A unique college programme that helps 16 to 19 year olds get back into education has seen all participants graduate with flying colours.
The level two 鈥楳oving Forward鈥� course started in October 2022.
On completion, all learners will now progress on to further education, training or employment.
During the eight month programme, learners get a range of new life skills relating to confidence, preparing for work, healthy living and coping with stress.
They then have to complete a 鈥榝inal project鈥� that has to be related somehow to social action. (Previously learners worked with an organisation called Volunteering Matters and created a photo exhibition based around the theme of mental health).
This year, learners have developed a new website to help promote the 鈥楳oving Forward鈥� programme to others:
Ruby Sone, 17, from Ipswich is a student on the course. Ruby said: 鈥淚鈥檓 glad I鈥檓 doing something and getting an education. We have been taught skills that we don鈥檛 learn in high school and it has made me better prepared for life. I used my creative skills to help develop the website. The course gives you lots of opportunities.鈥�
Amelia Taylor, 18, from Dennington also studied on the course. Amelia said: 鈥淚t鈥� (the course) has been good and has helped me a lot.鈥�
Georgia Beavis, 17, from Ipswich is a student on the programme. Georgia said: 鈥淭he best thing is learning new stuff that helps us as we get older. I鈥檓 proud of what I鈥檝e achieved.鈥�
Havana Smith, 17, from Ipswich said: 鈥淚t pushes you out of your comfort zone.鈥�
Other learners on the level two Moving Forward course created a series of videos and a podcast working with Volunteering Matters that will be sent to local schools to advise youngsters how to stay safe online.
Lucy Beresford, 17, from Felixstowe played a part in creating this content. Lucy said: 鈥淭his course has given me confidence. I鈥檓 coming back to do a sports course next year.鈥�
Inclusive learning lecturer Ola Anderson 鈥� who organised both social action projects said: 鈥淭he students have really excelled themselves to finish the course this year. They have truly embraced the opportunity to influence and make positive change for other young people. I鈥檓 very proud of them.鈥