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.
What will I do?
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 helps 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 range 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 and 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.
Progression
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.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
If English is not your main language, you can join our ESOL classes.
Learning English can help you to make friends, get a job, get a better job, help your child with homework, talk to your doctor, your child’s teachers, and neighbours, prepare for further or higher education and qualifications, and lots more. In the UK, English classes for adults are called ‘ESOL classes’. ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. We run different classes in the community from beginner level to advanced.
Our courses run during the day and evening and at a variety of community venues in Neath Port Talbot and Powys. You are welcome to join at any time.
ESOL courses offer the opportunity to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills at the appropriate level.
- Entry 1 – very little knowledge of the English Language is required.
- Entry 2 – some working knowledge of the English language is required.
- Entry 3 – a good understanding of spoken English, reading and writing, but needs to further develop their grammar and vocabulary.
- Level 1/2– a very good understanding of spoken English, reading and writing, but needs to further develop their grammar and vocabulary.
Click here to find out more about ESOL
