16 to 19 Tuition Small Group Funding 2023-2024
Varndean College Statement of Intent
The 16 to 19 tuition fund is an additional allocation of funding for the 2023 to 2024 academic year, which is an extension of the fund made available last year. It is ring-fenced funding for 16 to 19 providers to mitigate the disruption to learning arising from coronavirus (COVID-19). The funding has been provided to support small group tuition for 16 to 19 year old students where learning has been disrupted. This tuition will be in addition to any planned study programme hours.
We are very excited about the extension of the funding into 2023-24 as we had some positive feedback from students as well as engaging with an OFSTED research visit last year. The programme we have designed is about supporting each student in whatever way they need in any given session. The overarching scheme of work that we use has been designed by Varndean coaches and is based on their experience of supporting learners through the coaching programme over the past year. Tuition of this kind would cost in excess of £30ph if done privately, but they are getting it for free. This is a great opportunity for students and we are optimistic that all will take advantage of it.
How is Varndean using this funding?
The tuition activity will be prioritised for the following learners on 16-19 Study Programmes:
- Learners who have not achieved a grade 4 or 5 in English and/or maths
- Learners who have a grade 4 or above in English and/or maths and come from an economically disadvantaged background and would need catch-up support
- Learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – including those aged 19 to 24 who require additional tuition to help them catch up with their studies
Students in need of support are identified through Qualifications on Entry and we will prioritise students who will benefit most from small group tuition, based on the criteria above.
How is Varndean using this funding?
1. General Study Skills Tuition
Firstly, for small group (up to 7 learners) sessions of 90 minutes long, focusing on general study skills. Tuition support offered will be based on an individual need’s assessment, the identification of an individual starting point, clear learning goals, expectations, and outcomes.
More specifically, these sessions will cover:
- Academic skills such as:
- Essay writing
- Time management and organisation
- Revision strategies
- Metacognition and learning to learn
- Wellbeing for Learning
There are five ‘waves’ of groups for the tuition. Each is six weeks in length and will be targeted at students who received a grade 5 or below in GCSE English and Maths, with our L2 students who achieved a grade 3 or below having priority This first wave will incorporate a ‘Skills for College Life’ unit to ensure that new students are given all the support they need as they embark upon their post-16 educational career.
1. GCSE English/Maths Tuition
Secondly, we have learning coaching groups for both GCSE English and Maths Support to help the relevant students gain their level 4 in English or Maths. These sessions are 45 minutes in length and each wave lasts twelve weeks. These sessions are designed to give students the opportunity to consolidate learning from their main English/Maths lessons. Coaches will cover core skills and exam practice so that learners are prepared for their re-sit exams.
All learners will be assessed and evaluated by learning coaches at the start of their programme and tuition sessions will be delivered face to face.
The Varndean College Commitment
Varndean College is committed to using the 16-19 Tuition Fund in accordance with Government guidance. The college will:
- Produce this statement to explain what the fund is and how the college will use it;
- Publish the statement on its website;
- Record and maintain all evidence required to support the use of the 16-19 Tuition Fund inline with guidance using pre-existing college systems;
- Record the use of the funding, including the needs of those students, the number of hours delivered, and retain evidence of the tuition provided and additional cost;
- Deliver the tuition and support in accordance with the intention of the fund;
- Notify the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) of any underspend at the appropriate time.