What are foundational skills?

Foundational skills are essential skills needed for everyday life, work and further education. Rather than teaching content that is specific to subjects, foundational skills sessions focus on applying knowledge to real-world contexts. For example, students could improve their critical analysis, budgeting and presenting skills.

What are the benefits of foundational skills in sixth form?

• Improves employability- Learners are equipped with practical skills that employers value such as communication and problem-solving.
• Supports progression- It helps students to enhance their independence and prepare them for the demands of further education or training.
• Accessible- It is ideal for learners who struggle with traditional exams as it offers an applied learning approach.
• Boosts confidence- Students gain more confidence in communicating and using literacy and numeracy skills in everyday situations.
• Tailored learning- Can be adapted to suit individual learning styles and needs, meaning that it is more inclusive.
• Encourages independent thinking- Promotes critical thinking and decision making through real-world scenarios.

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