• Specialism:
  Horse motivated students learn life skills through horses.
• Residential/Day:
  Residential
• Course Start Dates:
  Courses start September (occasional exceptions)
• Course Length per Year in weeks:
  38 weeks
• Maximum Student Numbers:
  Maximum 45 students
• Age Range:
  Age 16 - 25

General Description of College:
The residential Further Education Through Horsemastership (FETH) Course enables people between 16 and 25 years with learning difficulties and disabilities, and with a passion for horses, to learn in an equine environment. The FETH Course is usually of 3 years duration. Students learn on and around the stable yard; learning is then transferred into an understanding of life skills in everyday situations. The FCRT is one organisation run on 3 sites in the New Forest. The nearest mainline railway station is Brockenhurst.

The Curriculum:
Students participate in an active outdoor day all year round. Involvement with horses follows a structured routine and students have Individual Learning Plans. Horse-based teaching and learning uses a transferable skills process which is then embedded within an extended practical curriculum that includes vaulting (mounted gymnastics), self-care, personal development and independence training, literacy, numeracy (including money management), communication skills and health and fitness. Differentiated work experience placements are tailor-made to each student. The course develops an individual’s ability to communicate and to learn to accept responsibility and relate to others. Students acquire equine vocational skills and can achieve accredited and/or internal certification.

Specialist Facilities:
Equine/equestrian

Statements:

1. residential provision linked to the academic year
2. a programme to help learners to look after themselves more independently
3. opportunities to follow a vocational course
4. a personal development programme
5. opportunities to experience real work situations
6. expertise in working with learners with autism spectrum disorder
7. opportunities to develop strategies to promote appropriate behaviour
8. a social skills programme
9. sessions to improve posture and mobility
10. in-house physiotherapy
11. a specialised land-based curriculum
12. opportunities to prepare for further training after college
13. opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and/or communication skills
14. a transition programme into independent living
15. opportunities to take part in a wide range of social, leisure and sporting activities
16. expertise in supporting learners with emotional difficulties
17. expertise in meeting the needs of students with moderate learning difficulties
18. expertise in working with students who have specific learning difficulties