Recognising Your Achievements
Spring 2006 Chat Issue
The Occupational Therapy department are working in conjunction with the Open College Network in order that patients within Caswell Clinic are able to get more formal recognition of the work that they undertake whilst at the clinic. It's clear that much learning and development is achieved by individuals as they progress through the rehabilitation process, both in terms of the acquisition of practical skills and personal development. It is hoped that by giving people the opportunity to gain national recognised Open College Network learning credits they, along with other-s, for example potential future employers, will be provided with evidence of this achievement
Initially the Occupational Therapy Department plans to focus on developing a flexible syllabus in order to direct the delivery of the teaching which already occurs within the Gardening Group. The flexibility of the Open College Network provision means that learners of all abilities and'1evels of motivation are able to achieve. For those individuals who do not consider themselves capable of working towards credits it "will be possible to demonstrate that they are able to fulfil basic assessment criteria. Whilst those patients with the enthusiasm, drive and capabilities to achieve at a higher level will be able to take charge of their own learning, therefore feeling in control and that they "own" their learning experience.
They will be responsible, with support, of developing their own evidence of progress, in the form of a portfolio of work, and working towards learning objectives at their own rate, whilst continuing to enjoy the activity of gardening. The Open College Network accreditation scheme will be offered to all those involved in the group without placing expectations upon those who choose not to participate.
Following the implementation of an Open College Network accreditation scheme within the Gardening Group the Occupational Therapy Department aims to develop similar schemes in others areas, for example the concrete workshop, woodwork, cooking and art. It is hoped that taking part in an Open College Network course within the clinic, in whatever subject is of interest to the individual, will help develop their practical skills and provide formal recognition of their achievement but also increase confidence in their abilities in order to aid the pursuit of further learning opportunities in the community.