Case study
Further education:
Natural development
Getting involved in the Hair and
Beauty Diploma was an obvious
next step for the London College
of Beauty Therapy. Dorothy
Lepkowska explains
‘
e are based in central
W
London and already enjoyed
an excellent reputation for
the work we do in training
people in hair and beauty,” said Lisa russell,
programme manager for the schools group at
the London College of Beauty Therapy.
“We already ran NVQs at Levels 1 to 3 and
turn out more than 1,000 successful students
every year. Being involved in Diploma at the college cover 10 different units during secondary schools – Parliament Hill, Maria
delivery gave us an opportunity to explore their two years of study. These include the Fidelis, acland Burghley, La Sainte Union,
new and exciting ways of teaching young sciences of hair and beauty; communication and and South Camden – which was vital for
people, allowing our staff to use their skills client care; business systems; promotion and monitoring student progress. “It means
in different ways. We had never experienced selling; skin-care and make-up; hair care and we can liaise with them about how their
anything like Diplomas before, so it was a case styling; and handcare and nail art. students are getting on, and suggest areas for
of developing new strategies and designing Ms russell said the course was intensive, improvement,” she said.
new ways of teaching.” with students spending the whole of one day “We also have excellent relationships with
The college was asked to become involved a week at the college. “We try to incorporate parents, who have been to visit us and see the
in Diploma delivery by a consortium of some practical work into every session because work we are doing, and who will be invited to
schools in Camden, two years ago. it keeps the students interested and they like an open evening for friends and family next
“at the time, Diplomas were the new thing to show off their creativity,” Ms russell said. term where they will see their children’s work.”
and the schools wanted us to be involved “We also have a lot of enrichment activities, The feedback from students has been very
because of our expertise,” she said. and invite in speakers who are often successful positive. One said: “It is much harder work
Since September 2009, 19 students from people working in the field. They talk to than I thought it’d be, but I really enjoy it and
five north London secondary schools have the students about what it is like to be self- my attendance at school has improved because
been attending the college once a week to do employed, how they got their first job, and I want to do really well in my studies.”
the Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Beauty. what opportunities are available out there. We Travelling to the college once a week
The course is delivered by two lecturers, and also have people doing demonstrations of gives students a sense of independence
it is divided into 80 per cent theory and 20 different aspects of hair and beauty to inspire and responsibility for themselves. “It is a
per cent practical work. and motivate the learners. recently, a hair responsibility that most of the students have
The college delivers the Principal Learning stylist specialising in afro-Caribbean hair risen to with remarkable maturity for their
and uses schemes of work specifically designed came in to give a demonstration, which was age,” Ms russell said. “When they come here,
by City and Guilds and aQa. The schools really interesting and an aspect of work many they are in an adult environment, so it must
focus on the Functional Skills and extended of the students would not have seen before.” have been very nerve-wracking to start with.
Project aspects of the Diploma. The college also takes the students out to But they have responded really well, and have
“We didn’t get involved in the design of look at different salons and observe how they enjoyed making new friends. The course itself
the Diplomas as we considered the units are set up and how they work. They consider is very intensive, and they know they have to
being offered by the awarding bodies to be how businesses are geared up to different put a lot of time and effort into it.” DD
completely appropriate. We are not required clienteles, depending on their location and
to stick to them rigidly anyway, and our staff local demographics.
For more case studies and
have some flexibility to be creative.” Ms russell said the college has developed
articles, make sure you visit
www.deliveringdiplomas.com
Learners doing the Hair and Beauty Diploma a close working relationship with the five
Delivering Diplomas • Volume 2 No 1 Spring 2010 17
16-17 case study.indd 3 5/3/10 11:19:45
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