Foundation Learning

Foundation Learning

Work Preparation & Independent Living Skills Programme

Foundation Learning offers a variety of courses that are individually tailored for young people with additional needs and has a successful track record in supporting students to progress on to other programmes of education and possible employment. 

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 on to other courses, live independently and to gain employment. The Independent Living Skills Programme is designed as a progression route for full-time students with moderate learning difficulties.

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 the improvement of Functional Skills and the achievement of personal goals. The curriculum is based on the needs of our students and can change from year to year.  The projects we have offered include:

The projects that we have offered include:

Retail and Enterprise Project
This course is based around the skills required for working within a retail environment. The course will cover the following areas: Investigating the Retail Industry; Health and Safety; Customer Service; Selling and Stock Management. Students will have the opportunity to run a small business and hold several 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, including various sites 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 skills required for working in a catering environment, including food preparation, table setting, customer service, health and hygiene and food service. Students will be involved in running a small café.

Get Active!
This course is delivered through a wide range of practical sporting and leisure activities. These experiences will develop understanding of healthy living and the employment skills for working in the leisure industry.

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, students will also improve their literacy and numeracy skills through football-related activities. Video

Work Placements
We encourage our Foundation Learning students to take up a work placement.  We can offer support to parents/carers to help find suitable work placement opportunities. Video

Communications and Media
This programme develops students’ communication skills through a variety of tasks including interviewing, role playing, using digital technology, discussion and creating a College magazine or newspaper. 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

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

Independent Living Skills
All full-time students access an 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 Spanish 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 Faculty of Preparation for Life and Work on 01935 845353 or 01935 845338.