Preparing for Life and Work

Level: N/A | Duration: 1-3 Years | Start Date: September 2017

The Foundation Studies department provides further education for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders and behavioural problems, who are aged between 16 – 25 years. The course is designed to provide a personalised learning programme.

What does the programme include?
The course is taught through projects, which provide a theme for work over a number of weeks. Projects are designed to combine activities and skills from all areas of the curriculum and provide opportunities for students who are working at different levels to work together. There is an individual learning plan for every student, this ensures that the programme meets the individual student needs.
This includes:

Student centred planning for all learners
All learners who approach the department have the right to an assessment
For students aged 16+ there is individually planned provision of up to 3 years
Specialists in mental health and behavioural problems who use appropriative cognitive strategies to support learners
An inclusive curriculum with active participation in the college community
Access to curriculum pathways as progression for learners

Preparing for work:
A range of activities have been developed to prepare students for work. We offer:
A range of work experience opportunities based in local companies for students
Links with other areas of the curriculum which offer work based opportunities to students
Supported work experience in college through our own café and shop
Improving the College environment by taking part in horticulture activities and development of allotments

Developing life skills and confidence:
We work with students to develop confidence and maturity through many different activities including:

Environment Studies
Daily Living skills
Independent travel training
Art and craft
Tutorial
Sport
Duke of Edinburgh
Lots of trips and visits

What about Maths and English?
All of the subject areas that students will study are underpinned by English and maths . At the beginning of the year they will have a simple assessment of their English and maths skills and some students will undertake a qualification in these subjects.

Who is the course for?
Each application will be looked at carefully and a place offered to the learner based on the suitability of the course after a discussion with parents, carers, relevant agencies, previous establishment and the learners themselves.

What support is available?
During their time at college students will be provided with support from many different people:

Personal tutors
Speech therapists
Social services
Connexions
Psychologists
Welfare Services
Counselling Services

Of course, we also value the important role played by parents, guardians and carers in supporting students as well.

What can I do after the course?
At the end of the teaching year new skills will be reviewed and we will discuss each student’s future with them and work closely with other agencies to find the best possible progression option. One possible progression route could be to a level 1 course or into employment.

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