Selby College Foundation Learning Newsletter Spring 2025
Department Newsletter
selby.ac.uk
Welcome
Greetings from the Foundation Learning Department at Selby College!
I am thrilled to welcome you to read our departmental newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading about the amazing things that happen within our Foundation Learning Department.
In this edition, you can expect to find a wealth of information. We’ll bring you the latest news from our department, keeping you up-to-date with current trends and departmental achievements.
Our main focus is to provide our students with the core skills and confidence needed to prepare them for their next steps in life. That’s why we arrange for our students to take part in a rich variety of activities and experiences alongside their learning to ensure they can successfully progress onto their next steps.
We also believe in the power of real stories to inspire and guide and you will be able to read about some of our student success stories in this newsletter, including some of our current and former students. These stories serve as a testament to the supportive and innovative environment that Selby College offers.
All Aboard: Project SEARCH Interns Start their Journey with Siemens Mobility
Five Project SEARCH interns from Selby College have embarked on a new adventure with Siemens Mobility in Goole, where they are gaining insight into the workplace and building their skills and confidence.
The interns got off to a great start working in Siemens Mobility’s Components Facility, which includes its rail gearboxes and motors, the warehouse, office and administration and security and facilities maintenance.
Working with a job coach and a tutor, the interns have access to specialised training and hands-on practical experience across various areas of the Rail Village.
The interns recently attended the grand opening of Siemens’ new tube trains for the London Underground which go into service next year.
Deborah Moss Head of Inclusion
Intern Linden also recently met with over 70 MPs at Portcullis House to share his internship experience and discuss the barriers faced by individuals with SEND or autism, as part of the first-ever Youth Parliament for young people with SEND.
They got to meet some important people in government, including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan; the Deputy Mayor of London, Seb Dance; the Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh; the Commissioner for Transport for London, Andy Lord and Councillor for East Riding, Anne Handley.
at home, with the Apleona Department showering intern Lucy with gifts, balloons and cake on her birthday.
Many of the interns have progressed through our Foundation Learning provision, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see them taking their first steps into the working world.
I was so excited when I heard about the DFN Project SEARCH internship with Siemens because I’ve always wanted to work with trains. I attended the opening day of Siemens’ new tube trains for the London Underground where I got to see the new train cars which I am very passionate about. It was great to be a part of the event and to listen to the speeches and answer questions about the job role.”
Linden
Project SEARCH intern
Hear from our Students
Harley
I love everything about the FLEX course, particularly the cooking and baking that we get to do. I enjoyed putting my baking skills to the test for the Macmillan Coffee Morning that we held at the College. The course has also helped with my time management skills and how to handle money. I want to work as a chef or a baker one day.”
Kayla
I chose to study the FLEX course because I knew it would allow me to experience different things which would teach me how to be independent, including how to handle money and order things. We also get to do lots of fun activities, such as Dungeon and Dragons club and trips to the Royal Armouries in Leeds and the cinema to see Beauty and the Beast.”
DFN Project SEARCH
Byron
I’ve had a really good experience on the DFN Project SEARCH programme and have made lots of new friends. I’ve learned how to do spreadsheets and built up my communication and customer service skills. I’ve always wanted to be a bus driver since I was 10 years old.”
Trips and Visits
Students also have the opportunity to take part in a number of exciting trips and visits as part of their course. Our students have enjoyed trips to Bridlington, Flamingo Land, Yorkshire Wildlife Park and more.
Our Foundation Learning students recently tested out our brand-new I-innovate pods, which aim to provide students with the skills they need to excel in a rapidly changing world.
The students were able to try their hand at a range of innovative technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, state-of-the-art drones, green screens and podcasting equipment, eGlass Lightscreens, Wizefloor interactive floor
Students Support Local Community Kitchen
As a Foundation Learning student, you will have the opportunity to get involved in several activities to fundraise for local and national charities.
Last year, our Foundation Learning students worked with Up For Yorkshire to help raise money for the Community Kitchen in Selby. The students managed to raise a total of £235 after completing a marathon in a month of Mondays!
Baking up a Treat for Macmillan Cancer Support
Our Foundation Learning students were tasked with hosting their very own coffee morning to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
From brownies to rocky road and lemon tarts, the students whipped up a range of treats for the event. They also prepared tea and coffee for attendees to enjoy whilst tucking into their cake.
Celebrating Success
In the Foundation Learning Department, we love to celebrate our students’ successes!
Our Foundation Learning students had a great afternoon at their end-ofyear celebration, with a party, buffet, games and awards presentation.
Welcoming Spaces
We’re lucky to have an onsite communal garden which, as a Foundation Learning student, you will spend a lot of time in. As part of a National Citizen Service community project through the Club Doncaster Foundation, our Foundation Learning students worked together to refurbish the gardens. The students helped to paint the garden’s shed, remove weeds and plant flowers, whilst gaining important skills such as team building, communication and leadership.
