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Theme 1 Why engage with Foundation Learning?

Foundation Learning Support is delivered on behalf of LSIS by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, LSN, The Workshop and Pearson Education.

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Structure of session

• • •

Introduction to the theme

Objectives of the session • • Core concepts of Foundation Learning • Why Foundation Learning? Identifying where centres are now and where they need to go next in relation to implementing Foundation Learning provision Identifying sources of support and guidance and links to future themes Action planning 2

Objectives of the session

By the end of this session participants will be able to: • • • Describe the core concepts of Foundation Learning • Explain the benefits of Foundation Learning for learners Identify where they are currently in terms of implementing Foundation Learning provision Understand where to access sources of further information, guidance and good practice in developing their Foundation Learning provision 3

Core concepts of Foundation Learning

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CC Slide 1: The Foundation Learning curriculum model Initial engagement

Vocational/ subject based learning Personal and social development learning Functional skills

Level 2 learning Apprentice ships Employment /Supported Employment Independent living Information, advice and guidance

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CC Slide 2: The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) 1 – 12 credits 13 – 36 credits Size 37 plus credits

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CC Slide 3: What does Foundation Learning aim to do?

Create coherence and flexibility Provide learners with skills for employability Support personalised learning Provide a clear focus on progression Foundation Learning Encourage collaborative delivery Enhance engagement, participation and achievement

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CC Slide 4: Activity 1 Activity 1: List the types of learner you think Foundation Learning will be applicable for

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CC Slide 5: Which learners benefit from Foundation Learning?

Learners working predominantly at Entry or Level 1

• • • • This could include learners: within an institution who are not yet ready to achieve the Level 2 threshold • • with ‘spiky profiles’ at risk of disengagement and becoming NEET • who would previously have been on E2E (Entry to Employment) programmes on Entry level and Level 1 programmes perhaps with learning difficulties and/or disabilities returning to learn. 9

Where might learning taking place?

Learning could take place within

• • • • • Mainstream schools • Special schools Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) Further Education (FE) colleges (including specialist colleges) Work-based Learning (WBL) providers Young Offenders Institutions (YOIs) 10

Why engage with Foundation Learning?

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The national scale of Foundation Learning

The number of learners Foundation Learning is potentially applicable for

Out of a total of nearly three million 14-19 learners, around 500,000 – 800,000 (roughly 15 25%) are expected to be suitable for Foundation Learning Total FL cohort: 480 –800,000

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Why engage with Foundation Learning?

Activity 2: List the reasons for and the benefits of Foundation Learning

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Reason 1: Potential benefits to the learner

• Personalised programmes give the learner choice and promote learner autonomy • Underpinning information, advice and guidance, support and personalisation • Focuses on progression to definite destinations eg Level 2 qualifications, apprenticeships and employment • Learners complete Key Stage 4 with definite destinations to access • QCF enables access to a more inclusive qualifications framework to accredit previously non-accredited work • Increased learner motivation through greater recognition and accreditation of a range of learning through the QCF • QCF enables achievement at different levels within a single qualification (spiky profiles)

Are there any other benefits to learners that you can identify?

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Reason 2: Potential benefits to the school/provider

• Improved learner behaviour, attendance, motivation and engagement • Better institutional retention, achievement and success rates • Improved recruitment onto Level 2 provision • Improved learner achievements • Better school outcomes (results and points scores) • Better outcomes from inspections • Learners complete Key Stage 4 with definite destinations to access

Are there any other benefits to providers that you can identify?

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Reason 3: Potential benefits to the wider sector

• Better equipped future workforce • Reduction in the numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) • Reduction in numbers of young people in jobs without training (JWT) • Employer involvement in qualification development • Employers should find it easier to identify and recognise the skills they need • Provides an overall framework to recognise learning at Entry and Level 1

Are there any other benefits that you can identify?

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What do learners and tutors have to say?

“I’ve already got some units, and the qualification is equivalent to GCSEs, and that’s great.” Learner

“These young people have had an educational lifetime of non-achievement. This is giving them the belief that they can achieve, and to know that people see value in lots of skills, not just academic ones.”

Mandy, Foundation Learning Co-ordinat

or

“It’s been incredible to watch them grow

and develop since September, from being completely disengaged to realising they can do well, and get and give support to each other.”

Penny, Learning Support

“I like PSD. It gives you skills for when you get a job in the real world.”

Learne

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Identifying where centres are now and action planning for Foundation Learning provision

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Using the Foundation Learning Getting Started guides

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Getting started with Foundation Learning: a resource for schools and other providers working with Key Stage 4 learners

(LSIS, 2009) •

Getting started: a guide for colleges and providers preparing for implementation of Foundation Learning

(LSIS, 2009) 19

Why engage with Foundation Learning?

Activity 3: Implementing Foundation Learning

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Key documents and websites

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LSIS:

My development activities, guidance on delivery, key policy documents, information on funding, CPD resources, case studies, videos

http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/foundationlearning

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National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk

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Foundation Learning Qualifications Catalogue http://www.qcda.gov.uk/resources/5612.aspx

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QCDA

Delivering Foundation Learning: guidance and case studies

https://orderline.qcda.gov.uk/gempdf/1849623937.PDF

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