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We are friendly - we have worked with the Beehive Northampton to create an Entry Level Curriculum that meets their needs

The Bee Hive, part of Northgate School Arts College in Northampton, is a post-16 school catering for learners with Special Educational Needs. It is home to real-life work environments that are open to the general public including a café and shop, an animal rehoming centre, a craft workshop and a wellbeing centre.

From September 2014, The Beehive will be implementing a new curriculum for learners using AIM Awards qualifications. This new offer provides learners with three different options, depending on their interests and aspirations:

  • Entry 1 and Entry 2 Increasing Independence
  • Entry 3 and Level 1 Increasing Opportunities
  • Entry 3 and Level 1 Transition Skills

Entry 1 and Entry 2 Increasing Independence

This two year programme uses the AIM Awards Exploring Work suite of qualifications to allow learners to undertake vocational tasters in different vocational areas. These are recognised as individual Awards, allowing learners to clearly evidence to prospective employers the skills they have gained in areas such as animal care, catering, horticulture, retail and hospitality. Optional units are used to focus on English, maths and ICT as well as on undertaking an enterprise project. In addition to preparing learners for the world of work, this programme aims to develop life skills to enable the learners to become independent citizens using the AIM Awards Independent Living suite of qualifications. Learners cover topics such as health and fitness, kitchen hygiene and personal care.

Entry 3 and Level 1 Increasing Opportunities

For learners working at higher levels, a similar offer to Entry 1 and Entry 2 is provided using the AIM Awards Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) suite of qualifications as well as other sector specific qualifications; though at this level the focus is more weighted towards vocational skills. The wide choice of units also allows learners to accredit their work experience placement. 

Entry 3 and Level 1 Transition Skills

This option enables learners to prepare for and build confidence before accessing mainstream education using the AIM Awards Skills for Employment and Further Learning (SEFL) suite of qualifications. This one year programme provides a mixture of social and life skills with offsite activities and links to local colleges, as well as a core of English and maths.


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