Foundation Learning

Foundation Learning

Work Preparation & Life Skills Programme

Foundation Learning offers a variety of courses that are individually tailored to the needs of students and has a successful track record in supporting students to progress on to higher level education and possible employment.

The Life Skills Programme is designed for full-time students with sever learning difficulties.  Students learn in small, friendly groups with high levels of support.  The Work Preparation Programme is designed for students with moderate learning difficulties and focuses on all the skills necessary to prepare them to progress onto other courses, to live independently and to gain employment.

Please the Foundation Learning Calendar for 2009-10 for more details of what events are available and when. Also below is a short resume, including videos (where indicated), of what we offer:

Curriculum Design
We offer a project-based curriculum where full-time students learn vocational and life skills in a realistic environment.  This can enable the transition from education to work, and could offer routes for some students to progress into mainstream education.  We have a strong commitment to basic skills, which are embedded into all projects through both individual targets and differentiated activities and resources.

The curriculum is based on the needs of our students and can change from year to year.

The projects that we have offered include:

Retail/Enterprise Project
Based around the skills required for working within a retail environment.  The Retail course will cover the following areas:  Investigating the Retail Industry; Health and Safety; Customer Service; Selling;  Stock Management.  Students will have the opportunity to run a small business and hold stalls throughout the year. Video

Horticulture
Students will learn about propagation and planting and will have the opportunity to sell plants.  They work in realistic settings around the College and the local community.  Horticulture theory will include health and safety and investigating different horticulture areas and seasonal changes. Video

Catering
Students will learn all the skills required for working in a catering environment, including food preparation, table setting and food service.  Students will be involved in running small café.

Construction
Skills are gained through very practical construction projects including building a raised pond, raised plant bed and laying paths.  Students are also instructed in health and safety, the correct use of tools, following instructions and completing tasks. Video

The Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge
The annual Ten Tors Jubilee challenge is an optional opportunity for students to train and then camp and walk on Dartmoor - a fantastic experience for all! Video

Performing Arts
Students will plan and take part in various performances throughout the year.  Confidence and skills are gained in music, dance and drama.  Students will also investigate lighting, music and stagecraft. Video

The Football Project
Training in all aspects of the game is included in this project as well as general fitness and skill development. Students have the opportunity to play in matches both within the group and with other local teams. As well as keeping fit, learners will also improve their literacy and numeracy skills through football-related activities. Video

Work Placement Day
Students will learn the skills required to be able to find a job and keep it. These skills include mobility, time keeping, listening, following instructions, appearance, job hunting, writing a CV and interview skills.  Once the student has demonstrated that they have these skills, they will be supported in finding a work placement.  Students in their second year will be supported by Job Coaches in order to secure possible paid employment. Video

Communications and Media
This is a two-part course; Communications develops students' study skills by getting them to research topics, then practice and produce a PowerPoint presentation.  Media focuses on developing journalistic skills by practising reading, discussion, planning, writing articles, interviewing people and creating and analysing surveys.  Both subjects build up confidence and self-esteem, as well as improving interpersonal and social skills. Video

Community Awareness
Exploring the community around us. THis course enables students to familiarise themselves with the College, Yeovil and all the many facilities available, which students can then explore in their own leisure time.  Video

Basic skills Workshops
All students will be given the opportunity to develop and improve their numeracy and literacy skills within small group workshops.

Independent Living Skills
All full-time students access a modular Independent Living Skills programme which includes Shopping and Cooking for Independence, Social skills, Relationships, Home Management, Mobility/Accessing the Community, Money Matters and Leisure and Personal Skills. Video

Residentials
Every year our students are encouraged to attend a week-long residential trip. Destinations have included Wales, France, London, Torquay and Spain.

See videos of Spainish and Barton Hall, Torbay residentials!

Progression on The Foundation Learning Tier
Students are able to progress either onto a higher level course within Foundation Learning, to independent living or employment.

What should I do now?
Call the Customer Liaison and Enrolment Team on 01935 423921.