Welcome to Staffordshire Virtual School! Here is some information to help you understand how school works in the UK.
When you come into care, we will help you find a school or college. School and college run from September to July, and you will study for up to four days a week. You will have a special meeting called a PEP (Personal Education Plan) meeting. At this meeting, you, your social worker, support worker and someone from the virtual school will talk about your education. An interpreter will also be there to help. These meetings happen three times a year to make sure you are doing well and to answer any questions you have.
The Virtual School helps children in care with their education. We want to make sure you get the help you need to do well in school. Sometimes, we can give extra help like extra lessons in English or a laptop for learning.
When you go to college, they will check your level in Maths and English. You will start with a course called ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). There are four levels: Pre Entry, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. You will study English, Maths, and ICT (Information Computer Technology).
When you reach ESOL Entry 3 level, you can get advice on what to do next. You can choose to study a vocational course like mechanics, engineering, health and social care, or hair and beauty. You will also keep studying Maths and English. It can take about 3-5 years to reach GCSE level, but you will get support along the way.
It is important to join in all the activities offered. You will learn English every day in different situations. College has fun activities like football, table tennis, and arts. Try new things to help your learning. The Virtual School will also give you chances to learn outside the classroom.
If you have any questions, you can contact your Virtual School advisor. Your social worker will have their details.
Good luck with your education journey! We are here to support you.
Welcome video (English version)
This is a quote from another young person about their education journey:
"I came to the UK in 2017. I did not have much English. I was helped to get a place at college on the ESOL course and did a lot of practice with my support worker. When Amity hub opened, I went to extra classes there too. I had meetings at college with my social worker and college staff where the virtual school were there. I always wanted to be a nurse and I was given good careers advice on what I needed to learn to get onto the right course. I tried the health and social care course but needed to work more on my English. In 2022 I was at the right level to get on to a traineeship which led to an apprenticeship with the NHS to be a health care assistant and this will hopefully get me to the right level to train to be a nurse. I am now getting a salary while I am learning and I really love the job. I also get to go to college one day a week so I can continue my education and get the right grades in my English and maths for my future."