Explorer Pathway
Entry Level 3 and Level 1
As an Explorer learner you will follow a curriculum that blends practical work, coursework and external assessments.
All learning is accredited at through the Open Awards Certificate and Diploma in Further Learning and Employment.
It is a four days per week study programme.
In Preparation for Adulthood lessons, you will work on independent living skills, community inclusion and health and wellbeing.
You will also choose vocational subjects from the list of options below. In all subjects, learning focuses on the personal qualities and work skills required in that sector.
If unsure about your subject choice at the point of assessment; as part of transition, we will offer tasters in line with your preferences.
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Business, IT and Enterprise
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Catering, Hospitality & Tourism
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Creative Arts & Digital Skills
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Manufacturing – Mini Prism Engineering workshop (Level 1 only)
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Outdoor Learning (inc. horticulture and construction)
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Performing Arts & Music Production
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Sport, Health & Science
Explorer learners can progress to the next academic level of study or move onto a work programme such as Transition to Employment, Supported Internship or Business in Action.
Independent Learning Support (ILS) staff are always on hand in classes to assist you with reading, note-taking, organising files and providing any physical or practical support you need.
Hereward College had a 100% retention, pass and achievement rate in 2023/24 for our 34 interns on internship placements.
Subject areas
At Entry 3 and Level 1, learning is accredited through the Open Awards Certificate and Diploma in Further Learning and Employment. Learning focuses on the personal qualities and work skills required in this sector.
Business students acquire a diverse set of skills in enterprise, business administration and customer service by actively managing an enterprise and performing various administrative tasks.
During the course learners develop knowledge of the business sector through both classroom projects and visits to local businesses.
Students develop technical and employability skills such as self-management, teamwork, business and customer awareness, problem solving, communication, literacy and numeracy, a positive attitude to work and the use of IT.
Future career routes
Students develop the transferable skills to progress to further learning and prepare for employment within both business and elsewhere.
Catering, Hospitality & Tourism
At Entry 3 and Level 1, learning is accredited through the Open Awards Certificate and Diploma in Further Learning and Employment. Learning focuses on the personal qualities and work skills required in this sector.
Hospitality learners gain hands-on experience in an industry-standard kitchen, café and Premier Inn training facility.
They develop skills in baking, barista work, housekeeping and kitchen operations with live demonstrations from professional chefs and visits to local hospitality venues.
Future career routes
Students can go on to study at a higher level in hospitality and tourism or apply for a supported internship placement with one of our employer partners.
Creative Arts & Digital Skills
At Entry 3 and Level 1 learning is accredited through the Open Awards Certificate and Diploma in Further Learning and Employment. Learning focuses on the personal qualities and work skills required in this sector.
Art students immerse themselves in drawing, painting, graphics, textiles, ceramics and lens-based media. they build portfolios by working on specific projects with local industry professionals.
Creative media students get a hands-on introduction to the media industry. Using professional software and equipment they learn about film, photography and audio.
Future career routes
Students gain general work related employability and transferable skills to progress to higher level qualifications in the creative industries or enter employment in a wide range of job roles.
Manufacturing – Mini Prism Engineering workshop (Level 1 only)
At Level 1, learning is accredited through the Open Awards Certificate and Diploma in Further Learning and Employment. Learning focuses on the personal qualities and work skills required in this sector.
Manufacturing students train in an impressive workshop, complete with a state-of-the-art assembly line generously equipped by Coventry offsite manufacturing firm SES Engineering Services.
Future career routes
After completing the course learners will have the skills to be able to progress on to a work programme or enter into employment with SES Engineering.
Outdoor Learning (inc. Horticulture and Construction)
At Entry 3 and Level 1, learning is accredited through the Open Awards Certificate and Diploma in Further Learning and Employment. Learning focuses on the personal qualities and work skills required in this sector.
Outdoor learning skills can be cultivated in our thriving plant-growing polytunnels where our green-fingered horticulture students work and learners can lay the foundations for their trade talent in our construction workshop.
In Horticulture students develop employability skills, learn garden maintenance, work on community projects and develop a kitchen garden within our polytunnel and planting areas.
In Construction learners develop trade skills and learn more about working in the construction sector. An option on our vocational programme as well as an additional enrichment session, learners develop practical and specialist trade skills in small groups supported by expert staff.
Training takes place in our on-site workshop and includes:
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Starting work in construction
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Health and safety in construction
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Working as a team
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Developing skills in bricklaying
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Building maintenance (including plastering and tiling)
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Decorating
Future career routes
After completing the course learners will have the skills to be able to progress on to a work programme.
Performing Arts & Music Production
At Entry 3 and Level 1, learning is accredited through the Open Awards Certificate and Diploma in Further Learning and Employment. Learning focuses on the personal qualities and work skills required in this sector.
Performing arts students have access to a large performance studio and develop their dance, acting and performance skills through projects set in collaboration with external dance and theatre companies.
Music students work in a professional recording studio equipped with industry-standard kit, where they can compose their own songs, play various instruments and hone their performance and production skills.
Learners develop their skills in production, performance, composition, music theory or music technology. They gain contemporary vocational skills such as DJing, music composition, production, enterprise and music promotion.
Future career routes
Students gain general work related employability and transferable skills to progress to higher level qualifications in music or performing arts or enter employment in a wide range of job roles.
At Entry 3 and Level 1, learning is accredited through the Open Awards Certificate and Diploma in Further Learning and Employment. Learning focuses on the personal qualities and work skills required in this sector.
Sport students delve into nutrition, performance anatomy and how to lead training sessions, benefiting from partnerships from a variety of national and local organisations.
Students at Level 1 take part in sport, assist in events, develop creative media skills, study travel & tourism, wellbeing and fitness.
Future career routes
Learners will prepare for employment both within the sport and active leisure sector and elsewhere. This can include an apprenticeship or trainee position at sports centres and gyms as a sports coach, instructor, or personal trainer.
English and Maths
At our college, English and Maths are at the heart of every learner’s journey. We offer two types of sessions: core English and Maths, which focus on building skills and working towards qualifications, and Life Skills English and Maths, which help learners apply these skills in everyday life. Both are designed to be engaging, supportive, and tailored to each learner’s needs.
In core English and Maths sessions, learners may work towards Functional Skills qualifications from Entry Level to Level 2, and GCSEs where appropriate. These lessons help develop reading, writing, speaking, listening, and numeracy skills in a structured way, with clear goals and personalised support. Learners are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, and independence, with progress tracked through individual targets and regular feedback.
In Life Skills English and Maths, the focus is on using literacy and numeracy in real-world situations. Learners take part in activities like planning trips, reading timetables, budgeting, following recipes, making appointments, and understanding health information. These sessions are practical, hands-on, and often linked to vocational areas, helping learners see how English and Maths are useful in everyday life, work, and independent living.
We know that some learners find reading, writing or working with numbers more challenging. If you have dyslexia or dyscalculia, we’ll support you with personalised strategies—like using coloured overlays, assistive technology, visual resources, simplified instructions and extra time. Our team will work with you to find what helps you learn best.
Our qualified, experienced and empathetic teachers and support staff are here to help you succeed. They understand the challenges you may have faced and are committed to helping you feel safe, supported and proud of your progress. Whether you're working towards a qualification or building everyday confidence, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Find out more about the Explorer Pathway by contacting our Admissions team at admissions@hereward.ac.uk or 02476 426120.