Foundation Learning News

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Our E3 Service Industries student catered for Principal, Julie Kapsalis' tea party for staff. They prepared a range of sandwiches and sweet treats for the event. 

They also catered for the Surrey Careers Hub Annual Conference held at Nescot on 14 November.

New PHAB Youth Club for 18+ students with additional needs starting in January 2025 at Nescot

The club will meet fortnightly on a Thursday, from 4.30pm to 6pm, starting Thursday 16 January 2025.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Nescot in partnership with the Epsom and Ewell branch of the Royal British Legion held a solemn Act of Remembrance for students and staff on Friday 8 November in the college’s Skills Park.

Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot who led the commemoration at the college said, “Remembrance Day remains a solemn occasion to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have given their lives in service to their country. In a world marked by ongoing conflicts and turbulent times, this day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the importance of preserving peace.”

The Remembrance commemoration featured readings of extracts and poems of war memories by students representing the college’s Public Services cohort and a thought-provoking display of Remembrance by students on our Foundation Learning programme. 

Our Entry Level 2 Foundation Learning students designed and created a handmade Animals sign, horseshoes and purple glittery poppies which they wore in tribute of animals in service. Our Entry Level 3 Computing Pathway students created silhouettes of soldiers that featured letters decorated in poppies on the reverse that spelt out the words ‘Remember’. They also signed the poem, ‘I am Wearing a Poppy’ and the phrase, ‘We shall Remember’ in British Sign Language along with Clarrie Rodgers, tutor on our Foundation Learning team.

Public Services student Henry along with Julie Kapsalis, laid a poppy wreath alongside a knitted sculpture representing a soldier created by Margaret Hughes, Employability coach and Horticultural Lead for Foundation Learning.

The poignant bugle melody, the Last Post was played by invited guest and bugler Dennis Sexton, following which everyone in attendance observed a two-minute silence which ended with the sounding of the Reveille on the bugle.

Slavina Kalendzhieva, Head of Foundation Learning said, “We are so proud of Clarrie, the Foundation Learning team and the students for their contribution to this event and for continuing to raise awareness of the deaf community.” Along with the college’s students and staff, the event was also attended by representatives from the Epsom and Ewell branch of the Royal British Legion – Barbara Warwick Chair, Dennis and Anne Sexton. 

For information on Remembrance please see: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance

If now each November 
You stand and remember
You served with me

Students and staff have been celebrating Black History Month with a range of activities and events throughout October.

Rev Bazil Meade MBE, co-founder of The London Community Gospel Choir, visited the college earlier this week (22 Oct) and spoke to students about his life experiences and success as a musician. Students and staff were inspired by Bazil Meade’s insightful talks on culture, community and the power of music. He shared his life story and journey from a tiny island in the Caribbean to the UK as a boy, the people who influenced him and his remarkable career. He spoke about the importance of finding a purpose and ‘something that your heart embraces because of the value it brings to you as a person’. He said to students that, like him, they will have their own journeys and lessons to learn. And urged them to seek help through their educational setting or support network to help them acquire the skills and knowledge they need, to be the best of version of themselves and achieve the things they want from life.

Bazil Meade also spoke about his work with The London Community Gospel Choir, an eclectic mix of talented vocalists from diverse backgrounds and their mission to spread the message of unity, peace and love through music. The college’s theatre was filled with students from all curriculum areas who attended the talks that included resounding audience participation to familiar gospel songs performed by Bazil Mead on the piano. Students also had a unique opportunity to take part in a gospel singing masterclass with Bazil Meade in the college’s Visual and Performing Arts theatre. They thoroughly enjoyed their vocal performance session, and were in awe of Bazil’s passion and talent. Fiona Nerberg, Head of Student Experience at Nescot said, “A huge thank you to Rev Bazil Meade MBE for visiting Nescot. Our students and staff have been inspired by Bazil’s incredible account of his life and the whole college was uplifted by his energy and music – a day filled with joy.”

Throughout October, screens around campus have been highlighting prominent Black British personalities from music, sport, politics and the media. Students also accessed a range of related material from the college’s Learning Resources Centre that features a display of resources available for loan. Staff and students also enjoyed a taste of the Caribbean for lunch in the college’s Refectory with dishes that included Jerk chicken, fried plantain, Trinidadian lamb roti, Caribbean vegetable curry, Jollof rice, bean stew and Bobotjie. Rev Bazil Meade is a charismatic and multitalented vocalist, pianist and co-founder of Europe's leading gospel choir, The London Community Gospel Choir. The Choir has collaborated with world-renowned artists like Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Madonna and Kylie Minogue.

