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Introduction
Ruskin Mill College was
founded over 16 years ago with an algae-covered pond, a broken mill
wheel and a building in need of major restoration. Spearheaded by
Aonghus Gordon, director, and a small group of young craftspeople,
the buildings were prepared for the first intake of students who
also participated in the early stages of creating an Educational
and Cultural Centre
Today Ruskin Mill College is a vibrant place of
learning with over 80 students providing an innovative and experiential
education for young people with special learning needs aged between
16-24 years. The College is now based in 100 acres of beautiful
wooded valley, fishery and farmland where each student takes part
in an individual programme designed to enable them to make the most
of their own potential.
Social and interpersonal skills are developed through
small intensive groups working together in craft workshops, on the
land, drama, storytelling, music, one to one counselling and therapy
sessions. Basic and continuing education, work experience and vocational
training are all available and courses are accredited by a wide
range of national organisations. Students are able to progress to
GCSE, NVQ or equivalent vocational qualifications both at Ruskin
Mill College, Glasshouse College and through local colleges.
Ruskin Mill College provides a range of residential
settings for students which allows them to progress and develop
their independent learning skills and personal relationships during
their time at the college. Residential services provides households,
properties owned or rented within local communities, which are run
by residential care workers who oversee each students individual
Care Plan. Residential services can also provide a range of living
opportunities that offers greater levels of independence and integration
into community life.
As Ruskin Mill is also a Centre for Cultural Development,
students can experience a range of artistic expression from visiting
artists, lectures, exhibitions and other local programmes and festivals
as well as interacting with the public by working in the Ruskin
Mill Coffee Shop. As traditional
crafts are incorporated into their curriculum, students will experience
working and producing items in small commercial workshops which
includes glassblowing, glass cutting, weaving, rug making, stained
glass, woodwork, pottery, jewellery, stone carving, bronze casting,
blacksmithing, photography, bike maintenance and printing.
Students can participate in and help produce the
Run of the Mill Magazine which is published at the end of each term.
Run of the Mill Magazine carries features, articles, reviews of
History of Art trips abroad, poetry, art, stories and fun features
that reflects life and activities at both Ruskin Mill and Glasshouse
Colleges.
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