Foundation Learning Tier

Have you missed out on part of your education or are you unsure which vocational area you would like to pursue? We can offer you an individually tailored programme of study that will help you to progress to Further Education, employment or to live independently.

You will start with an assessment and an induction period where you can try out lots of different activities in several subject areas. We can then guide you onto the right course at the right level for you. The Foundation Learning Tier will have periodic start dates throughout the year.

The length and level of the Foundation Learning Tier course will depend on your individual needs, but it will include:
• Vocational studies
• Functional Skills
• Personal and social development
• Sport
• Art
• Group and personal tutorials

Whichever level/s of the Foundation Learning Tier you complete, we will aim for you to progress into one of the following pathways:
• First full Level 2 qualification
• Independent living or supported employment
• Skilled work, including an Apprenticeship
• Other qualification such as Foundation Diploma or GCSEs

The flow chart below shows the process that you, the College and other external agencies will follow to find the most suitable progression route for you.


Entry Level Qualifications
The Foundation Learning Tier at Pre-Stage 1, Stage 1 and Stage 2 will enable you to develop a range of skills and achieve qualifications at Entry Level.

Level 1 Qualifications
From September 2010, all Level 1 vocational courses will also form part of the Foundation Learning Tier (Stage 3). This means that you will spend two days a week studying your chosen vocational qualification and the remaining three days working within the areas listed above.

Level 1 vocational qualifications include:

• Animal Care Level 1, NVQ NPTC
• Horse Care, Level 1, NVQ NPTC
• Art, Design & Media, Level 1, Introductory Diploma BTEC
• Business & Administration, Level 1, NVQ OCR
• Wood Occupations, Level 1, City & Guilds Diploma CCA
• Trowel Occupations, Level 1, City & Guilds Diploma CCA
• Decorating Occupations, Level 1, City & Guilds Diploma CCA
• Performing Engineering Operations, Level 1, NVQ EMA
• Salon Services and Introduction to Beauty Therapy, Level 1
• Health & Social Care, Level 1, National Award OCR
• Landbased Studies (Horticulture), Level 1, Certificate NPTC
• Landbased Studies (Arboriculture), Level 1, Certificate NPTC
• Landbased Studies (Floristry), Level 1, Certificate NPTC
• IT@Work, Level 1, Introductory Diploma BTEC
• Vehicle Fitting Operations, Level 1, Award IMIAL
• Vehicle Maintenance & Repair, Level 1, Award IMIAL