Courses

Course and programmes include;

- Car Mechanics
- Basic motor vehicle mechanics
- Pre-driver and Pre-rider programmes
- Quad-bike riding.
- Entry level motor vehicle studies

The Wheels Project

Wheels is incorporated into SKIDZ and offers motorcycle courses comprising contract-making, off-road riding and minor maintenance.

Courses Available
Recreational - open to all

Activity Days:
Quadbiking sessions for youth groups, scouts, guides, schools etc. Days arranged as requested, group size 12. No experience needed. Age 13+

Evening courses:
Motorcycle and quadbike maintenance, car maintenance. Available to groups or individuals, group size 6. No experience needed. Age 14+

Car maintenance for women:
Short courses covering servicing, maintenance and breakdown procedures. No experience needed. Open to all.

Pre-rider courses:
The opportunity to learn theory, mechanical and riding skills before taking formal riding lessons. No experience needed. Age 14+ Pre-driver courses: The opportunity to learn theory, mechanical and driving skills before taking formal driving lessons. No experience needed. Age 16+

ESOL:
English for speakers of other languages. Run in partnership with Continuing Education. Telephone 01494 473795 for details.

Courses on Offer to Schools - Autumn 2005

Entry Level in Road User Studies.
All the courses are run at SKIDZ - The Wycombe Motor Project at our base in High Wycombe, allowing students access to a real workshop environment and an adult work ethos. Experience shows that some students who find school a problem can successfully attend SKIDZ and achieve over and above their true potential. Here students can learn skills in motor mechanics and allied trades, as well as participating in challenging activities that offer stimulating experiences, and building a sense of achievement and self-esteem.

Results from the Entry Level Courses are impressive, with many less academically able students gaining significant qualifications. The 84 South Bucks Schools Consortium Increased Flexibility students gained a 100% pass rate with 66% of these at distinction level. 18 students completed the Asdan bronze award. For two years in succession the top mark in the country has been achieved by one of our students.

Compulsory core module.
History of transport.
First Aid.
The road user and the law (including Highway Code).
Motoring maths/communication.
Environmental/social issues.

Specialist option - Motor vehicle engineering.
Power unit.
Transmission.
Chassis.

Previous experience.
None.

Duration.
2 years (Y10 & Y11), 2 hours per week.

Primary skills in motor vehicle maintenance.

This course can be individually tailored to meet the needs of the student, matching their ability and capabilities. We can accommodate students with Specific Educational Needs We also offer a positive alternative to those students who are at risk of permanent exclusion from schools, with success at re-engagement of those who have "switched off". Some students have been motivated to continue on and enrol, and complete, the 2 year Entry Level Course, whilst remaining in their main stream school. The course offers practical hands-on experience in our workshop, working alongside adults in a genuine work ethos. Experience shows a rapid improvement in communication skills and self-esteem, as well as mechanical and engineering skills that can provide a route to employment.

Content.
Basic Health & Safety in the workshop, vehicle maintenance and repairs.

Previous experience.
None. Tailored to the ability of the individual.

Duration.
1 x 2.5 hour session per week on a term by term basis.

Results from the various course on offer are very impressive, adding to the national recognition of the project. In the two years of the Entry Level courses our students achieved top marks in the country. All received certificates to mark their success, which were presented at a special evening in the Town Hall - the picture shows our students in 2003 - 04.

Staff development is a key player in the success of the project. Our staff has a wide range of skills and experience to offer, but continue to gain qualifications in a variety of applicable subjects which benefit the students as well as the adult concerned.