Foundation Studies – Pathway to Independence

Level: RARPA | Duration: 1-3 Years | Start Date: September 

This pathway is designed for students who progress from specialist schools with small class sizes (8 maximum).

Why choose Foundation Studies at Riverside College?
Foundation Studies is designed to help young people with learning difficulties, disabilities, or those who need extra support to transition into college.
We provide a safe and supportive environment where students can prepare for higher levels of study and adult life, helping them become valued members of the community.

What are the different Pathways in Foundation Studies?
Within Foundation Studies we have created three different pathways which enable every student to start college at the right level:
• Pathway to Independence
• Pathway to Mixed Options
• Pathway to Progression

What to expect on this course? 

Timetable includes:
• Preparing for Adulthood sessions:
> Education and Employability
> Friendships, Relationships and Community Inclusion
> Good Health
> Independent Living Skills

• 2 weekly tutorials
• English and maths lessons (mostly for everyday life, not accredited)
• Full enrichment timetable on a Wednesday afternoon
2/3 days in college

What to expect as a student in Foundation Studies?
Students will:
• Have a tailored timetable working to their own individual learning targets.
• Be in small class sizes with 1-2 Learning Support Workers in each session.
• Take part in two ‘off timetable’ activity weeks per year including guest speakers to help build confidence and resilience.
• Have access to the job coach to help with gaining work experience in their second year.
• Have access to activities and the college canteen during the one hour lunchtime. (Staff are on duty during lunchtime and can escort students to the canteen if needed).
• Be able to access all aspects of college life including free college buses and the college bursary. Click here for more information.

Transition to College?
Before you start at Foundation Studies, we will help to prepare you for starting college with various trips
and visits.
During this time, you will meet your teachers and the support team in Foundation Studies and you will also become more familiar with the
college and facilities

Entry requirements
No formal qualifications are required. A transition programme will be put in place so that you are able to experience the college environment and we can assess your suitability for our programme.

How will I be assessed?
Your teachers and support staff will continually observe and review your progress, as soon as targets are achieved, new ones will be set so that you continue to develop and build on previous learning.

What are the enrichment activities on offer in college?
Students in Foundation Studies have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of enrichment activities during their time at college. These will take place both in college and offsite and can include forestry, art, drama, sport, games and hair & beauty.
In the second year students will have the opportunity to attend the NCS residential.

Are there any costs associated with the course?
Students are expected to be organised and arrive at class with basic file, paper and stationery. 

Facilities:
All lessons take place in fully equipped classrooms with access to PCs and smart devices. Students can access course materials electronically from home.

What Foundation Studies students at Riverside College say…
“I love coming to college, the staff are really friendly, I have learnt lots of new skills and made lots of new friends.”