Our new cohort of Foundation Learning Entry Level 3 Further Education Pathway students have been raising money for the charity, Macmillan Cancer Support. They have exceeded their target this year, raising an incredible total of £628.22 for Macmillan.

The students baked and sold delicious cakes and savouries to staff and students at the college. They also held a pre-loved costume jewellery sale and a raffle with multiple prizes that included free hair treatments at the college’s on-site salon, Innovation. 

Tutors, Julie Bundhoo and Maliha Usman who organised the event were very proud of how the students came together as a team and individually to raise money for a worthy cause. Julie Bundhoo, Foundation Learning lecturer said, “The students showed great commitment and enthusiasm whilst planning the event. They made posters to raise awareness, baked cakes during lessons and decorated the Seasons café. For the first time this year, they fundraised individually too by taking on sponsored tasks at home, for instance, foregoing their mobile phone for a period, cooking meals at home or taking their dogs out for a walk, raising over £140 through their efforts.”

Julie added, “Through the fundraising event, our students have enhanced their communication, teamwork and enterprise skills and also developed confidence and skills for life and all for a good cause. A huge thank you to staff across the college for their support in raising funds for this very worthy cause.”For information on our Foundation Learning courses visit our website.

We were delighted to celebrate the achievements of 23 Supported Interns along with their families and friends at our end of year presentation (26.06.24). 

Slavina Kalendzhieva, Head of Foundation Learning at Nescot said, “Congratulations to all our Supported Interns. I am so proud to see our interns who have demonstrated spectacular dedication and enthusiasm, get into the world of work. Thank you to our amazing, supported internship team who have supported them to get to their next chapter, either paid employment or volunteer work - it is incredible to see those young adults taking their steps into their first paid jobs." 

Thanks to employers, Aramark, Pfizer, McDonalds, Banstead Manor Care Home who also joined in to celebrate the success and achievements of our supported interns. 

One of our supported interns, Josiah, who had his work placement with Aramark said, “It’s been really good experience working in the Refectory. I have enjoyed assisting and helping out with the various tasks in the kitchen.” 

Another supported intern, Maggie who also completed her internship with Aramark and is now an employee added, “The Supported Internship Programme has helped me achieve what I wanted, a paid job. My tutors have been so helpful, kind and amazing. I enjoy what I do and everyone is so friendly and supportive.” 

Fiona Kyereme Head of the Supported Internship Programme at Nescot commented, “I cannot thank our wonderful employers enough. It has been so rewarding watching our interns flourish in their work placements. Their confidence and overall communication skills have developed constantly. We work with employers within Nescot college, as well as external employers. We hope to continue to develop these relationships for the next cohort of interns. My team of Job Coaches have also worked incredibly hard with every student to ensure the best outcome possible. It is a pleasure to be part of this programme.”

Pfizer, one of the employers we work with said, “Working with the Supported Internship at Nescot, has changed our working ethos, and has made us much more neurodiversity aware. It has been a wonderful experience working with the supported intern this year on their internship.”

Another employer, McDonalds added, “Thank you for letting us be a part of your wonderful programme. It's been lovely to watch the interns grow and rewarding to be in a position to offer the supported intern paid employment.”

Our Supported Internship Programme combines secure employment with learning in college for young people with special educational needs. For more information visit: https://buff.ly/3L07YGt

We marked the end of another wonderful year for our Foundation Learning students with our first graduation ceremony in June (25.06.24). Students along with their families, guardians and friends gathered together in the college’s Adrian Mann Theatre for the celebration. Slavina Kalendzhieva, Head of Foundation Learning at Nescot said, “The graduation ceremony is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate all the fantastic work our students have done this year. All the events they’ve catered for, visitors they’ve helped at open events, delicious cakes they’ve sold in the on-site Seasons Café, beautiful plants they’ve planted to help the bees and so much more. We are so proud of each and every one of them and excited to see the incredible things they will achieve next.” This year the Foundation Learning students supported and raised money for a wide range of national and local charities - Macmillan Cancer Research, Mental Health Awareness Week, Down Syndrome Day, International Women’s Day and World Wide Fund for Nature. Students also embarked on educational and fun trips in the local area and London. These included exploring retro games at the Science Museum, helping each other in the Escape Rooms challenges, treasure hunting along the South Bank and exploring the rides and animals at Chessington World of Adventures. In addition, students also undertook various projects listed below, gaining important skills and experience to help them with next steps:

