Foundation Studies
The Foundation Studies department offers full- and part-time courses for students with a wide range of additional learning needs.
Each course includes a structured timetable, study support, access to a breakfast club, quiet rooms, and enrichment activities.
Moreover, students will develop communication skills, literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills.
As a result, students improve confidence, personal development, social, and emotional skills, which are fundamental life skills.
The department holds employability and progression events with employers and support agencies.
Also, the department runs a variety of enterprise and volunteering activities, participating in competitions at regional and national levels.
We have also entered Channel 4’s Shed of the Year, Inspiring Skills, and Disability Wales Football.
Progression in Foundation Studies
Students will have regular reviews with tutors, parents, career advisors, and other agencies to plan learning and skills.
Students can progress onto appropriate level courses, supported placements or training opportunities. Some students on entry-level programmes will progress into supported living.
The department will identify students’ long-term aims with an initial educational and life skills assessment during the transition process to identify suitable targets and routes for progression.
The courses offer learners an introduction to College and opportunities to sample various vocational areas such as construction, horticulture, and catering in which learners can make an informed decision on future progression routes.
The foundation department staff have taught a range of vocational subjects and have extensive experience in working with students with additional learning needs. The department is responsible for the delivery of adult and community learning.
Students can work towards a full ‘Skills for Life’ qualification or gain unit certification in areas including grammar, speaking and listening.
Students on all campuses are encouraged to make links with supported employment organisations such as Bspoked, Shine Cymru and Polestone Support Ltd.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for the full list of courses we offer.
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English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) has an excellent reputation at our college.
An ESOL will focus on the language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
ESOL courses are offered at the following levels: Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2.
We are one of the biggest providers in Wales with the intent to help students improve speaking, listening, reading and writing in English to enhance career prospects.
You will complete exams and gain certificates in City and Guilds, Skills for Life and Agored Cymru units.
The courses take place over five days and students can attend up to 16 hours a week. We have evening classes and a number of outreach centres in Powys and Neath Port Talbot.
Our team of highly experienced ESOL lecturers has taught ESOL in countries around the world.
Grammar, vocabulary and cultural issues are very important in these courses. Students will be able to develop in these areas to help increase confidence when communicating with English speakers in different situations.
After an ESOL, students progress on to mainstream college courses in that subject, whilst others move on to Higher Education or into employment.
If you attend a full-time ESOL course, you can join taster sessions for other courses. Events are organized for our ESOL students to socialise together and make friends.
As a result, you will improve your English skills as well as develop skills in your particular area of interest.
Part-time students will receive help to improve literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills with specialist tuition.
Additional resources are also available such as computers, iPads and educational software to aid literacy and support additional learning needs.
We also have an IGCSE course available which you can use, instead of IELTS, for University admissions.
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