People and environment creating the ultimate experience at Vision College

A traditional school environment may not be for everyone.

Vision College Hamilton provides a space for students to learn and grow while gaining their NCEA Levels 1 and 2. The programme provides valuable life skills, employment skills, and a look into the different career and study options out there.

“I really like that it wasn’t so much like traditional school but you instead work together with the teachers. There is still structure, but the authority is different to school, here the tutors support you and work with you to get it done. ”

– Dylan

FutureForce® sat down with students Judith Pardoe and Dylan Young , to get their insights into why Vision College was right for them.

Judith and Dylan

“The environment at Vision College was very welcoming and I could see myself coming here from the get go”

– Dylan

A Chat with Dylan and Judith

How did you find out about Vision College?

Dylan – I started by looking it up online to find out what study alternatives were out there and what would best suit me. At the time I was working and wanting to go into uni but couldn’t because I hadn’t completed NCEA. I had been kicked out of school before getting the chance to complete it, so this was the best alternative for me to obtain my credits.

 

Judith – I found out about Vision College from my boyfriend’s mum, she is the principal at a school, and one of her board members works here at Vision College so she knew about it and pushed me to consider it.

What was appealing to you about Vision College?

Judith – I needed my NCEA levels and Vision College was the best option for me to get these. The style of learning is very different compared to school; I honestly think it is better. There are less people here which allows me to function better.

 

Dylan – I was the same, I needed the NCEA levels, but once I come in for my interviews the atmosphere stood out. It seemed like a good environment and felt inviting, which made me see myself coming here for study.

What about the environment stood out to you?

Judith – It really suited my learning style, what I was looking for, and my needs when it comes to a learning environment.

Dylan – I really like that it wasn’t so much like traditional school but you instead work together with the teachers. There is still structure, but the authority is different to school, here the tutors support you and work with you to get it done. In school its often you either get it or you don’t get it, whereas here the environment is more relaxed, and you feel you can ask those questions. They never make you feel stupid for asking questions and you move at your own pace, so you aren’t being left behind.

What does a day on course look like?

Our day starts at 9, when we get in we crack on with our learners guides and any assessments that we need to complete. We spend the day working through at our own pace, with assistance from the tutors when we need it.

If you can put your head down and get work done, you have a lot of freedom. At the end of the day class finishes at 2:30

What has been challenging for you?

Judith – For me it has probably been trying to get comfortable when I first started. Having not been in school for a while it was hard to adjust to being back in a class environment. Another challenge was getting to know the people around you.

Dylan – For me there wasn’t much that I found challenging, transitioning back to a learning environment was not bad. I had known I wanted to take this path for a while and so I had my mind set on getting it done. Everything I learnt at work translated into managing myself and my workload at Vision College.

What is your advice for handling the transition to Vision College?

Judith – I don’t think I have gotten through this challenge yet; I am still working towards it. I am just trying to talk to classmates more and asking questions rather than sitting back.

Dylan – This is an environment to suit everyone, you see all sorts of people here and everyone gets along and gets the job done

What are your plans after vision college?

Dylan – I am wanting to go to university, either at Auckland or Waikato and study business or architecture.

 Judith – I am wanting to do an early childhood course after Vision College and work in early childcare.

“Vision College really suited my learning style, and my needs when it comes to a learning environment. It was exactly what i was looking for. 

– Judith

Ultimate: What will you learn?

Community/Life

  • Community services
  • Effects of Drugs and Alcohol
  • Manage Own learning
  • Managing Stress
  • Cultural Identity

Self Management

  • Personal Wellbeing
  • Anger Management
  • Keyboard Skills
  • Rented Accommodation
  • Personal Finances

Work Preparation

  • Employee Obligations
  • Motor Vehicle Ownership
  • Traffic Laws
  • Team Work
  • Personal Presentation
  • Customer Service
  • Food Safety

Future/Employment

  • Plans for Future
  • CV Writing
  • Interviews
  • Employment
  • Workplace Relationships

Find out more about the Ultimate Programme

Click for more info on studying Ultimate 2.0 at Vision College

What qualifications will you get?

  • New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1)

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • For students aged 16-24.
  • No previous qualifications at NCEA Level 1 or higher

This is the Ultimate alternative to school! Ultimate is a free programme designed for students who didn’t enjoy school and are looking to gain skills and insight towards a pathway for their future.

Ultimate offers the opportunity for students to earn an NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1), credits towards NCEA Level 1, and explore a range of practical study and career tasters. This programme will help to prepare students for life beyond school by covering personal financial planning, computer skills, writing CV’s, and by giving them the opportunity to sit their learner driver’s licence. And that’s just the beginning!

Students can learn in a relaxed setting through alternate methods of learning, cover literacy and numeracy in an engaging way and discover embedded learning through games. They will also develop self-management, time management, and teamwork skills to help prepare them for further learning and employment.

Students are taught in a fun environment and will experience a range of career tasters. These tasters may vary between campuses but include such things as an introduction to barista skills, safe use of quad bikes and tractors, food preparation, cash handling skills and much more.

In just 19 weeks, students will gain skills towards employment, have some amazing experiences, gain an NZQA qualification and an opportunity to do further tertiary training. Most graduates go on to higher study in Ultimate 2.0, or one of our other Level 2 or 3 programmes where they can gain credits towards their NCEA Levels 2 and 3.

Prior to entering the Ultimate course you may take: Quick Start

When taking quick start, students will gain the confidence they need to take the next step by strengthening their skills in reading, writing, maths and computers in a supportive environment.

Vision Colleges Quick Start classes are friendly, fun and innovative, with everyone made to feel comfortable.

Graduates of this course can pathway into either further career-oriented courses or employment.

Find out more about Quick Start

This programme is for those who:

  • Have been away from learning for a while.
  • Have always wanted to improve their writing, reading or maths skills.
  • Want to help their children with their reading and maths.
  • Want to achieve their learner drivers licence.
  • Want to learn basic computer skills.
  • Want to gain skills to assist them to move to other training programmes to gain a qualification.

Check out other Vision College programmes…

Early Childhood Education

Agriculture

English for Speakers of Other Languages

Business Administration

Information Technology

Counselling

Literacy and Numeracy