• Entry Level 1 Foundation students helped the college’s marketing team prepare promotional bags for visitors to the college’s Open Day events.
• Entry Level 2 Employability Pathway students participated in the Brighton Beach clean-up, helping to clear-up litter. This activity formed part of their learning on sustainability, which has also included raising awareness of and developing various recycling projects around the college. They also helped Horton Arts Centre in Epsom with an installation of 1500 ceramic poppies for World Mental Health Day.
• Entry Level 2 Further Education Pathway students planted over 100 trees in and around campus for Nescot’s 70^th anniversary year.
• Some of our Entry Level 3 Service Industries students have secured work placements in the local area at, Zig Zag café, Rainbow Leisure Centre, SCOPE, Oxfam, Mayfield Lavender Café, Roots Café, Chapters Café and the Cancer Research shop.
• Our wonderful students have also helped out in the local community, from caring for wildlife with their bird houses, bug hotels and wild flower gardens to keeping the footpaths in good condition for staff, students and local residents. Our Entry Level 3 Construction and Groundworks Pathway also looked after St. Mary’s church yard.
• Our Entry Level 3 Computing students won our first department award at the Surrey FE College’s SEN Environmental competition. As part of their sustainability project, they designed a website to sell second hand clothes donated by staff to raise money for World Wide Fund for Nature.
• Our Level 1 Foundation Pathway students have been the face of the department for the college’s events, from open events to the very busy and popular Summer Fair.

The graduation ceremony commended students on the following Foundation Learning courses:

• Entry 1 Foundation
• Entry 2 Further Education Pathway
• Entry 2 Employability Pathway
• Entry 2 & 3 Supported Living Pathway
• Entry 3 Service Industries
• Entry 3 Construction Pathway
• Entry 3 Further Education Pathway
• Entry 3 Computing Pathway
• Level 1 Foundation Pathway

Some of our students our progressing into mainstream courses at Nescot or other providers and others are going into employment and our Supported Internships Programme. We wish our cohort of Foundation Learning graduates every success in their future endeavours.

The Foundation Learning department began the countdown to the 2024 Olympics with our very own ‘Foundations Olympics’. 

We held our first Sports Day with games for all our students from Entry Level 1 Foundation to Level 1 Foundation Pathway. 

There were some fearless competitors in table tennis, bin bag tossing, basketball, football, agility courses and the custom designed triathlon. 

We were delighted to have Principal and CEO, Julie Kapsalis and Deputy Principal Curriculum and Quality, Andy Cowan join in the sports day fun. Our students were thrilled to award them with certificates of participation. 

“Our first sprots day was a great success!” said Slavina Kalendzhieva, Head of Foundation Learning. “We cannot wait for the next one in 2025.”

Last week, a group of 11 Foundation Learning students, who are on the Entry Level 2 Employment Pathway, helped clear-up litter on Brighton beach. This activity was part of their learning on sustainability, which also includes various recycling projects at the college. Slavina, Head of Foundation Learning, said, “We are proud of our student’s commitment to supporting the environment. Well-done to them for participating in the Brighton beach clean-up. Thanks to their tutor and one of the college’s sustainability champions, Richard Elliot, for organising this activity.”

Visitors need to book a place here.

Our Foundation Learning student teams took part in the LSIF (Local Skills Improvement Fund) Environmental competition last month. The teams of learners along with the support of the fantastic Foundations team presented their incredible environmental projects to judges, Greg Sturmer and Clive Richardson from the Epsom Rotary Club. 

Students on the Entry Level 3 Computing pathway were awarded first place for their clothes recycling project that included a Google Sites platform aimed at promoting sustainability in fast fashion and raising funds for WWF. The team of 13 students then went on to represent Nescot at the Surrey FE College’s SEN Environmental competition hosted at Brooklands College, where they were finalists. 

Slavina, Head of Foundation Learning said, “We are so proud of all our student teams for their inspirational project ideas. The competition has been an enjoyable and great experience for them. “A huge thank you to their amazing tutors, Richard Elliot, Genevieve Rose, Sarah Mills and Margaret Hughes, who are also the college’s sustainability champions and have been educating and supporting our learners to work together to support the environment and wildlife at Nescot.” 

Foundation Learning student teams and their group projects for the LSIF Environmental competition: 

First place – Entry Level 3 Computing Pathway
The group’s project included a Google Sites website to sell donated clothes. Their idea is aimed at recycling clothes and reducing waste. They are currently building their website which they hope to launch soon. 

