Stacie’s story

Stacie’s journey with National Star

Stacie is a motivated and capable student on the Work Outcomes and Personal Development pathway. She is developing key skills to support her long-term goals around independence, communication, and relationships. Her weekly routine at college includes a mixture of classroom-based learning, community engagement, and workplace experiences. These are carefully tailored to support her personal and educational targets. With guidance from staff and access to work placements, Stacie is steadily growing in confidence and capability.

Targeted goals for independence and development 

Stacie is currently working towards several targets that shape her weekly programme: 

• Healthy relationships: Understanding appropriate behaviours across different types of relationships and recognising when she needs support to maintain them. 
• Effective communication: Adapting her communication style to suit different social situations and seeking help when needed. 
• Problem-solving and qualifications: Developing her independence and problem-solving skills to complete the City & Guilds Extended Award at Entry Level 3.
• Student engagement: Taking part in small group activities and games during both structured lessons and unstructured social time.
• Personal safety and community access: Developing her independence and awareness of personal safety when out in the community. 

Learning by doing: real-life work environments 

For many students on the work outcomes pathway, traditional classroom settings may not fully meet their learning needs, especially when learning about how to behave in the workplace. For Stacie, being able to access real work environments is essential to her learning. 

By engaging in real-world placements, Stacie is not only applying her learning in meaningful ways but also exploring different types of work environments. These include food banks and hairdressers. Placements are helping Stacie to decide about her future.

Allowing her to gain practical experience she can take forward, while identifying what she enjoys.

Building confidence and community skills 

Stacie regularly takes part in community activities, practising various ways of travelling, managing her personal belongings, and interacting with others. These sessions reinforce her ability to stay safe and independent in unfamiliar settings. 

In classroom and group settings, Stacie has made significant progress in how she engages with other students. She works well in small group tasks and joins in during social games. These unstructured moments are vital in helping her to navigate social boundaries in a supportive space. 

Looking ahead: a foundation for future independence 

Through a structured day that balances work placements, community-based learning, and relationship building, Stacie is making strong progress toward her long-term goals. Her tailored learning plan ensures that she is not only working towards formal qualifications, but also developing the essential life and communication skills needed for adulthood.