Foundation Year (one year course)

Why choose the one year Foundation Course?

The Foundation Year course is a one year hybrid GCSE equivalent and Level 3 introduction course structured to guide and support you to make the transition onto either L3 courses at McAuley or into apprenticeships or other vocational training. The timetable you will follow enables you to achieve both Level 2 and 3 qualifications required to progress onto A-Level or equivalent courses, whilst building up a portfolio of work experience that will compliment or guide your future study pathway.
The extra-curricular opportunities provided as part of your course include achieving a recognised qualification in British sign language and a Level 2 First Aid certificate. These enrichment activities aim to support you to build self-confidence and resilience in your approach to your studies, whilst developing a range of different skills that complement progression onto different employment pathways.

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What will I learn in the Foundation Year and how will it be assessed?

ASDAN Level 2 Certificate in Employability

Students develop their problem solving skills and resilience in learning. The Asdan qualification is assessed through the external moderation of a portfolio of assignment responses you will build. There is no formal examination.
The course supports young people who are not yet ready for employment but for whom a job is a realistic aim within a reasonable timescale. The opportunities provided by the course support experiencing the workplace for the first time in a guided work experience programme.

Btec Level 3 Award in Uniform Protective Services (New for 2022/23)
Students will study psychology and criminology focused units. One external exam will be sat and one portfolio unit completed. The aim of the course is to provide learners with a taster of the demands of a level 3 qualification, whilst studying units that will support successful study in a wide range of level 3 courses offered in the Sixth Form

AQA GCSE Mathematics and English resit
If you have not secured GCSE Maths or English Language at Level 4 or above then the Government requires you, up to the age of 18, to continue your study of this subject until you secure Level 4 or above. The Level 2 Foundation Year includes timetabled GCSE resit lessons with opportunities to sit the exams in November and again if necessary the following June. The requirement to achieve a level 4 in English Language still applies even if you secured a Level 4 or above in English Literature.

AQA Functional Skills in Mathematics Level 1 or 2 (on demand exam)
If you have not secured GCSE Maths at Level 4 or above then you will study Functional Skills Mathematics and English as well as GCSE resits.

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Progression pathways

The Foundation Year course is designed to support you to progress into a number of possible future study pathways including:

• Apprenticeship, supported by exemplary careers guidance available in school
• A levels or Level 3 courses at McAuley or other providers subject to minimum entry requirements being met
• Employment

You will receive bespoke and impartial careers guidance from the dedicated and experienced Careers and Sixth Form Teams to support you to make the right choice for your future studies or career pathways.

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Further Course Information:

50% of the students completing the L2 Foundation year course are intending to progress onto studying a combination of A levels and an alternative Level 3 bespoke programme of study at Mcauley.

The remaining 50% of the cohort have expressed the intention to continue their studies at Doncaster college

All students have had the opportunity to work with career guidance to ensure they have a clear direction for their future studies.

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