Peer mentors from Queen Elizabeth II High School have received certificates from the Open College Network (OCN).

The eight sixth form students, who help Year 7 pupils settle into life at the busy secondary school, are the latest to have completed an OCN course, run via the Department of Education’s Youth Service.

Michelle Jones (left) and Sarah Gardner (right) are pictured with course tutor Sue Crowe.  The other learners, not shown, were Emily Biggart, Ciara Conroy, Amy Davenport, Bethany Kelly, Stephanie Leece and Chantel Quayle.

Meanwhile, more young people who have successfully completed an OCN course in sound and lighting through Douglas Youth Centre.  Louis Kelch, Luke Craig, Jon-Paul Christian, William Buttimore, and Sam and Patrick Creer all passed their course.

The OCN awards are nationally recognised qualifications.  The Youth Service is now a recognised Open College Network Award centre and offers a wide range of accredited courses for both staff and young people.

A rolling programme of courses for youth workers, with three start dates a year, means 26 staff are currently compiling portfolios of work that will lead to them gaining OCN qualifications.

Ken Callister, Senior Youth Officer, explains, "We have always tried to recognise and celebrate achievement within the Youth Service and, by getting on board with the OCN, although it has involved a lot of work on our side to reach the standard required of a recognised centre, we can now award nationally recognised certificates.

"Feedback from those who have completed courses has been positive and the qualifications have opened new doors.

"For example, the young people on the sound and lighting course have gone on to run the sound and lighting desks at the Villa Marina's Soundcheck gigs.

"The flexible nature of the OCN means we can run off-the-shelf as well as bespoke courses, depending on demand, and this means courses are relevant, interesting and fun.

"Our OCN courses can accommodate a whole range of learning styles and previous educational experiences.  We have been very pleased at how well they have been received, especially by adults who didn’t necessarily have a great time of it at school but who we know will make great youth workers.

"We know young people want more courses, too, and we will do our best to accommodate them."

For more information about taking part in Open College Network courses, or to inquire about a specific course, email k.callister(at)doe.sch.im