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Prospectus
A guide to specialist residential education for students aged 16+
Proud to be working with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards (D of E), The Association of National Specialist Colleges (Natspec), Cisco Networking Academy and Young Enterprise.
Welcome to the Royal National College for the Blind.
Introduction from Mark Fisher, Principal:
“Welcome to RNC, a college that is as unique as you are. We aim to empower you with the skills and confidence to independently live the life you have dreamed for yourself. RNC is a friendly campus, offering an environment of encouragement, safety and fun. Here you will be provided with resources, support and opportunities to enjoy new experiences, while receiving an individual and specialist learning experience tailored just for you.”
Our Vision
A world where every person with a visual impairment has true equality
Our Mission
Education, employment and empowerment for all people with a visual impairment
Ofsted
RNC maintained its ‘good’ rating in the Ofsted inspection of October 2013, with some elements reported as ‘outstanding’. This is in addition to the residential and pastoral support having been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2011.
All College information is available in alternative formats. To request this, or if you would like details in another language, contact us on 01432 376621 or
Os hoffech gael unrhyw o’r wybodaeth hon yn y Gymraeg, rhowch wybod i ni.
RNC welcomes international students.
Courses
GCSEs
English Language
Mathematics
French
German
Spanish
Psychology
Health & Social Care
AS & A Levels
Art & Design (A Level only)
Biology
English Literature
Extended Project (equivalent to 50% of an A Level)
French
German
Health & Social Care
History
Mathematics
Media Studies
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
BTECs
Braille
Business Studies
Home Cooking Skills
Information Technology (IT)
OCR/Cambridge Technicals
Art & Design
Business Studies
Media
Performing Arts Practice
NVQ & QCFs
Business & Administration
French
Spanish
Sport & Recreation
Support Work in Schools
ITECs
Massage & Complementary therapies
Cisco
IT Essentials
CCNA
For Sport & Recreation course please see the Sports Academy Prospectus
For Art and Design, Media Studies, Media and Performing Arts Practice courses please see the Arts and Media Prospectus
Please note that AS and A Levels became two separate qualifications in 2015 (with AS worth 40% of an A Level), however we intend to offer parallel teaching in all subjects.
If you do not find your preferred course in the above list, please call Student Enquiries to discuss your aims.
ASPIRE Study Programme
Achievement for Social, Personal & Independence, Responsibility for future Employment and/or Education.
Vocational training for students studying Entry to Level 2, lasting 1-3 years.
With a focus on providing and supporting work skills and developing industry awareness, students undertake a selection of courses to meet their needs, with an emphasis on embedding all of the following skills into a regular work placement:
· Customer Service
· Work Skills
· Personal & Social Development
· Money and Finance
· Communication Skills
· English, Maths
· ICT
ASPIRE is based on small group and independent work, with different subject- specialist teachers leading on units. Lessons emphasise independent working in a real internal/external setting, from classrooms and offices to outdoor education centres and plant nurseries.
Further experience is gained through the weekly RNC Market Stall (counter set up, display, cash handling), pop-up events stall, client liaison for massage clinics, horticulture and garden practice (planting and selling products), catering (front of house duties and selling products), Tech Novice Café (supporting members of the public with technology and providing refreshments).
Seasonal projects include:
· Arts and crafts
· Product design and sales
· Outdoor and practical skills (at Dinedor Outdoor Activity Centre)
Students from other vocational areas such as Business & Administration, are encouraged to support their own work based learning by working with ASPIRE students on the Market Stall each week and within customer service role-play sessions.
A portfolio of work will include evidence of presentations, plans, discussions, debates, and statements from work placements. Students combine a variety of units to suit their current needs and future aspirations, receiving recognition of their certified achievements at the end of the course.
Cisco Networking Academy™
IT Essentials covers fundamental computer and career skills for entry-level IT jobs. The IT Essentials curriculum includes hands-on labs that provide practical experience.
CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification programme for entry-level network engineers that helps maximise your investment in foundational networking knowledge and increases the value of your employer’s network.
CCNA 1: Routing and Switching Introduction to Networks
· Provides a foundation on internet and computer networks
CCNA 2: Routing and Switching Essentials
· Configuration and troubleshooting of routers and switches in a small network
RNC is unique in providing Cisco training for people with visual impairments in the UK. We are developing distance learning for the future – details will be provided on the website once confirmed.
Quote from Nuno Guarda, Cisco Programme Manager and Head of Corporate Affairs:
“Cisco is dedicated to using its technology, expertise and network to create opportunities. The Networking Academy not only empowers students with ICT knowledge, but they develop a range of other career skills like problem solving, team work, critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills; enabling students to compete and thrive in the global workplace. Cisco ultimately believes that education can benefit people, communities and the planet. These shared values with The Royal National College for the Blind resulted in the launching of the UK’s first Networking Academy for people with visual impairments.”
Meet The Team
Alena Critoph – Registrar
Alena began working at the College in December 2007 and supports students from their initial visit, through their Pre-Entry Assessment, to their first exciting day of term. She has a background in education and knew RNC was special straight away. On her first day, Alena sensed there was a perfect mix of expertise and real care.
A significant part of her role relates to student recruitment and securing
students’ funding. It is about giving potential students the quality, professional advice they need to explore their options and find the right next step in their studies or career.
Alena and her team work closely with local authorities and other bodies to secure the correct funding for each student, knowing the difference the right course can make to an individual’s life.
Alena says: “Securing that funding is always satisfying. But even better is seeing students grasp the opportunity and take ownership of their own destiny.”
