Students in Key stage 4 were given the opportunity to visit the Learning Curve Hair and Beauty Academy. The visit was set up to show interested students a Training Provider provision in central Leeds that is easily accessible and offers hairdressing, beauty, and barbering opportunities. The visit took place on 26 November 2024.
On the visit students were given an initial talk by Alison Leonard (Business Development Officer) about the different courses on offer, entry requirements and about Career pathways. Students then had a tour of the facilities, seeing the Beauty salon, Hair Salon, classroom and nail areas. Students met with a course tutor and were given the opportunity to speak to the academies current students about their courses and experiences at the college. Stephen Longfellow Academy staff and students were also treated to a hand massage from current students, who had to complete their practical assessment and our students also learned about the way current students are assessed on their programme.
Student feedback was very positive, with a 100% of students saying: the visit made them aware of an alternative to mainstream college and would recommend the visit to other students.
Student comments included:
“I am picking here over Leeds City College, it’s way better.” Year 11 student.
“It’s not too busy and less people, I will apply to Learning Curve.” Year 11 student
Feedback from Alison Leonard (Business and Development Officer) at the college about our students visiting the college can be seen below.
“We are always happy to help The Stephen Longfellow Academy and their students, understand the different options in Hair, Beauty and Barbering. It was a pleasure to show them round. We currently have Stephen Longfellow Academy students from last year, who are doing well with us.”
The provision has smaller classes (12 students maximum) and a flexible timetable than most mainstream colleges. Overall, it is a very supportive provision. Out of the students who attended, 50 % said they would be making a direct application to the Learning Curve and preferred it over the larger Leeds City College.
The visit met the needs of students, as several students with anxiety showed a preference to this smaller individual setting and if not taken by school may have never visited the provision to inform their post 16 choices. Raj Gill (Director of Careers)