Future pathways (Berkshire)
What is Future Pathways?
Future Pathways is a free programme that has been running in partnership with Reading virtual school (Brighter Futures for Children) since 2022. It helps care experienced young people in years 9-11 learn about all the educational pathways available to them after they leave school. It also gives them the opportunity to socialise with other young people in similar circumstances.
This year we have partnered with the University of Reading to make sure this year’s programme is better than ever!
Who is it for?
The programme is aimed at care experienced young people in years 9-11 in the following three local authorities:
- Bracknell Forest
- Reading
- Wokingham
How much does it cost?
Future Pathways is completely FREE to attend, including transport and all refreshments.
When and where is it?
All the events for this year can be seen in the table below. At the bottom of this page is a downloadable leaflet with details of each event.
| Date
|
Time | Event | Location |
| Tuesday 10th October 2023 | 18:00 -20.00 | Launch Event
A chance for introductions and to explain what we will be doing over the programme, followed by a fun ice breaker activity. |
Hosted at The University of Reading. |
| Thursday 16th November
|
18:00 -20.00 | Further education choices
A workshop about post-16 options and how to make choices about further education study. And food! |
University of Reading
|
| Wednesday 13th December
|
09.00 – 15.00 | Further education college visits followed by a meal out | The Henley College, Activate Reading and Berkshire College of Agriculture |
| Monday 15th January 2024
|
18:00 -20.00 | Higher education for care experienced students
What to be aware of and to look out for as a care experienced person entering higher education |
University of Reading
|
| Tuesday February 13th 2024
|
09.00 – 15.00 | Visit to another higher education institution, Oxford Brookes University. | Oxford Brookes University |
| Thursday 18th April
|
18:00 -20.00 | Apprenticeships
Information about where to look and how to apply.
|
University of Reading |
| June date TBC
|
09.00 – 15.00 | Apprenticeship visit
A visit to an employer offering apprenticeships
|
TBC |
| July TBC | 18:00 -20.00 | Celebration event
A fun time out to celebrate all your achievements |
TBC |
How do I book on?
To register your young person please complete the registration form below.
For more information or if you have any questions please contact Jo Ridley: jridley@brookes.ac.uk
Testimonials from Future Pathways (Berkshire and Swindon)
I went on the college tours and I found it useful to be able to see all the options of what I could do in the future and was informed about particular subjects I want to study.
(Care Experienced Student)
Our young person attended her taster at New College yesterday afternoon - FINALLY! I caught up with her this morning and she completed her college application with me as that course is what she wants to do. This is all thanks to the Study Higher colleges trip last December and the spark it lit for her. I am so chuffed and so grateful to you, thanks so much.
(School Staff Member)
I came on the formula one trip. I liked the man that came to speak about how he grew up in care and how he changed his life around.
(Care Experienced Student)
One example I can provide is a CLA who has a very clear interest but had been incredibly disengaged with school and didn't see any point in it. Following bespoke visits to a number of Post-16 and Post-18 providers, organised and funded by SH, she was able to define which provider she wanted to move on to and furthermore, discovering the academic entry requirements provided her with the focus and determination she needed in school to make that wish become a reality. She is a changed student.
(School Staff Member)
Thank you so much for organising today's event [apprenticeship employer trip to Formula 1 in Wantage], it was fantastic. I do believe they all got something out of it and I think it will give them all a day to remember.
(Virtual School Staff Member)
The colleges and uni were great.
(Care Experienced Student)