Introductory Foundation Learning

Foundation Learning courses are designed for students with Special Educational Needs, aimed at providing students with the skills that are required to support them in employment, and to improve and develop their own personal skills.

Course Code: P11049
Campus: Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Skills for Life & Work

Available Sessions

We have 2 sessions available for application on this course in Downpatrick, Lisburn.

Why Study This Course

Year 1 Introduction to Foundation Learning

This course is ideal if you want to learn employability skills such as enterprise, working on computers and skills for daily life. We aim to assist you in developing personal confidence to help you in your education and gaining employment. You’ll love our friendly teaching staff who are always there to help you every step of the way. You will also have the opportunity to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh Award / joint Gaisce Award.

Year 2 Intermediate Foundation Learning

In your second year, you will further your learning in employability skills and develop your personal, social and wellbeing skills. You will also participate in classes for Essential Skills (Literacy and Numeracy). You may progress to the next level of The Duke of Edinburgh / joint Gaisce Award.

Year 3 Advanced Foundation Learning

In your final year you will continue to improve your employability and personal skills. Students will have the opportunity to sit Essential Skills exams. Your Duke of Edinburgh / joint Gaisce Award journey will continue.

Course Overview

This course is available in Newtownards, Downpatrick and Lisburn campuses.  If there are sufficient numbers it may also run in Bangor.

This course will involve working towards OCN NI Award in Entry Level 3 Vocational Skills and Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy.

Students participate in completion of The Duke of Edinburgh Award / joint Gaisce Award throughout their time on the programme. To support completion of expedition, adjustments can be made where assessors feel it is necessary.

Confirmation of a place on the course cannot be made until Special Educational Needs evidence is provided.  On provision of appropriate evidence, and completion of a taster session, places will be allocated and enrolment completed.

For further information please contact Course Co-ordinators on  0345 600 7555 or

Ards Campus – Nicole Black      Tel: 028 9127 6812, Claire-Louise Kanhye Crawford, or Andrew O'Connor     Tel: 02891 276817

Downpatrick Campus - Carole Darling or Maria McElroy     Tel:  02844 615815 

Lisburn Campus - Adele McAteer, Louise Glass, Martin Breen or Declan McClure        Tel: 02892 677225 

 

Evidence that you have a Special Educational Need is required to confirm a place on this course. All applicants will be provided with a form to be completed prior to the start of the course. This form will require a signature from either a G.P., Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist or School Representative along with a letter regarding the applicant's Special Educational Need. 

Modules may include;

  • Accessing the Local Community and Facilities

  • Exploring Local History

  • Interpersonal Skills for the Individual

  • Skills in Customer Service

 

Successful completion and attendance on this one year programme can enable you to progress to Intermediate Foundation Learning.

Progression, however, is not automatic on completion of this programme, it depends on the student's ability to maximise attendance and demonstrate motivation and application to all areas of the programme. Decisions regarding progression are made by the course team and based on the student’s ability during the year to engage on all parts of the Introductory Foundation Learning programme.  Some students may have the option to progress onto Skills for Life and Work Level 1 Training for Success programmes. 

Available Sessions

We have 2 sessions available for application on this course in Downpatrick, Lisburn.

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

Title Campus Start Spaces Apply or get more information
Entry Level Introductory Foundation Learning
Y11049DF1A-25/26-FT
Downpatrick
01/09/2025
 20+
More Info
Entry Level Introductory Foundation Learning
Y11049LF1A-25/26-FT
Lisburn
01/09/2025
 20+
More Info

Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

Customer Enquiries

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

Explore Further Education