Are you ready to make progress towards vocational training or employment?
The Fast Forward course is designed to help you make quick progress in key areas. to bridge academic and skills gaps, so that you can progress into a vocational area.
The programme is tailored for young people who require a supportive, structured learning environment, to build independence.
Fantastic support
We specialise in providing the support you need to achieve your goals. Based in your own area of the College, Fast Forward students have access to amazing mentors, learning support assistants and tutors to help you every step of the way.
Do you need a bit of extra help to get ready for your next step?
Fast Forward courses enable you to focus on keys skills that will be essential for your progression, such as English, maths, personal organisation and communication.
Our programme includes vital careers education and you will have opportunities to try tasters of different vocational courses before you make final decisions about your next steps.
By the end you will discover abilities you didn’t know you had, gain confidence and have a clearer idea of where your future lies.
Staff Profile: Tracey Cutts
Tracey trained as a Florist after leaving school and eventually found her way into teaching, joining the College at the Common Leys Farm teaching floristry to adult learners.
She moved roles at the College to become a Work Experience Coach in the Fast Forward department when her children started school, and jumped at the opportunity when the Lecturer vacancy became available.
"The biggest benefit for Fast Forward students is routine; having a sense of purpose to get up in the morning, having something to focus on, and whilst in college forgetting about any external issues.
To know that they have support at college for anything they have going on is absolutely huge for our students. That, and getting an education to support their future.
I love the diverse students who learn in Fast Forward. They teach me things about life and give me reason for coming to work to help them."
Staff Profile: James Atkins
James was an ex-student of Abingdon & Witney College, where he studied A levels and worked as a part-time Childcare Supervisor at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre.
Since then, he's studied Psychology and Anthropology at Oxford Brookes University; volunteered for Oxfordshire Mind; and worked for Oxfordshire Young Carers Project as a Case Worker, among other roles.
James worked for 6 years in Pathways as Course Leader, before becoming Curriculum Manager of Access to Learning last year.
“It is a joy to be part of our student’s learner experience and journey.
I have always enjoyed being able to give students the opportunity to engage with their education, and helping each student progress into employment and further education which moves them closer to their aspirations.
We do so much more than challenging our students academically; we work with them to develop life skills, to enjoy enrichment activities and trips within their community, and also prepare for their next steps into employment."
Staff Profile: Laura Faulkes
Laura started at the College 16 years ago as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), and after a few years progressed to a Progress Coach. In 2020, a job came up teaching maths and English in Fast Forward and this led to her current role as Study Programme Lead (SPL).
Laura oversees the study programme for Fast Forward and Gateway, helping to build a curriculum that is meaningful and relevant for the learners, as well as attending meetings to support learners to aid progression.
Laura teaches maths and English skills, as well as real word issues that young people might face - and importantly showing learners that there are teachers who truly care about their future.
“I had a horrible experience at school and wanted to give learners a better experience than I had. This is my goal in all I do at the College, showing learners that education can be okay.”
“I have loved my time at Abingdon & Witney College and I can't think of a more rewarding role, seeing the students grow in confidence, day by day.”
Staff Profile: Lisa Rideout
Having worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry for over 12 years, Lisa decided upon a change in career due to starting a family and started working in the College's Foundation department in 2007 as a Learning Support Assistant.
Discovering her passion for working with young people students who sometimes find life a struggle, she completed her PGCE at Oxford Brookes University in 2014, before landing her dream job in the Gateway department at the College.
"Here, every day is extremely rewarding, fulfilling and gives me the opportunity to ensure I can give the students the best experience possible. It's wonderful to see students realising their potential and having that 'lightbulb moment' when everything falls into place.
Teaching allows me to inspire and make a difference in as many young peoples lives as I can. I believe that by helping students become better versions of themselves is vital to the success of our community, and that's something I am very passionate about."
Heather
Previous school:
Farmor's School
Fast Forward is very relaxed and friendly which helps so much with my anxiety. The staff are really lovely and kind and they make learning good fun and keep me engaged so I never get bored like I did in school.
They are really supportive and approachable and I feel I can talk to them about anything. My confidence has really improved and I've already built a good friendship circle.
Once I feel ready, I'd like to go on to a health and social care course and would like to work with children with disabilities one day.
Koli
Previous school:
St Birinus School
I really enjoy making new friends and learning new things. College feels like another way of developing my skills, as I am learning about adult life a bit more and not just what is on the course.
The lessons I find are easier to understand and when there are problems, our teachers are quick to support us. They treat us like adults and not like children too and I'm gaining good independence skills whilst I am here.
I like that I have the chance to retake my GCSE English and maths as they I know they are important but it didn't work out first time.
Jamie
Previous school:
Wallingford School
Going to a College Open Day opened my eyes to the opportunities here. The facilities are good, you have a lot of freedom and I'm making friends.
It's an interesting subject where you learn skills to increase the chances of being employed, including getting work experience alongside college, and you get to do some fun and exciting things. I've really enjoyed our trip to Bournemouth and going to Thorpe Park too.
Overall it's a more open course than I thought it would be, because I'm developing more than just one skill. It's not only the main course; I'm also improving my maths for example.
I have part-time job alongside my studies but a hairdressing apprenticeship is what I would like to do in the future.
Your future career
We've helped Fast Forward students move on to study college courses full-time, find volunteering opportunities and with the help of external organisations, set up valuable supported internships.
