Foundation learning in Foundation learning in action in West Suffolkaction in West Suffolk

Functional SkillsFunctional Skills

Mildenhall College of Mildenhall College of TechnologyTechnology

• 13-18 yrs13-18 yrs

• Comprehensive educationComprehensive education

• London overspillLondon overspill

• 2 large USAF bases2 large USAF bases

SpecialismsSpecialisms

• TechnologyTechnology

• ScienceScience

• Applied LearningApplied Learning

Project OutlineProject Outline

• Focus on Maths, English and IT Focus on Maths, English and IT through applied learningthrough applied learning

• Diploma CoursesDiploma Courses

• Work Related LearningWork Related Learning

• PLTSPLTS

Project Activities and Project Activities and ApproachesApproaches

• Initially Level 2Initially Level 2

• Now Entry Level 1,2,3 and Level 1Now Entry Level 1,2,3 and Level 1

• EmbeddedEmbedded

• DiscreteDiscrete

• Staff TrainingStaff Training

Project OutcomesProject Outcomes

• FS now part of curriculum provision FS now part of curriculum provision at KS3 & KS4at KS3 & KS4

• WRL, PLTS and principles of applied WRL, PLTS and principles of applied learning are now included in all SofWlearning are now included in all SofW

• Improved teaching and learningImproved teaching and learning

• Employer links & work related Employer links & work related activitiesactivities

Evaluation and ImpactEvaluation and Impact

• Maths and English results have Maths and English results have improvedimproved

2008 39% 2010 55%2008 39% 2010 55%

• 5 A*-C including English and Maths 5 A*-C including English and Maths 48% 201048% 2010

• 96% A*-G 201096% A*-G 2010

• Lots of staff training required – a new Lots of staff training required – a new style of teachingstyle of teaching

SustainabilitySustainability

• Remain part of curriculumRemain part of curriculum

• Staff developmentStaff development

• Discrete v EmbeddedDiscrete v Embedded

Conclusion & Key MessagesConclusion & Key Messages

• FS – A good idea in theory but does FS – A good idea in theory but does not really deliver what they set out tonot really deliver what they set out to

• Combination of applied learning and Combination of applied learning and FS has had a positive impact on FS has had a positive impact on resultsresults

• DiscreteDiscrete• Discrepancy at L1 and below between Discrepancy at L1 and below between

level of understanding and use of level of understanding and use of language required by students language required by students

And finally….And finally….

Good teaching uses Good teaching uses functional skills anyway functional skills anyway as it makes it real and as it makes it real and

relevantrelevant