National Star in Wales

About the students

National Star in Wales is a day college that specialises in further education for students with disabilities, aged 16 to 25 with a range of complex physical and learning disabilities.

We provide personalised education for students and therapeutic programmes for students with ALN. Promoting independence, autonomy and participation is at the heart of all that we do.

Students can access a range of therapies. These include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, emotional wellbeing support and physiotherapy. Therapy can result in students becoming more independent and less reliant on others.

Students also take part in work-related activities within college and at external work placements. Recent placements have included National Museum Cardiff, Cafe on the Park, Mamhilad and a local foodbank.

National Star recognises that everyone has different abilities and needs. That’s why each student receives individualised support to meet their health and care needs. Students with profound and multiple learning difficulties follow a sensory-based curriculum. Each student that studies with us requires a LSP, IDP or EHCP.

We work as part of multi-disciplinary teams to help students progress and achieve outcomes. We have strong community links which means students regularly learn outside the classroom. 

Catchment

As a day college, National Star in Wales attracts students from a wide catchment area. Students currently travel from areas including Cardiff, Newport, Torfaen, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and Cwmbran to study with us.

Curriculum

We personalise the curriculum to each student. Our aim is to develop skills for an independent and active life after college. We support each student with additional learning needs to develop life skills and communication skills, as well as literacy and numeracy.

Pathways include:

creative arts (art, music, IT, photography and multimedia)
Learner Voice
cooking
sensory learning
Welsh language and culture                                                                                                                                                                                      opportunities to experience work in a range of internal and external settings                                                                                                           all learners achieve accredited outcomes

Specialist facilities

Our team includes tutors, education support staff, a behaviour support practitioner and therapists. Students with vision impairment are supported by a tutor who specialises in this field of education.

Technology innovation is something that is a key strength of National Star and the team use technology to support students as they learn to become more independent. 

Other information

We have strong links with the Mamhilad Business Park and currently operate a snack delivery service to the local businesses, helping students to improve their communication, work and numeracy skills.