Foundation Learning and Vocational Academy intends to develop learners’ behaviours, attitudes, and skills for lifelong learning; supporting learners to be independent, confident, and resilient so they are well prepared to continue with study or progress into work.

Whilst studying in Foundation Learning and the Vocational Academy learners will receive a variety of support relevant to their needs which may include:

• In class support
• 1:1 or small group interventions, including English, maths and social skills
• Learning Coach intervention, for pastoral and mental health support
• Assistive technology
• Communication support – Widget, keyword signing, AAC

Foundation Learning and the Vocational Academy supports learner development with four distinct pathways: Independence, Skills, Vocational and Works.

The Independence pathway aims to provide our learners with important life skills, knowledge and experiences to help them lead an independent and fulfilling life, by working towards the four elements of Preparing for Adulthood, which enhances confidence, physical and social skills and English and maths. 

The full-time course is three days a week, throughout the week learners can work on:

• Independent living at home, e.g. basic home cooking skills or keeping the home clean and tidy.
• Community engagement, which may include learning to go shopping, using public transport and using local services such as a doctor’s surgery or dentist and explore interests.
• Personal development and good health, developing behaviours for learning; including learning to keep safe, the importance of staying healthy, developing English, maths and ICT skills, use of technology to enhance learning and communication and employability skills though the college’s inclusive work placement strategy.

The Independence pathway is assessed using an Entry Level 2 qualification from City & Guilds, and all outcomes are mapped on the skills pyramid.  Progress is captured through baseline assessments and student progress reviews, supporting learners to make sustained progress in college and transfer the skills to home life. 

This pathway will equip our learners to be more Independent and if successfully completed enable them to move on to further study in Foundation Learning and Vocational Academy such as FL Skills or VA Works or live life more independently.

The Skills pathway aims to develop five key progression skills, as identified on the skills pyramid - communication, working with others, problem solving, study skills and life skills - whilst sampling different vocational areas.  The vocational options are used as a vehicle to engage learners in their studies whilst developing the five key progression skills and also gaining an insight into different vocations to support learners in making informed choices about their future careers. 

The full-time course is three days a week, throughout the week learners work on:

• Caring for animals (such as small animals and equine)
• Outdoor education (such as gardening , sports and Forest School)
• Community and enterprise
• Study skills and careers

Learners will map progress in their progression logs, whilst working towards City & Guilds Entry Level 3 Skills for Working Life qualifications.  Learners will also continue to develop English and maths skills relevant to their starting point and employability skills through the college’s inclusive work placement offer.

The Vocational pathway prepares learners to be successful Level 2 learners, providing the opportunity to work with cross-college curriculum staff whilst making informed decisions about their future careers and developing core skills, behaviours, and attitudes to be successful.  Learners will track their vocational progress on the skills tracker and their behaviours and attitude on the skills pyramid headings; communications, working with others, problem-solving, study skills and career planning.

The full-time course is three days a week, throughout the week learners work on Personal and Professional Development (PPD), careers, study skills and experience learning from different vocational options, subjects could include:

• Animal care
• Equine
• Horticulture
• Sports
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Forest School

Learners will work towards a City & Guilds Level 1 qualification in Work-based Land-based Operations.  Learners will also continue to develop English and maths skills relevant to their starting point and employability skills through the college’s work placement offer.

The Works pathway intends to prepare learners for employment.  The course is delivered in two stages. 

Stage 1 - offers learners the opportunity to develop employability skills in tutor-led sessions and develop the skills learnt in an inclusive work experience placement, as well as some community projects.

Stage 2 - this stage follows the supported internship model, studying in college 1 day a week and developing employability skills in an external work placement for 2 days a week, learners may be eligible to have support from a Job Coach (which is funded through the Department for Work and Pensions).  We are working with a range of local and national businesses offering external work placements. Learners will need to have a valid Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in order to enrol on Stage 2.

At both stages, learners will track their progress through baseline assessments and work experience logs.  In Stage 1, learners will work towards a City and Guilds Employability qualification at Entry Level 3 or Level 1, as well as continuing to develop English and maths skills relevant to their starting point.

The Forest School aims to support learners who have not been in education, employment or training and/or who are unsure of what they would like to in their future careers.  The programme has been specifically designed to enable learners to develop their independence, confidence and resilience before progressing into a cross-college programme.

The full-time course is three days a week, throughout the week learners work on:

• Being ready for learning (punctuality, completing tasks independently, preparing the Forest School site)
• Practical Forest School skills (using tools safely)
• Teamwork and communication skills

Learners will map progress in their progression logs, whilst working towards City & Guilds Entry Level 3 qualification.  Learners will also continue to develop English and maths skills relevant to their starting point.