A Supportive Alternative Approach to Learning
English & Maths
English and Maths form a core part of learning at The Loft.
Learners can work towards Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths, with teaching adapted to their individual level and starting point.
This can be particularly valuable for young people who are not yet ready to access GCSE-level study or who have previously struggled with these subjects.
Alongside structured teaching, staff can use activities, discussion and practical examples to help learners understand how English and Maths connect to everyday life.
Where appropriate, learners may progress to further study, including opportunities to move across to EMBS’s wider Banbury provision and work towards higher-level qualifications or GCSEs.
Life Skills and Independence
Qualifications are important, but young people also need the skills and confidence to navigate everyday life.
The Loft incorporates practical life skills into learning, helping young people develop greater independence and prepare for adulthood.
Activities can include:
- budgeting and managing money;
- planning and organisation;
- CV development;
- communication skills;
- teamwork;
- problem-solving;
- personal development; and
- preparing for future education, training and employment opportunities.
The emphasis is on helping learners understand how the skills they develop at The Loft can be used beyond the classroom.
Andrew Smith
I hold a degree in Illustration, alongside qualifications in education, training and English language teaching.
Andrew Smith
I hold a degree in Illustration, alongside qualifications in education, training and English language teaching.
My professional background includes teaching both art and English, as well as experience in quality assurance management. I have also worked in prison education, supporting learners to develop their knowledge, build confidence and work towards recognised qualifications.
I have a particular passion for creative learning and believe in the importance of making education engaging, accessible and meaningful. I enjoy helping students discover their strengths, develop new skills and gain the confidence to achieve their potential.
Elly
Elly supports learners with their English development, helping young people work towards their individual learning goals and Functional Skills qualifications.
Elly
Elly supports learners with their English development, helping young people work towards their individual learning goals and Functional Skills qualifications.
Elly has experience teaching dance, movement and somatic (body-based) practices and can introduce learners to activities such as breathwork and calming techniques, Yoga and Pilates-inspired movement, creative movement exercises and, where appropriate, more structured dance techniques.
For learners with a particular interest in dance or movement, there may also be opportunities to develop these interests further.
These activities complement The Loft’s wider focus on wellbeing, confidence, self-expression and personal development.
Ivan
Ivan provides learning and wellbeing support to young people at The Loft and works closely with learners throughout their time at the provision.
Ivan
Ivan provides learning and wellbeing support to young people at The Loft and works closely with learners throughout their time at the provision.
Ivan says:
“Every day I come into work, I have an opportunity to make a difference to a student's learning and progress. Building relationships with our learners is a really important part of my role. I want students to know that there is someone here they can speak to when something is bothering them or when they simply need someone to listen.”
Outside of work, Ivan has a particular interest in cars.
Patrick
Growing up, I moved between schools and countries several times, which meant I never really felt a strong sense of belonging in one place. I also experienced undiagnosed neurodivergence (AuDHD), which at times made mainstream education challenging and confusing, particularly when the understanding and support I needed were not available to me.
Patrick
Growing up, I moved between schools and countries several times, which meant I never really felt a strong sense of belonging in one place. I also experienced undiagnosed neurodivergence (AuDHD), which at times made mainstream education challenging and confusing, particularly when the understanding and support I needed were not available to me.
Looking back, there are many things I wish I had been offered during my own education that could have made a real difference to both my learning and my experience of school.
That is one of the reasons The Loft means so much to me. It gives us the opportunity to take a more tailored, nuanced and creative approach to education, one that works with a young person’s individual needs and challenges rather than against them.
Through student-centred learning, we aim to create a safe and understanding environment where young people can develop not only academically, but also build their confidence, social skills, practical life skills and emotional awareness.
Ultimately, I took this role because I wanted to provide young people with the education, empathy and support that I needed when I was a teenager.
All of us at EMBS genuinely care about our learners. We want learning to be enjoyable as well as purposeful, and we want to reach young people who may not have found the right support within mainstream education, helping them reconnect with learning and recognise what they are capable of achieving .
Interested in The Loft?
Whether you are a parent or carer looking for a different educational environment for your young person, or a school, local authority or professional exploring alternative provision, we would be happy to discuss The Loft with you.
Get in touch with EMBS Community College to discuss the learner’s needs, ask questions about the provision and explore whether The Loft could be an appropriate next step.
