Education
The Zinc Arts building is home to Zinc Education, where learning and art collide!
Our aim is to provide opportunities for everyone to engage in creative activities whilst developing their skills in a fun, multisensory environment.
We work with vulnerable and disadvantaged adults including those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, ill mental health, deprivation, or isolation.
We offer a full and varied curriculum, with classes taking place from 10am-3pm Monday-Friday. However, what sets us apart is that everything we teach is delivered using art and performing arts.
We create large scale projects - Whether that's art installations, live shows, crazy science experiments, or bonkers builds, the focus is on fun and laughter. The education sneaks in while nobody's looking.
We also offer cooking lessons for budding chefs and have a sensory garden project for those with green fingers.
Our Service is backed by AQA, one of the country's leading exam boards, and students work towards building a portfolio of AQA unit award scheme certificates. There is no testing necessary for this.
However, above all of this, the most important part of what we offer is the socialisation, enrichment and joy we bring to the lives of our students.
Will you join us as we act, paint, sing, dance, craft, create and laugh our way to success?
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to make learning engaging, accessible and meaningful for every student. Each term is centred around an overarching theme, which is explored across all of our lessons and activities. Each theme is chosen based on it’s degree of fun, creativity and learning opportunities, allowing students to build knowledge in an enjoyable way.
Core subjects including English, Maths and Science are embedded within each term's theme and are guided using AQA Unit Award Scheme topics, allowing students to work towards recognised achievements whilst learning at a pace that is right for them.
We recognise that every learner has different abilities, interests and confidence levels. Rather than expecting everyone to progress at the same speed, our education leaders adapt activities and support to ensure each student can participate comfortably, celebrate their own achievements and continue developing their skills in a positive environment.
Alongside academic learning, our curriculum places a strong emphasis on building the students soft skills, such as creativity, communication, independence, adaptability and collaboration - helping students build confidence while enjoying a rich and varied educational experience.
A Typical Week
Students are welcome to attend as little or as many days each week as they choose, allowing families to create a timetable that best suits their individual needs.
Each day follows a familiar routine, providing consistency whilst offering a variety of engaging activities throughout the week. Learning is centred around the current termly theme, with English, Maths and Science woven naturally into lessons using creative and hands-on approaches.
Alongside classroom learning, students also have opportunities to take part in our specialist sessions, such as Thursday’s cooking lessons.
Above all, Zinc provides a place where students can continue learning, build friendships and enjoy meaningful days filled with creativity, achievement and a genuine sense of belonging.
Mon Learning through cooking or performing arts
Tues Learning through art based activities or hospitality and catering in association with ACL
Wed Learning through art based activities or hospitality and catering in association with ACL
Thurs Learning through art based activities or hospitality and catering in association with ACL
Fri Learning through performing arts