In January and February, Cotswold Wildlife Park welcomed three groups of our Pathways students during their closed period. Thirty students in total from our Pathways programmes participated in a special taster day put on by the Education Team at the Park.
The team created an engaging itinerary for the students to explore what it takes to be a Keeper. The students got some hands-on experience cleaning out the rhino and camel houses and bathing the tortoises. After a break for lunch, the students met the giraffes to give them a lunchtime snack and then went on to feed the smaller animals like meerkats and penguins.
On the day the students gained valuable work experience, learning essential skills and building confidence. Matthew Allen, Progression and Work Experience Coordinator from our Witney Campus, commented:
“It’s been fantastic for our students to have these work taster days for the second year running. We're fortunate to have such a wonderful wildlife park nearby. From feeding penguins to mucking out enclosures, it’s an experience they’ll remember for a long time. It’s not only enriching, but it also helps learners develop confidence and skills for their future careers.”
A huge thank you to the Wildlife Park's Education Team for their brilliant work, providing such a memorable and inclusive experience for the students!
Our Pathways programme is designed for young people with a range of SEND needs who currently have an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan). On Pathways, there is support at every point of your journey, with three different Pathways routes available: Communication, Independence and Employability.
The students on the trip were from the Employability route: Transition to Work, Developing Skills for Work, and Understanding Skills for Work. These courses focus on developing the necessary skills for future employment opportunities. To learn more about the Pathways courses at Abingdon & Witney College, click on the link below.
