Forward Foundations

At Warrington & Vale Royal College, every student is put first and we truly believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to raise expectations within themselves. Forward Foundations will support and encourage you to gain confidence, communication & social skills and a develop a wide range of key employability skills in a friendly and nurturing environment. It’s about where you want to be in the future and how we can help you get there.

This course is suited for students who may need a stepping stone qualification to either gain the required entry standards or to adjust to college life before accessing a full-time vocational course.

Many young people who have struggled to engage at school will find the transition from school to college difficult. We will work with you to help you adjust and meet college expectations so that you are given the best possible chance to progress. If you think you need extra time and support to develop the right skills for college and to find an area that you are interested in, then this is the course for you.

All our tutors have a wealth of experience and are passionate about their subjects, and they want to share this with you so that you can reach your full potential. As a unique individual we will work closely with you to identify your long-term goals and give you all the help you need to reach them.

The course duration is 1 year.

Your individualised curriculum puts you at the centre and an exciting and engaging timetable has been put together for you over 3 days. This is a great first step on your learning journey, helping you build valuable skills and confidence for future study or work. You will complete an accredited Open Awards qualification in Further Learning and Employment.

All selected units cover a range of interesting and relevant topics designed to help you develop problem-solving, communication, leadership, creativity, and innovation skills, while also encouraging initiative and supporting your mental and physical well-being

Taking part in enriching activities in college and in the community will be a focus to enable you to be a part of your local community and see yourself and your classmates making a difference.

Maths and English will form a part of your programme of study. At the start of the year, you will have an assessment in English and Maths and this will be used to determine whether you will sit GCSE, an alternative Maths and English qualification, work towards accreditation, or maintain existing skills.

You will be assessed through practical and written assessments, witness and observation reports, and portfolio work. You may be required to sit an examination in Maths and English.

The majority of our students go on to study on Level 1 programmes, however, just because this is an Entry level/Level 1 course, it doesn’t mean that you have to do Level 1, some students skip this stage and are accepted on to Level 2!

We have students who have progressed all the way from Entry 3 to university and to employment, apprenticeships, and supported internships. One of our students impressed the college so much on his work placement he is now a fully fledged member of our maintenance team!

We have guest speakers from industry throughout the year and you will take part in work place visits to a variety of employers and working environments from construction to retail, entertainment to hospitality and catering.

Work experience is a key part of your programme of study, and you will be given help and guidance in finding the right placement for you. Please note that work placement is a mandatory part of your course and can be undertaken in a variety of ways from individual placements, group projects, and live briefs. Engaging with employers will give you a valuable insight into the world of work and develop your employability skills.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required and a Wellbeing Team that are on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed.  Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Students on this course will have:

• A dedicated Progress Coach
• 1-2-1 in class (if applicable)
• In-class support staff
• Mobility support
• Exam access arrangements
• Orientation, and
• Modification of learning materials and specialist resources.

There are many providers who offer ‘similar’ courses, but what they can’t offer is the wide range of opportunities that will be available to you:

• Individualised curriculum
• Community projects and employer led live briefs
• Internal and external work placements
• Enrichment activities, trips, and visits
• Links with local employers
• Independent living skills
• Excellent progression routes, and
• A team of dedicated staff with over 80 years of combined experience.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

If there are any costs attached to trips and visits or any PPE required for experience days, you will be given prior notice and all costs are kept to a minimum to ensure all students can participate. Help is available if learners are in receipt of a bursary.