Life Routes
The aim is to build participants’self-confidence and awareness of potential through project and team-based learning. Emphasis is placed on young people developing the necessary life skills to help them discover their personal strengths.
In developing the programme, one key aspect was to embed learning within an accredited framework. The Life Routes Award, based on the ASDAN Activities Award, provides a flexible structure that meets the needs of vulnerable and disengaged young people. Life Routes also involves recording and reviewing the Wider Key Skills: Improving own Learning and Performance; Working with Others; Problem Solving.
Since Life Routes was launched in 2004, more than 2,500 young people have achieved the award.
Programme manager Sophie Wood said: “It was extremely important to develop an accredited award for progression purposes that would work for the young people involved in the Life Routes programme, many of whom are disengaged from the learning process. Throughout the partnership, the young people and their current level of engagement and achievement has been prioritised. As a result, we have an award that engages young people, provides a framework to ensure they reflect on their learning, and celebrates success.”
Life Routes works through a network of local programmes in four regions identified as having the highest indices of deprivation: the North East, North West, Yorks & Humber and London. Regional co-ordinators support local practitioners to develop creative and engaging projects.
Vicky Escot, from London, took part in Life Routes last year. The 18-year-old became involved with the project after starting Focus 12, a provision in Waltham Forest for those out of school: “I chose to do it because I didn’t have any GCSEs and it gave me something concrete to work towards. I did a schools healthy eating programme which was presented at a conference of head teachers. I used to exclude myself from things, but this taught me to get involved and that learning can be fun. This has made me more confident; I feel empowered. It’s also made me more determined to achieve the things I want to in life.”
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