Foundation Studies

Our foundation programmes allow students to develop the key skills in independent living, health and wellbeing, community and employability through a person-centred approach.

The courses offered are full or part-time and the staff delivering have a wide range of vocational expertise as well as extensive experience in working with learners with additional learning needs. Each course includes a structured timetable, study support, chill out/quiet rooms, enrichment activities and an introduction to College life and Further Education. Students will follow a pathway which develops communication, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills and from this comes improved confidence and strengthened personal, social and emotional skills required for learning and life.

You do not need any formal qualifications; just a desire to participate in the learning activities we offer. It is possible to try lots of different subjects depending on your individual interests. This helps you to find out what you enjoy, what you are good at and help you with your future choices. You can work at your own level and speed, but extra help is available as part of the course and, through learning support and tutorials, we are able to cater for a wide range of needs. Our staff are qualified, experienced teachers with specialist skills to deliver the courses offered in a supportive and caring environment. We hold employability and progression events with employers and support agencies. The school runs a number of enterprise and volunteering activities and encourages students to participate in a variety of competitions at both regional and national levels including Skills Competition Wales, ILS sports tournaments.

Our students create pop-up shops and mobile enterprises and we ensure that students make links with supported employment organisations. Work experience has also been set up through the College’s work-based learning department.

Students undertake an initial educational and life skills needs assessment during the transition and induction process. Tutors then work with students to identify their long and short-term aims and suitable targets and routes for progression are then agreed and reviewed at regular intervals.

Our courses offer learners an introduction to college and opportunities to sample various vocational areas such as construction, horticulture and catering from which they can then make an informed decision on future progression routes.

Over 95% of students progressed to higher-level foundation studies courses, mainstream College courses, supported employment, or voluntary services.

Be INspirational wITh a cAReer IN foundation STudiES

Vocational

Lauren Parsons

Gateway Health and Social Care

Lauren Parsons

Lauren’s perseverance throughout the year is an inspiration to all students, she has had some health issues but this did not stop her attending college nor completing her work online and achieving success in gaining her qualifications. Her resilience was and still is unwavering.

Lauren participates in disability sports and helps coach and mentor young players. She is involved in a number of fundraising activities for a variety of charities and would like to go into youth advocacy and justice.

Lauren has progressed onto our Gateway Health and Social Care Level 1 course in Afan College.

CoursES

Full-time Courses

Life Skills - Pathways 1 & 2 Social Education Pathways 2

Work Skills Pathways 2 Vocational Sampling and Vocational Preparation - Pathways 3

Gateway to Further Education

Gateway to Work Pathways 4

Gateway Level 1 in Health and Social Care

Entry Requirements

No formal qualifications required

No formal qualifications required

No formal qualifications required

Duration Location

1 Year Afan/ Brecon

1 Year Afan

1 Year Afan/ Neath/ Brecon

No formal qualifications are required but a desire to participate in all learning activities must be demonstrated at interview. 1 Year Neath/ Brecon

No previous knowledge is required for these courses. Acceptance onto a course will be through the College's application and interview process. Learners need to be able to demonstrate an ability to work at least at Entry 3 prior to this course. Learners must have a positive work ethic and demonstrate an interest in skills development. The courses include practical trades, performing arts, music, catering, IT and health and social care. 1 Year Afan/ Brecon/ Neath

This course is a one year full-time internship programme, supporting learners with Additional Learning Needs to gain employment with work experience in real life internship placements. Learners will attend approximately two days in the workplace and one day in the classroom for formal teaching. 1 Year Afan/ Brecon/ Neath

GCSEs at E/F grades or successful completion of Entry 3 qualifications. 1 Year Neath