Activity Residential Care

The ARC (Activity Residential Care) Service at New Forest Care provides short term placements for young people experiencing placement breakdowns, young people with emerging complex behaviours that challenge the provision of long term placements, and those at risk from CSE, gangs, at risk in the community or posing a risk to others. A key part of this service is to engage young people in adventurous activities, which are physically and mentally challenging to bring about change in young people who are in crisis whilst providing an ongoing educational input either as part of the national curriculum or a qualification route such as City & Guilds.

Our qualified activity instructors make good use of the 55 acres of arable land and woodlands at our Outdoor Learning Centre to deliver a wide range of exciting activities and learning opportunities which can include, Forest School, Bush Craft, Outdoor Cooking, Climbing Wall, Archery. We also provide offsite activities such as kayaking, orienteering, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, horse riding.

During placement with ARC the Education team will work with young people to develop an individual programme that allows them to try a wide range of activities. The individualised programme supports them to build self-confidence and resilience and to reengage with the education process. Each young person has the opportunity to achieve qualifications through AQA and other awarding bodies and complete certificated courses including national governing body awards in outdoor activity, animal management, mechanics, art and pottery.

Core subjects Maths, English and sciences and wider learning is embedded in the activities programmes with targets being set to meet recognised outcomes, which are then formally reviewed. Additional learning opportunities and support can be resourced through our registered school where required which can include sitting formal exams. We work in partnership with the local authority social care teams and virtual schools to ensure that our work here meets immediate and future education needs and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

National Indoor Climbing Award

NICAS and NIBAS are UK-wide schemes designed to promote climbing development and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing structures.

NICAS is a “climbing” award which involves climbing with ropes and harnesses. This is usually done with two people, one climbing, and one holding the rope and lowering the climber (the belayer).Belaying techniques are a key part of NICAS.

NICAS have five progressive levels of award for complete novices to expert climbers. The scheme is split into two parts and takes a minimum of 80 hours to complete Levels 1 to 4 and an additional year to complete Level 5. Part one contains Levels 1 to 3 and part two contains Levels 4 and 5.

AQA Unit Awards

The Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a unique recording of achievement scheme, rather than a qualification. It offers learners the opportunity to have their achievements formally recognised with a certificate each time a short unit of learning is successfully completed

The AQA Unit Award Scheme is invaluable as it is an important pathway for our students to receive accreditation for their achievements. It provides a wide range of units which are differentiated, making accreditation accessible to all pupils regardless of their ability. Furthermore, through allowing amendments and writing our own units, we are able to expand and customise units to our pupil’s individual learning interests and needs.

Artsmark Discover & Explore

Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England. It supports settings to develop and celebrate their commitment to arts and cultural education. Artsmark is awarded at three levels; Silver, Gold and Platinum

Artsmark aim to support and encourage learners of all levels and abilities and from all backgrounds and cultures to engage and participate in the arts.

For schools and education settings, Artsmark’s clear and flexible framework can be used to embed creativity across the whole curriculum and address school improvement priorities, helping to build young people’s confidence, character and resilience.