Full marks for Ashley
14th March 2008
Ashley Marks was an under achiever at school. Now, thanks to John Ruskin College (JRC) and a programme funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), Ashley is proving that with encouragement and support it’s possible for anyone to turn their educational career around.
In September 2006 Ashley enrolled on a level 1 Health and Social Care programme, becoming a beneficiary of the ESF project which was supporting this curriculum area.
Since then, Ashley has made full use of the opportunities provided through the ESF project and after completing his level 1 course he progressed to level 2. He’s now on track to complete this in the summer of 2008, and for September he has secured employment and a training position at a local nursery, the career of his choice.
According to Linda Dunwoodie, ESF Co-ordinator at the college, “Ashley has done extremely well, and he has appreciated the support provided for his social, emotional and academic development.”
The sorts of activities he has been involved in are:
- Health Promotion (JRC event organised by level 1 students)
- Work experience (when it was not a course requirement)
- Trips: to Natural History Museum and PJ Services workshop
- MacMillan Coffee Morning (taking a lead role and attending on a non-college day)
- Army Challenge Day
- Residential trip: worked with YAT scheme and undertook a week long residential placement for the development of confidence, self-awareness and self esteem. He also developed skills in team building, leadership and problem solving. Participation in this event has led to further activities such as camping and regular social meetings with new friends he has made.
Linda adds: “Ashley is a committed student who has clearly developed through working with the ESF team and who has been exposed to these opportunities as a result. He enjoys practical activities and by studying Health and Social Care he has been able to match his skills with an identifiable career path that suits his character and which will lead to future success.”