FOUNDATION (TRANSITION) PROGRAMME

Our FOUNDATION (TRANSITION) Programme is the ideal option for you.

Blackpool Sixth’s Foundation Programme has been specially created to give students an opportunity to boost their level 2/GCSE qualification profile and prepare them for study at  Level 3, and for their future next steps.

As a student on our Foundation Programme, you will commit to a supportive but challenging programme that has been designed to help you develop as a learner. You will have the opportunity to achieve your all important GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths alongside other Level 2 qualifications and develop the academic study skills required to be successful at level 3. Pathways to vocational, T Level and combined programmes are available and we will offer individual guidance to determine which will suit you best.

What does the FOUNDATION Programme involve?

Students will study 3 level 2 subjects (including English and/or maths as required) alongside academic study skills, pastoral, enrichment and employability programmes and the end of year step-up programme. This range of programmes is designed to prepare you effectively for the step up to level 3 study ensuring you are best placed to gain the most from your time at college before progressing to either university, into an apprenticeship or employment.

*we will provide guidance about the most suitable options depending on your entry grades and intended progression. If you already have either GCSE maths or English you will need to choose two subjects, otherwise it will normally just be one.

1. Study either GCSE English Language or Maths or both, if you haven’t got a grade 4 yet. 

2. Add one or two of the options in the blue boxes above which are equivalent to one GCSE.
Details of all of these courses can be found on our website in the courses section.

What else will the FOUNDATION Programme include?

• Progress Programme - all students are supported by a Progress Mentor at Blackpool Sixth. A PM is the student's champion and first port of call for any questions or concerns. They will provide guidance and support, and help you develop and plan for the future. You will meet with them regularly to discuss your academic progress, attendance, progression plans and will agree individual improvement and development targets.
• Academic Study Skills -  you will have weekly study skills sessions to help you develop the academic and organisational skills required to be successful both on the Transition Programme and later at level 3. These sessions include a mix of supported and self-study activities that will help develop planning, organisation and independent learning skills, and academic skills such as research, academic writing, literacy and numeracy. You will have access to a wide range of resources and dedicated staff who will help you build the skills that are essential to succeed at college.
• Employability and Enrichment Programme - you will be supported to develop employability skills including communication, teamwork and problem-solving through a range of activities such as enrichment (our 6Xtra programme), volunteering and work experience.  You will also be supported to develop job application and interview skills and will meet with our independent careers advisers from the Futures team to help with decision-making for the next steps. Click here for more details about our enrichment offer.
• Additional Learning Support - extra support is available for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities to help them gain the most out of their time at college. Support to overcome any barriers to learning or help with the transition from school to college will be determined on an individual basis. Click here for more details.

Which additional subjects should I choose?

Your choice depends on your progression intentions and on your entry grades. We will provide you with advice and guidance to help you make the best decisions but as a guide you should consider the following, noting that these are just examples of the subjects available at level 3:

How do I gain a place on the Foundation Programme and what are the entry requirements?

The Foundation Programme is designed for students who have just missed out on the entry requirements for our level 3 programmes. This 3 year option enables them, in the first year, to gain further qualifications at level 2 and develop the skills required for future success before moving onto a 2 year level 3 programme.

To join the Foundation Programme you will need 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (or equivalent). 

To be accepted on the combined and vocational pathways students will need one of either GCSE English Language or maths at grade 3 whilst the other needs to be no less than a grade 2. 

To be accepted on the T Level pathway students will need to have gained a grade 4 in either GCSE English Language or maths whilst the other needs to be no less than a grade 3. 

What do I need to achieve in order to step up to level 3 following the Foundation Programme?

To progress to a level 3 programme following completion of the Foundation Programme you must:

• complete all elements of the programme including the step up programme
• achieve at least a merit in your level 2 BTEC subject(s)
• have at least a grade 4 in GCSE English or Maths and have made at least one grade progress in both GCSE English and Maths
• demonstrate good commitment to your studies, learning and development through good attendance and engagement.