Teresa Allen - Teacher in Charge of IT Skills and Development
A former Business Studies student at RNC, Teresa worked for the Department for Transport in London before returning to the College as a member of staff in January 1988, qualifying as a teacher in 2000.
Teresa works within a specialist IT team that helps students develop their own computer skills, as well as leading on and teaching the BTEC Level 3 IT course. She also organises the Tech Novice Café, where students teach members of the public how to use their own devices.
Students meet with Teresa on Pre-Entry Assessment, where she discovers each individual’s strengths and what they hope to achieve. Working with assistive technology underpins every course at the College, as well as making the world a more accessible place.
With experienced teaching staff, a number of whom have visual impairments themselves, RNC offers holistic tailored support, setting it apart from other educational institutions.
Teresa says: “Students gain so much from staff keeping up to date with changes in technology and good practice, they are prepared for life after College.”
Nicola Smith and John Lynch - Directors of Learning and Curriculum
Nicola spent the first 10 years of her career in management before retraining to become a teacher 23 years ago. She has spent the last 10 years at RNC, first as a Literacy teacher and then as a manager.
Maintaining high quality teaching and learning and reviewing the curriculum to meet the needs of the students for now and for their future lives are the key priorities of her role.
John started at RNC in 2002 as a lecturer in sport, primarily teaching the
blind and partially sighted football teams. Prior to this, he studied Sports Science at university and had undertaken multi-sports coaching.
He progressed to Head of Vocational Skills, focusing on work based learning, and became Co-Director of Learning and Curriculum with Nicola in 2014, maintaining his sports and work training bias.
John says: “We strive to ensure the students achieve their career and life aspirations.”
Stephanie Mackey - Teacher in Charge of Mobility, Independent Living Skills and Braille
Having formerly worked as a qualified rehabilitation worker for local authorities in Telford, Shropshire, Birmingham and Dudley, Steph joined RNC in May 2011 from a desire to work in a more focused way and do more rehab.
She is keen to promote the independence that students build up through mobility, living skills and having an accessible working medium in Braille. She leads a team who work on a one-to-one basis with all students to ensure they meet their full potential in independent travel and managing their day- to-day lives.
Stephanie says: “The best bit about the job is seeing changes in students. Like a student who has never left the house alone, or used a cooker, gain the confidence to go shopping for a meal that they will make for their friends.”
Why RNC?
Studying or training at a residential college is an important decision. Here at RNC we have created a fresh, vibrant and supportive environment to start you on an incredible new pathway and begin turning your dreams into reality.
The College experience is more than just vocational and academic qualifications. It’s about achievement beyond the classroom, a time when you start to develop the self- confidence, personal independence and communication skills you need for your next step. This is your journey for your future.
One clear focus… you
· Your timetable – a personalised learning plan specifically designed to meet your current needs and future ambitions
· Your support team – we are specialists in visual impairment and work with you from day one to make sure you have access to exactly the right level of support, at a pace that suits you
· Your Student Hub – a flexible and dynamic student resource area designed to signpost you to all the advice and guidance you need
· Your independence – the skills you develop at RNC are essential for independent living and study – from mobility and orientation to laundry, cooking and money management
· Your social life – RNC is not a nine-to-five college and there’s never an excuse to be bored. Our range of activities will enable you to test your boundaries and try things you never thought possible
· Your safety net – our residential, wellbeing and nursing teams are here to ensure you have the confidence to flourish and enjoy an active social life, all within a safe and supportive environment
· Your time to shine – your ambitions and goals beyond RNC are important to us and we will help you gain the necessary skills and qualifications to fully prepare you for your future
· Our promise – to be flexible and help you lay the foundations you need to move forward
Support from start to finish
Alongside your academic or vocational courses, you’ll have the chance to learn essential skills that will be invaluable as you move into the next phase of your life.
· Independent Living Skills – a flexible and intensive programme that is tailored to build on your current skills and meet your future ambitions – everything from money management to cookery skills
· Mobility Training – confident spatial awareness and mobility skills are central to your independence; from long-cane skills and independent train/bus travel, to guide dog support and advice
· Functional English and Mathematics – practical and relevant training to help you improve your skills, raise your confidence and support your study
· Braille – RNC is the only organisation to offer approved Unified English Braille BTEC qualifications. Knowledge in this area can offer practical solutions for everyday work and study; whether you are a beginner or wish to develop your existing skills, the expertise offered by our staff is unique
· Work Experience – in addition to designated internal and external work experience, you will be able to undertake regular work-based learning opportunities at RNC, from office services to sound engineering
· Information Technology (IT) – our specialist staff all have an excellent working knowledge of the assistive technologies and computer-based solutions available to visually impaired people – including large print, speech and Braille. Our aim is to ensure that you are a confident and independent user of IT with a practical and effective working medium
· Language Skills – if English is not your first language, we can offer support to improve your confidence and ability; or maybe you want to learn skills in another language (French, German or Spanish). You can also take advantage of our links with colleges in France and Germany to broaden your knowledge
Quote from Laura, current student:
“Since being at RNC, I feel that I have progressed at my main
programmes better than I would have if I had done them at my mainstream school. I think this is because of the amount of support that I have received here at College.”
A place to live, learn and make friends
Culture
· Theatre trips
· Conversational languages
· ‘X-mas Factor’
· Summer Prom
· Art Club
· Dining Club
· Craft making
· Nature and conservation activities
Other social and cultural experiences take place throughout the year, including many in the Chapel Arts Centre.
Sport
· Tandem cycling
· RNC Angling Club
· Woodland, forest and hill walks
· thePoint4 gym and spa
Further detail on sporting activities can be found in the Sports Academy prospectus.