foundation L ea r ni n g
Foundation Learning
Why choose Foundation Learning at Carmel? Foundation Learning is a new way to provide personalised learning programmes for young people working at Entry Level and Level 1. It is for learners who are less engaged, or who struggle with academic study and often flourish in the practical, real-world environment of vocational learning. It would help you to develop your potential and prepare you for further education, the world of work or independence in the community. Foundation staff at Carmel College are friendly, approachable and supportive. We work with a range of agencies to ensure you receive the guidance, help and advice on matters of both an academic and personal nature.
Foundation Learning WHAT WILL I STUDY?
meet the students
The course is suitable for students who are working at Entry Level 1 through to NVQ Level 1. Personalised learning programmes cover three main areas:
Haydock Sports College
Vocational / Subject Learning: This will involve developing skills around the world of work both generic and specific work areas. For example Business and Retail, ICT, Health and Social Care, Sport and Active Leisure, Hair and Beauty, Land Based Studies, Media, and Travel and Tourism.
In Vocational Studies I like the way you get to learn lots of different subjects. At Carmel I’ve made lots of friends and the staff have really helped me to settle into college. I also play football here and am going to the Lake District on a residential as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Award. I enjoy everything about college and after I leave I would like to get a job in ICT
Personal and Social Development: This will involve developing skills and knowledge around your personal and social needs, for example Healthy Living, Travel Training and Social Awareness. It allows the recognition of all types of achievements gained outside of formal learning and achievements in areas of learning that are of key significance to the individual. It provides a structure in which learners can identify their own strengths, weaknesses and goals.
CHRISTIAN JOLLEY
may involve risk, eg independent travel. You will also need money occasionally for trips out.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Initial Assessment: This will take place to find out which level you should be working at and to develop your personalised learning programme. Recording Progress: Progress will be assessed both formatively and summatively. You will build a portfolio of evidence and your Individual Learning Plan targets will be formatively assessed at the end of each session to record your progress. Each term your Personal Tutor will compile a report to record your progress across the whole curriculum.
Functional Skills: These qualifications are designed to provide the necessary levels of English, Maths and ICT skills needed to ‘function’ in today’s society and workplace.
meet the tutors BILL DUTTON Head of Department
CAROLINE OATES Assistant Head of Department
REBECCA WORSLEY Tutor/Safeguarding Officer
LINDA CARR Functional Skills Co-ordinator
JOANNE BARRETT KIRSTEEN MCGAVA MICHAEL OWEN
They are a key component of the Foundation Learning at Entry level and Level 1. As part of the learning programme, sometimes you will be away from the college premises to learn new skills which
What is the department like? You will be studying in well resourced classrooms with multi media technology and will have access to computers and the internet to help you with your studies. We also have a well equipped flat in which you can develop your independent living skills. All our classrooms are accessible to all students regardless of disability.
What support will I receive?
We are committed to supporting you as an individual and will help you to achieve your personal targets. Group sizes are small at around 10 students. You will be supported in your lessons by our team of classroom assistants. Teachers will help you reflect on your achievements and guide you in the setting of targets to help improve your performance throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE COURSE? You must apply using the standard college procedures and deadline date which can be found on the Carmel College website. We have a number of Open Evenings during November at which you can speak with a member of the Foundation Learning team should you require further information.
HOW WILL I GET TO COLLEGE? We have several college buses which you can use. However if you are unable to travel independently, the Local Authority will provide free transport to and from college.
WHAT ACTIVITIES WILL I DO IN MY LESSONS? You will take part in a range of activities including: Daily Living Skills: shopping for food, cooking meals, washing and ironing clothes, cleaning the flat.
Community and Leisure: personal safety, travelling around, shopping, seeking help and advice, using community facilities, citizenship. Practical and Vocational Skills: work skills, work experience, careers advice and information, and a range of vocational options e.g. ICT, Media, Environment, Nails and Beauty, Retail.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT BREAK TIME? You are encouraged to be independent at break and lunch time however you must remain on college premises. If you need support it is available and will be discussed as part of your initial assessment.
WHAT IF I HAVE PERSONAL CARE OR MEDICAL NEEDS? We have a care team that can support you with your individual needs. This can be discussed at your initial assessment.
WHAT CAN I DO AFTER I HAVE COMPLETED MY COURSE? There are a number of progression routes available. These include further education, vocational training and employment. There is a Connexions Adviser linked to the department and they work closely with you throughout your course to ensure you make a well informed, realistic decision about your future.
meet the students GEMMA GLOVER St Aelred’s I enjoy this course because there is a lot of variety and we get to go out on visits. I’ve done a work experience placement at St Mary’s Infant School and I’ve also been doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award and as part of this I went on a residential to the Lake District. For my Enrichment I have done Nails and Beauty, Art and Jewellery Making. I like studying at Carmel. The new buildings are really good and I like using the IT rooms. I’ve also made lots of new friends and all the staff have been really helpful and supportive.
classroom support team LOUISE HARGREAVES NICOLA GARNER CLAIR MILLER LOUISE MCCOLL MHEL SANTHAKUMAR GILL SMITH
care team LINDSAY GRUNDY JOANNE BENSON SHIRLEY CROSS
What other activities will I get involved in? WORK EXPERIENCE
COLLEGE PRODUCTIONS
TRAVEL TRAINING
You will be given the opportunity to take part in work experience at a placement of your choice.
There are a number of college productions throughout the year including our very own X Factor show. You will have the opportunity to take part in any of these productions.
You will undertake a travel training and road safety programme depending on your initial assessment and ability.
Student undertaking work experience placement at Tesco, St Helens.
Students showing they have the X Factor
Students taking part in road safety programme
ENRICHMENT
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
ST HELENS CHAMBER
You will take part in whole college enrichment activities including nails and beauty, sport and art.
All students are entered for their Duke of Edinburgh Award which involves developing new skills, helping in the community and undertaking various outdoor activities including a residential.
You will be involved in a number of activities organised through St Helens Chamber including Career Detectives, Chamber Challenges, Mock Interviews and Young Enterprise.
Students taking part in a nails and beauty session
Students taking part in residential activities
Cake sale for Fairtrade Fortnight
Behind the scenes at the Trafford Centre
Taking a break at Lavender Farm
TRIPS AND VISITS There are a variety of trips and visits throughout the year that you will be invited to take part in. For example Chill Factor, theatre trips, museums and the Trafford Centre.
Students having a ski lesson at Chill Factor