National Star College
People with disabilities hoping to study for a career in sport are turning to the pioneering National Star College.
The Cheltenham-based college is a popular choice with students from around the UK, attracted by its first-class reputation for varied vocational, Entry and Pre-Entry level courses.
The acclaimed centre enables young people with disabilities to prepare for adult life through cost-effective, innovative programmes of education, training and independence, through a wide range of vocational courses.
The sports department is one rapidly expanding area with a variety of courses and activities to help students get the most out of their time at the college.
Kathryn Burgon-Watson, Sports Curriculum Co-ordinator, told Link: “At the moment we have 13 students - two of which are female- enrolled on the full-time vocational sports courses, all from a variety of backgrounds.
“Students come from mainstream or special schools and choose our sports courses for many reasons, including pursuing a career in sport, accessing specialist practical and curriculum sport or wanting to develop a variety of academic and sports related skills.
“There's a very lively atmosphere here, partly because there's a lot of emphasis on working in a group. Team work helps our students to gain in confidence and develop their communication skills.”
The college, which has a total of 160 residential and day students plus a thriving Adult & Community Learning department, boasts a gym, swimming pool, golf course, basketball and badminton courts among its first-rate sports facilities.
Kathryn said: “Our courses include the City and Guilds Sport and Recreation Progression Awards which provide an introduction to academic and practical knowledge about the world of sport. Topics covered include health, nutrition, sports psychology, anatomy and facilities management, amongst others.
“We also run a Community Sports Leaders Award which teaches valuable skills in leadership, team building, coaching and event organising. It is a fantastic qualification for any budding coach.”
Students at the college are supported by a strong team of therapists, education and residential facilitators and nurses.
At the core of the college's ethos is the ability to identify a student's potential and encourage its development to maximise quality of life, both now and in the future.
But it's not all hard work for the students… the social scene is as active as any other college.
All students are automatically members of the Student Union, which runs discos, dances and barbecues, among many other activities.
There are many other clubs offering a range of activities including art club, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, fishing club, rifle shooting, boccia, drama workshop and concerts.
Kathryn added: “At the National Star College we have proved that independence for young people with disabilities is achievable.
“The success of our students shows that our approach to education is achieving substantial benefits and making a real difference in the lives of young people.”