Department Newsletter
Autumn I 2024
The One Show Welcome
Greetings from the Foundation Learning Department at Castleford College and Wakefield 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.
Our main focus is to provide our students with the core skills and confidence which will 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. That’s why you will be able to read about some of our student success stories in this newsletter, including some of our current and former students.
The impact of our DFN Project SEARCH programme and how its enabling young adults with learning difficulties to gain valuable work experience has even been recognised by BBC’s The One Show, which you’ll be able to read more about in this newsletter.
Laura Lavender Head of Foundation Learning
Our DFN Project SEARCH students Codie Belford and William Jones recently made their big TV debut when Katie and Harvey Price visited them in their workplace at Pinderfields Hospital, in Wakefield.
As part of a special episode of the One Show, Katie and Harvey met with Codie and William to find out how they’re getting on in their placements and how DFN Project SEARCH has benefitted them.
Viewers got a glimpse of what Codie’s internship involved as a Ward Domestic, as well as William’s role as a Facilities Porter, at the Trust.
Katie and Harvey also spoke to Codie’s mum Kerry and William’s dad Stephen about what it was like for their children growing up and the opportunities that the programme has given them.
Building Your Skills and Confidence
Our Foundation Learning students take part in a range of sessions and workshops designed to help you build the necessary skills for an exciting future career.
Our students have been taking part in a weekly Preparing for Adulthood session, which mostly recently included a guest workshop from HSBC Banking where they learned about accessing online banking safely, avoiding fraud and making successful payments.
Hear from our Students
Lewis
I was previously home schooled due to my autism but I enjoy the relaxed environment at Castleford College. I am now studying on the FLEX programme and particularly enjoy Maths, English and the employability side of the course. We have also learned how to bake pizzas, muffins and biscuits and been bowling at The Hut.
My experience on the DFN Project SEARCH programme has been brilliant. I got to try a range of different jobs as part of my placement at Kendray Hospital and the staff are very caring, going the extra mile to support me. I was also part of the youth advisory group which I enjoyed - it was good to have a voice and be able to make a difference to the programme.
I would recommend the scheme to parents, carers and young people who have autism or a learning disability, as it gives you experience in different areas and helps you to find out what you want to do.
Students End the Year on a High
Our Foundation Learning students held an entertainment-filled end-of-year awards ceremony, with a party buffet and performances from a range of students. The Department handed out awards for each student to celebrate their hard work this year, alongside some special awards to mark exceptional progress in English, Maths and ICT
FLEX Student
Jacob DFN Project SEARCH Student
Our students get to use and work in our onsite SEND café which includes a brand-new barista machine, recently donated by the Conservatory Outlet. Students are able to gain new skills and the independence to provide their own drinks service.
Our current students recently hosted their first coffee morning where attendees got to enjoy a barista-style coffee and learn all about the delicious cakes before sampling some tea and biscuits!
From Student to Full-Time Employee
Hear from our former student David who went from being a DFN Project SEARCH student at Wakefield College to now working as an IT Support Technician Apprentice at the College.
This is all thanks to the amazing work experience and skills that he gained as part of his programme.
Scan the QR Code to watch the video.
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