Every week the Trust at Barnsley Football Club delivers educational programmes here at Oakwell. The aim is to engage children and young people with an interest in sport to improve literacy and numeracy skills, as well as improved their self- confidence and motivation.

Level 1 BTEC Introductory qualification in Sport and Leisure.

Since September 05 vocational learning has become an integral part of the school curriculum. In order to provide a wide ranging choice for 14 – 16 year old students that meets a diverse need a large number of collaborative programmes have been developed through the Barnsley Learning Alliance. The Trust is proud to be a member of The Barnsley Learning Alliance and working in partnership with Secondary Schools and Local Authority are able to offer the Edexcel Level 1 BTEC Introductory qualification in Sport and Leisure.

Pupils from Darton High, Penistone Grammar and Kingstone are currently involved in the programme that is delivered in our Learning Centre here at Oakwell. The students will complete a number of units including:

• starting work in sport and leisure;
  
• the healthy body;
  
• social responsibility at work; and
  
• introduction to customer service

The BTEC Introductory Certificate is a component of the BTEC Introductory Diploma and is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s grades D – G. In addition students will complete the FA Junior Football Organisers Course and the Community Sports Leaders Award.

The programme provides an opportunity for students to access learning outside of the school setting, it aims to widen participation and attainment at level 1 and is the first step into a career in community sport development.

The Youth Support Programme was set up in September 2006 to provide a swift and easy access to an alternative curriculum for pupils who were unable to access their mainstream school successfully. It provides an opportunity for young people in the borough to experience a varied and practical approach to education within the alternative learning environment of a professional football club. Sport is an important element of the educational package offered to these young people. Working in partnership with the BSS Youth Support Programme, the Trust offers a tailored programme of football coaching that is accredited and upon successful completion the young people will achieve the Junior Football Organisers Award.