Pathways

An inclusive environment in which to communicate, develop and learn

We develop life skills through cooking, gym sessions, enrichment, trips and lots of other exciting activities. These will all help to build your confidence and set you on the path to achieving your goals.

Celebrating award-winning students!

We've had success everywhere with our Pathways students, including at the College's Student of the Year Awards and as a group at the prestigious Blenheim Palace Heritage Awards.

WikiMe

The College has recently invested in the digital learning tool, WikiMe, for the next three years for staff and students (starting from January 2019).

It allows students to upload videos and images, set goals and more importantly set up a circle of friends, all in a safe and secure setting. Pathways 2 students are so proficient with the tool that they show students from Pathway 1 how to use it!

The software also allows staff to set goals, to evidence tasks being completed and even message students off-site on work experience to be able to update progress.

Building up confidence and becoming more independent through life-changing learning

We think that college is a fantastic first step into life after school. On Pathways, there is support at every point of your journey, with transition workers here to make that change from school as smooth as possible.

Our friendly and experienced tutors will develop a course that is just for you, making sure it challenges you but is not overwhelming. There are plenty of interesting projects to keep you busy, giving you valuable work and life skills. We have had students create art pieces for an exhibition, set up social profiles through WikiMe, and design flower displays for VIP musicians at the Cornbury Festival.

Click here to see our programmes

The Pathways department is like its own small community, where you will make new friends, discover new interests, go on exciting trips and have a lot of fun along the way. We can't wait for you to come and join us!

Information for Parents

Staff Profile: Angela Petruso

Starting life in a prestigious catering college in London, Angela trained as a chef for deluxe hotels, allowing her to travel and work with lots of different people from a wide range of backgrounds.

A change career led to training as a lecturer in Further Education and working with young people who need extra support to be successful. She now works in the Access to Learning faculty at the College as Pathways Manager.

"I am passionate about supporting students to be the best they can be and looking for opportunities to make the curriculum area exciting, interesting and relevant to the young people in our department.

What I love about my job is the variety and diversity that every day brings; I really enjoy seeing people develop and grow as young adults and feel proud to have had a part to play in their success.

There is something new to learn each day and the courage and determination of our students never stops amazing me. I can't imagine doing anything else."

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.

For the past three years, he has been the Course Leader for Pathways, and has worked at the College for a number of years in different departments.

"Working in Pathways is where I'm meant to be and everything has lead to this point. I enjoy giving opportunities to those who miss out due to personal circumstances and needs.

We develop life skills through a planned tutorial system, cooking, gym sessions, enrichment and trips within the community; these help build confidence too, which is key for our students and with it they can achieve their goals.

We challenge students academically, through their qualification and English and maths. There is an employability focus on being able to read, write and speak to others, along with learning about time, money and basic numeracy skills needed for day-to-day life."

Staff Profile: Jeannie Donald-McKim

After studying English at Sussex University, Jeannie taught English as a Foreign Language in Spain for 6 months before doing VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) in a Junior High School in Bhutan for 2 years, and then Japan for 4 years.

In Japan Jeannie got into experimental dance/theatre which led her to study Dance Movement Therapy on her return to the UK. She worked with people with head injuries, dementia and mental health issues before a seven-year career at Oxford College and then in 2005 moved on to work for Abingdon & Witney College within Pathways 1 and 2.

"It is a privilege to work with my wonderful students who teach me new things about being human and make me laugh every day. I am part of a fantastic team dedicated to delivering individualised programmes for each of our students.

For the past 5 years I have been fortunate to participate in the WikiMe project working with RIX Media and MultiMe to develop a digital multimedia platform to promote self-advocacy for our students. I’ve just been to Berlin on an EU-funded programme to promote social-inclusion through education."

Did you know?

It's not all classroom-based learning for our Pathways students! We encourage students to engage in fun activities outside in the fresh air too!

Jack

Previous school:
Fitzwaryn School

Jack joined our Pathways course in Abingdon in 2016, after leaving Sixth Form at Fitzwaryn School.

Jack grew in maturity and confidence during his time at the College and remains a highly motivated and enthusiastic learner. He achieved his first Functional Skills maths qualification and planned to carry on moving up levels.

He worked very hard on his communication with peers and other college users and confidently used the canteen facilities to buy himself lunch or a drink.

He was supported by our job coach to secure a meaningful work placement, which will help him fulfil his aspirations.

Elliott

Previous school:
Fitzwaryn School

My tutor is amazing and all the staff are kind. The College is great; I like using Costa and I always get hot chocolates!

The lessons are things like spelling and grammar which I enjoy, we do quizzes and also cooking, making cakes, pizza, meals using Quorn and a Theme of the Week.

My favourite part is going to Common Leys Farm on Mondays for the Propeller Project. We do outdoor things like planting flowers, woodwork and animal care.

CJ

Previous school:
St Gregory the Great School

The support is good and there are lots of teachers for each student. They are nice and helpful, and they make the lessons interesting and fun. The class size is smaller too so it is quieter.

I'm getting a LASER qualification and I feel like I'm increasing my confidence being on this course. We are treated more like adults and I have more responsibility and choices.

We also get to go on trips and do activities like tennis, which I really enjoy.

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An inclusive environment in which to communicate, develop and learn

Celebrating award-winning students!

WikiMe

Pathway students' ambitious Social Action Project

WikiMe allows Pathway & Life Skills Students to Stay Connected During Lockdown

Abingdon & Witney College achieves high marks in latest national rankings for colleges

A Night of National Nominations for Abingdon & Witney College

Student of the Year 2019 at Blenheim Palace