College revitalises its Foundation Learning courses

The college hosted an exclusive event for staff from other colleges and organisations to find out about the new provision being offered in the Foundation Learning department.

Four new study programmes will be offered from September 2024 at the newly Fleets campus extension. The courses aim to engage Foundation Learning students with innovative and inclusive learning options.

The new study programmes include LaunchPad: Re-engage with education, Outreach-Community Connect study programme, Work Search and EmpowerED: Empowering adults through education. The programmes are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to seek employment, foster meaningful connections and reignite enthusiasm for education.

Attendees were also given a tour of the new classrooms at the Fleets campus.

Kelly Ardon, Head of the Foundation Learning department at the college, said: “We are thrilled to announce the successful relaunch of our Foundation Learning programmes. This event provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with our local partners and share exciting updates about our upcoming initiatives.

“In 2024, we will be expanding our offerings both at the newly extended Fleets campus and through innovative new community courses specifically designed to support Barnsley’s most vulnerable young people. These initiatives aim to foster engagement and provide vital resources for those who need them most.

“We believe this event has significantly strengthened our relationships with local stakeholders and will enable us to make a greater impact in transforming lives across our community.”

Gracie Hellewell, a Level 1 Foundation Learning student, spoke about her student experience. She commented: “It was very nerve wracking but once I started speaking and looked at my tutors for support, I wasn’t nervous anymore.

“The event went really well. I spoke about my experience learning at Fleets and how college has helped me build my confidence. I am appreciative of the support from my tutors.”

Attendees also found the event advantageous. Liz Yoxall, a Careers Advisor at Astrea Academy Trust added: “It’s been a really informative event. As a careers advisor, we have to make sure that we’re offering all students the useful tools to come into the class so that we can reassure our students who are perhaps a little bit worried about transition, that they’ve got lots of opportunities and they’re going to be well prepared.”

For more information about the Foundation Learning courses in September, visit: www.barnsley.ac.uk/foundation , email: info@barnsley.ac.uk or call 01226 216 123.