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14 - 19 and School Leavers - Foundation Studies and Opportunities

These courses are designed for learners who require a more gradual, supported route towards vocational learning, independent living or supported work, or those who are uncertain about their next steps in education/the world of work - posssibly prefering a more practical approach.

Alongside vocational and personal development sessions, these flexible programmes include functional skills in English, Maths and ICT and work experience to enable learners to develop the basic skills and confidence necessary for work, everyday life and progression onto other courses.


It is recognised that programmes both for learners and groups of learners can differ in terms of length, content, context of setting. Personalised pathways and length of programme will be discussed at interview/initial assessment process an regularly reviewed.

Please note all course details and student application acceptance are subject to change.

Name Description
Foundation for Work This course is aimed at students 19 and over from a learning support background who want to gain the basic skills and confidence necessary for work and everyday life. The programme includes college sessions and a work placement. Many students have progressed into employment or vocational courses at college – especially catering/hospitality.

The main qualifications are the NOCN Certificate in Progression and City and Guilds Certificate in Food Studies.
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Name Description
Get on Track This course is for people aged 16-19 who are uncertain about their next steps to experience different aspects of a particular career and gain credits towards a BTEC Work Skills qualification. Students pick different career options within the college including:
  • ICT
  • Hair
  • Beauty
  • Art and Design
  • Multimedia
  • Sports and Leisure
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Catering
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Boat Building
  • Motor Vehicle
  • Uniformed Services
  • Health and Social Care
Each option runs over 12 weeks and learners can choose more than one option during the 12 weeks. The course also includes additional careers, employment and team building units, as well as maths and English and ICT training at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2.

No formal entry requirements are needed but students will attend an informal interview and initial assessment.
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Name Description
Good to Go Not sure which course to apply for? Not so keen on classroom-based activities?

This is one of the new flexible Entry/Level 1 courses that Lowestoft College is offering – designed to meet your individual needs. During the first week, learners will work together with tutors to plan their programme and set individual targets.

Not everybody wants to do the same thing – choose units that offer you the necessary skills and knowledge to take the next step. Gain nationally recognised Awards and Certificates from City & Guilds, Edexcel and NOCN. Work with others but learn at a level appropriate to your own needs.

Programmes include teamwork activities, community projects, leisure activities and personal & social development. Improve your English, Maths and ICT skills in a more practical/fun way.

Qualifications are split into bite size chunks of learning called units - credits are awarded for the achievement of each unit. Where appropriate, enjoy tasters on vocational courses to help you decide what to do next.
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Name Description
Opportunities Not sure which course to apply for?

Not so keen on classroom based activities?

Choose one of the new flexible Entry/Level 1 courses that Lowestoft College is offering – designed to meet your individual needs.
  • These individual programmes can vary in length and content depending on your starting point and your planned destination.
  • Qualifications are split into bite size chunks of learning called units - credits are awarded for the achievement of each unit.
  • Not everybody wants to do the same thing – choose units that offer you the necessary skills and knowledge to take the next step.
  • Enjoy tasters on vocational courses to help you decide what to do next.
  • Work with others but learn at a level appropriate to your own needs.
  • Programmes include teamwork activities, community projects, leisure activities, personal and social development.
  • Improve your English, Maths and ICT skills in a more practical/fun way.
  • Gain nationally recognised Awards and Certificates from City & Guilds, Edexcel and NOCN.
These courses offer clear progression routes to further courses or the world of work. As you work through your programme you may well change your mind about that all important next step. Regular reviews will make sure that you are on the right track whatever your destination might be – making sure that your personalised learning programme remains motivating,challenging and achievable.
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Name Description
Pathways This programme offers progression routes through different pathways for adults 19 or over with learning difficulties who have progressed from other learning support courses within the college or who are living in the area and want to improve their skills.

The Pathway towards independent living, supported employment or further college courses can be accessed on a full or part-time basis. Accreditation is from ASDAN, OCR and City and Guilds and the curriculum includes catering, horticulture, crafts, practical living skills, community studies, developing self-advocacy skills and confidence in independent living skills.
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Name Description
Preparing for Employment This entry level course has links into Level 1 provision across the college and gives students a more gradual supported route towards vocational learning. It offers those learners who are unsure which path to take or who need to improve their functional skills in order to access the course of their choice, preparation for the world of work and opportunities for progression to further learning programmes.

In addition to college sessions, where appropriate, learners are able to access work placements and vocational taster sessions. Accreditation is provided by City and Guilds, Edexcel and NOCN.
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Name Description
Preparing for Employment – The Yard For those who prefer a more practical approach, this course offers learners aged 16-19 one day in college and a two day construction-based work experience with accreditation from Edexcel and City and Guilds.
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Name Description
Pre-Vocational Studies Really geared towards individual needs, this flexible programme includes work experience and is designed for students aged 16-19 from special schools or special units who want to become more independent and improve their self confidence.

There is a range of subjects and cross college links and students help to devise their own personal programmes – incorporating their own interests. OCR National Skills Profile and the English Speaking Board are among the qualifications offered.
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Name Description
Towards Independence This course is for students over 16 with no previous experience of Further Education, who are leaving a special school and have a range of support needs. The majority of learners will be over 19. The curriculum is based on ASDAN and Ascentis qualifications and provides new learning experiences.

Learners are able to choose from a variety of programme units according to interests, skills and aspirations. The only entry requirement is an ability to make choices within the learning programme.
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