s Day 4 of Colleges Week and today’s focus is on the government mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

Here Vice Principal Tess Cole talks about our fantastic Resolve programme, empowering young people with limited English from a wide range of ethnicities and enabling them to thrive in their new community and beyond.

She tells us how Resolve provides young people with skills and confidence in a safe learning environment thoughtfully designed for young individuals at a range of levels.

What makes Resolve special?

This exciting programme combines independence and social skills to gain confidence navigating life in the UK, understanding local culture, and building connections in the Portsmouth or Hampshire areas.

Our expert team make it possible to enter education all year round, allowing young people to start their educational journey very quickly within our multicultural lessons.

Through Community Connections you will understand citizenship and how to contribute to a thriving, inclusive community.

The only programme of its kind in Hampshire, Resolve offers a unique curriculum that sets you apart in the job market or academic pursuits.

Students are quickly interviewed assessed and enrolled onto the correct programme within a week in most circumstances and high-quality teaching leads to impressive outcomes.

Our 2024 Ofsted report said of the Resolve programme: ‘they have recently expanded their provision for unaccompanied asylum seeker children, who benefit from a highly relevant curriculum, which helps them to flourish at college.’

Personalised learning journey

We tailor your learning to suit your pace and needs, helping you progress step by step through each level of the programme.

More than just an academic programme – it’s a gateway to personal and professional growth, giving you confidence to thrive in education and excel personally.

Once you have completed the Resolve programme you will have the opportunity to progress to a vocational course of your choice with continued support and guidance from the Resolve staff as you embark on to your next steps.

Your achievements will open doors to further education and career opportunities!

Beyond the classroom

All eligible students receive a laptop to practice independent learning, complete homework, and master essential computer skills.

The opportunity to join the college sports teams and attend our sporting tournaments is available across several different sports for those that are mad about football or cricket lovers.

Every year after Ramadan everyone celebrates EID with a variety of traditional food from around the world.

Local trips to discover the history of Portsmouth are attended along with department trips at the end of the academic year.

Additional support sessions can be arranged for your learning and wellbeing as we work in collaboration with local CAMHS, EMASS, The British Red Cross and The Rural Refugee Network who can support you in both education and personal life.

Partnership-driven excellence

We partner with many different local authorities and community organisations to provide real-world opportunities and ensure success beyond the classroom, including facilitating summer clubs for local authorities without having to wait all summer to start or continue your learning.

We have unmatched support so you will benefit from a collaborative environment with college staff and external agencies working together to help you achieve your goals.

The teaching team work alongside the local authority to ensure that your education is at a high standard, meeting regularly and listening to your thoughts and ideas.

Your path to the future – success story

A 17-year-old international student from Sudan, arrived in the UK with no proficiency in English, motivated to pursue a career in construction, specifically in electrical work.

His journey was marked by overcoming the dual challenge of learning a new language while adapting to a different educational system.

In his first two years, he was placed in an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class where he focused on basic language skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. He also learned about life in the UK and citizenship.

Attending classes four days a week, he participated in interactive lessons, group activities, and practical exercises, though he faced challenges such as difficulty with pronunciation, vocabulary, understanding cultural references, and feelings of isolation.

He received peer mentoring from others from Sudan, and teachers who spoke his native language provided additional support.

By the end of Year 2, he successfully completed ESOL and improved his speaking and comprehension skills, allowing him to engage more effectively in class.

In Year 3, he transitioned to functional skills English while simultaneously enrolling in a Level 1 computing course, which focused on computer skills and internet safety.

He faced challenges balancing coursework and navigating technical vocabulary, but additional tutoring and study groups helped him succeed.

By the end of Year 3, he completed both his functional skills and Level 1 computing, even earning a distinction.

In Year 4, he enrolled in a Level 3 electrical programme, building on his English and computing skills.

The programme, which included both theoretical learning and practical workshops, introduced him to more complex technical concepts and vocabulary.

Despite challenges with technical language and time management, he thrived, receiving support through academic services and feedback from instructors.

By the end of Year 4, he had gained confidence in applying his language skills to technical contexts, excelling in his studies.

His journey highlights the importance of tailored support for international students, showing how structured language assistance and practical applications can lead to both language acquisition and academic success.

Don’t wait – enrol today and discover what’s possible with Resolve!