Vocational Education at Newham PRUs
In addition to the curriculum delivered onsite across Newham PRUs, we seek additional curriculum opportunities for our students in response to individual needs by working together with outside providers. We continue to explore and develop new and exciting learning opportunities, ensuring our curriculum pathways support transition and progression as well as access to appropriate qualifications.
Creating Futures Programme
As part of our Creating Futures curriculum, a selection of Year 10 and 11 students from across New Directions PRU and Tunmarsh School have the opportunity to take part in our exciting optional vocational learning programme. Delivered in partnership with industry professionals and specialist centres, these off-site pathways allow students to work alongside experts and study towards formal, industry-standard qualifications while developing key transferable employability skills and subject industry knowledge for future career progression.
Employability & Motor Maintenance (Beckton Skills Centre)
Taking place on Friday afternoons, selected students study towards a City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Employability and Motor Vehicle Maintenance at the Beckton Skills Centre. This pathway is split across the autumn terms to give students two distinct introductory learning experiences. Autumn 1 focuses on a six-week introduction to construction and employability skills where students work in teams using hand and power tools to complete workplace safety units and community construction projects. Autumn 2 moves into vehicle systems maintenance, providing six weeks of hands-on experience in basic braking system maintenance, tyre replacement, puncture repair, wheel balancing, and car valeting.
Engineering (Beckton Skills Centre)
Running on Thursday afternoons over a term and a half, the Engineering pathway offers students the opportunity to achieve a City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate at the Beckton Skills Centre. Set in a professional mechanical workshop environment, this beginner-friendly course provides foundational practical skills and safety knowledge. Students work through three core modules covering Working in Engineering, Turning using a lathe, and Mechanical Maintenance, which includes stripping and rebuilding a brake assembly.
Fashion & Creative Skills Programme (Caramel Rock)
Held on Mondays for the full day, the Fashion & Creative Skills Programme at Caramel Rock provides a supportive environment where students explore their creativity without needing prior experience. Across a full-term programme, students learn practical skills in fashion design, illustration, pattern cutting, sewing, garment making, textiles, and sustainable upcycling. The course focuses on building student confidence and developing a professional portfolio of creative work to support future careers in the creative industries.
Hair & Beauty (Sitting Rite Education)
Taking place on Fridays for the full day, the Hair & Beauty programme delivers a full term of high-quality training towards a VTCT Skills Entry Level 3 Certificate in a professional salon environment at Sitting Rite Education. Students study key practical modules in beauty and wellness, including facials, makeup application, and skincare. Throughout the course, students build a comprehensive portfolio of evidence to meet awarding body standards and prepare for further vocational studies in the beauty industry.
Building Foundations for the Future
By engaging in these vocational pathways, our students gain far more than technical expertise; they build real-world confidence, resilience, and essential workplace competencies such as teamwork, communication, and professional conduct. Earning accredited qualifications and compiling tangible portfolios of work opens clear progression routes into further education, college placements, apprenticeships, and direct employment. Ultimately, these hands-on experiences empower our young people to discover their passions, understand the expectations of the modern workplace, and take meaningful steps toward successful, independent futures.
