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Award in Counselling Skills - Level 1 School Based Practitioners

Course code: P04811

Subject area:

Study level: Part Time

Course level: 1

Course details

Course time:

16:00 - 18:00

Days of week:

Tuesday

Course date:

13th Apr 2027 - 22nd Jun 2027

Course location:

Witney Campus

Contact details

Email:

enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

Phone:

01235 555 585

Apply for this course
The Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Counselling Skills introduces learners to the core principles and practices of counselling. Designed for school‑based staff who support pupils in pastoral or wellbeing roles, the course provides a gentle foundation in counselling skills and prepares learners for further training or study in this area.
You will learn to identify and practice core counselling skills in helping interactions. Reflecting on and practicing listening skills will also support you in developing skills needed in daily life and at work. Development of self-insight and resilience are a core part of the course. Learning is experiential and practical.

You will have time to practice newly learnt skills with peers in an encouraging and inspirational learning environment. You will undertake two units to complete this qualification, which covers an introduction to counselling and the development of skills associated with counselling and helping interactions.

The tutor team includes working counsellor practitioners who have a passion to maintain the standards of the profession and encourage the best qualities within their students. You will develop supportive peer relationships, as group work is a key element of the training.

This qualification does not lead to counselling employment. It is designed as pre-practitioner training for professional counselling qualifications, but it could also provide personal and professional development or lead to employment for those working in a related field.

You will attend College for one session a week. Sessions will include taught material, skills practice and supervision, group work and tutor and peer feedback.

Course units
During the course, you will study two units:
• Introducing Counselling Skills
• Using Counselling Skills to help others
You should allow approximately two hours per week for the time spent completing homework tasks and independent study in addition to the scheduled class time. This is likely to fluctuate at key points during the course depending on assignment dates.
The course has one formal assessment element which candidates must pass in order to pass the course:
• Portfolio of evidence, which will involve a variety of documents including assignments, reviews of your learning and feedback.
What next?
Students who successfully complete this course are able to apply for the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills as the next step towards a full counselling qualification.
Entry criteria
• All students will be expected to attend the "Introduction to College IT systems" 2 hour course to ensure that you have sufficient digital skills to build your online portfolio. The date of this is to be confirmed, and will be sent through with your joining instructions however it is likely to be the week prior to the start date of this course.
• An English qualification the equivalent of at least level 1 in written and spoken English in order to access the course materials and complete assessments.
• Minimum candidate age 19 years old on 31 August preceding the start of the course.
• Students are required to complete the information form that will be sent to you prior to the start of the course to assess their preparedness for this type of programme.
If you are concerned about any of these requirements, please contact us for advice.
Fee information
As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate. Bursaries may also available to cover the cost of some trips.Your course fee includes candidate registration with Gateway.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 555 585 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 216 400 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

19+ Fee:

£125.00

19+ Reduced Fee:

£0.00

ASF Full Cost

£250.00

Qualifications received
Level 1 Award in Counselling

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