Green light for AQA

28 February 2024

The Fifth Trust is excited to announce that we now provide AQA’s Unit Award Scheme (UAS).

The UAS courses have been designed by The Fifth Trust to provide adults with learning disabilities with a variety of different skills, from life skills such as employability, to practical skills such as gardening. The courses are a flexible and accessible way for learners to have their achievements formally recognised by the AQA accredited awarding body.

To make the courses as accessible as possible, The Fifth Trust uses blended learning and video assisted courses, as well as traditional printed materials, suited to the needs of our students.

One of our social enterprises, the Vineyard Garden Centre, has already been putting the courses into action, starting with a module on potting. In this module, students watch a demonstration film, have a discussion on their learning, and complete their worksheets. For the practical element, students recall what they learnt and prepare the tools and equipment needed to pot strawberry plants into hanging baskets.

And what did the students think? “It was good,” said Kirsty. “It was clear and straightforward. I enjoyed it,” said Jodie.

Garden centre supervisor Lyndsey Wall said: “We have been really impressed with our students’ enthusiasm and the demonstrations of their learning through the new UAS courses.

“It was evident the module had improved their skills and confidence with the task.”

The Fifth Trust education lead Tom German was instrumental in the development and implementation of the UAS courses. “The courses have been created to suit our students and their diverse needs,” said Tom. “I believe these new courses will provide our students with essential skills that allow them to have more fulfilling lives.

“I look forward to teaching the students and moving forward with this programme.”

To enquire about The Fifth Trust and our services for adults with learning disabilities, please email [email protected].

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