Foundation Studies – Pathway to Mixed Options

Level: Entry Level 3 – Level 1 | Duration: 1-2 Years | Start Date: September 

This pathway is designed for students with an LD/SEN need, who access the base in their school.
It has more of an academic element than Pathway to Independence and has a large focus on employability for after the course. Class sizes are 10-14 students.

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 will I learn on this course?
Timetables include:
• Mixed options twice a week including:
> Retail, Catering, Horticulture, Sports, Arts & Design, Business & IT.
• 2 weekly tutorials
• English and maths lessons (some accredited Entry 2-Level 1)
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.

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.

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 vocational 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. Formal continuous practical assessments will be used to assess your competence in the vocational subjects. 

Are there any costs associated with the course?
Students are expected to be organised and arrive at class with basic file, paper and stationery. Trips and visits may incur additional costs depending on destination; however, affordability is a key factor in decision making.

Some vocational areas may specify that work based PPE is required. Some students may be eligible for financial support to buy this equipment.

Facilities:
All lessons take place in fully equipped classrooms or work based environments such as workshops, salons, kitchens etc as appropriate to the vocational area. 

What Foundation Studies students at Riverside College say…
“This course has helped me to prepare to go onto a mainstream vocational course. I was able to get to know my tutors for next year and I had a good idea of what to expect when I started my new course.”