Second place – Entry Level 2 Employment Pathway
This student driven recycling project involves signage designed by the students to help their peers to recycle. The signage encourages students to take recycling weekly to the correct areas, including food waste from the Foundations kitchen which is composted by the Supported Interns. 

Third place – Supported Internship Programme
Our Supported Interns for their project titled, ‘Natural Growth’, have been working with the college’s canteen to turn organic food waste into compost which the team use for planting. 

Fourth place – Entry Level 1
Our Entry 1 students are learning about the impact trees have on our planet to help clear the air and reduce our carbon footprint. Their project involves contributing to growing the tree population by planting trees around the campus. 

Fifth place – Entry Level 3 Construction and Grounds work
The team of students for their project, have put up handmade birdhouses and bug hotels on our environmental wall. They are also working on preparing a wildlife friendly flower bed for the wall.

Students on our Supported Internship Programme recently benefited from an immersive soft skills experience session by Bodyswaps.

22 supported interns donned VR headsets for the session that included four short scenarios on identifying exclusive behaviours, practising giving feedback, answering job interview questions and giving a public presentation. 

Slavina, Head of Foundation Learning said, “This was a fantastic experience for our Supported Interns. They were engaged right from the start. The immersive AI simulation was an innovative way for our students to learn vital soft skills that that will greatly benefit them. We are grateful to Bodyswaps for organising this interesting and informative session.”

A team of Foundation Learning students on the Supported Internships programme at Nescot are celebrating after winning prizes at the Jim Green Challenge last week (13.03.24). They won first place in the Dried Flower arrangement category and one of the interns, Martyn also received the outstanding team member award.

Hosted by the South of England Agricultural Society at its showground, the Jim Green Challenge brought together 120 students and adults with additional educational needs from across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

Students, Martyn, Beatrix, Kane, Darren, Matthew, Oliver and Lee were delighted to win the award which was presented by the Society’s 2024 President, Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO.

The students who all work in the horticulture department at the college, have been planning for the Jim Green Challenge since October. Margaret Hughes, Employability coach and Horticultural Lead for Foundation Learning at Nescot said: “They put in a lot of effort and work sourcing recycling materials from the college’s farm and departments to, construct a model sheep and a self-supporting scarecrow, create wooden toy cars with movable parts, arrange a vase with collected dried flowers and cultivate a variety of spring bulbs in a planter.

“Working together and planning for the challenge has not only given the students an opportunity to showcase their horticulture skills but has also built their confidence and morale. The Jim Green Challenge is well known and great for their CVs. They all work really well and I’m so proud of all of them.”

At the competition, the students had to also undertake practical tasks that involved identifying pond life, plating a window box and de-weeding a flowerbed.

One of the students, Beatrix said, “We had fun doing the Jim Green Challenge. We did a lot of work and came up with lots of ideas. The best bit was making the scarecrow.”

Martyn who won the award for outstanding team member added, “I’m so happy to win the award. I’ve enjoyed working on the Challenge especially building the scarecrow.”

Fiona Kyereme Head of Supported Internship Programme commented, “I am so very proud of our Supported Interns who are on the Horticulture work placement. This is our first time entering the Jim Green Challenge, and to come away with a 1^st place in the dried flower arrangement was beyond our imagination. I cannot thank them enough for all of their hard work. I would also like to thank Margaret, their Job Coach for all of her time and effort that has gone into preparing the interns for this competition. It was a fantastic team effort!”

The Jim Green Challenge is an annual competition designed for students with mild or moderate learning difficulties attending land-based colleges and further education centres in the South East. Organised in memory of the Agricultural Society’s past chairman and founder of its educational outreach programmes, Jim Green, the challenge invites students to take part in both practical competitions and evidence-based project work, all focused around the countryside.

The Foundations Department are full involved with Nescot's 70th Anniversary celebration day on Friday 22 March 2024. Students will be invited to join a long list of activities in their normal college day. A highlight will be our 1950s-themed disco!

Dear all,

Dr Marie Martel, a lecturer in the Psychology Department of the University of Surrey is running an online study investigating motor strategies in adults with Dyspraxia and is looking for volunteers to take part. She is particularly interested in how having dyspraxia with other conditions (such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia…) or not can influence motor strategies. The study has the potential to deepen our understanding of Dyspraxia and improve the support that is currently available. It has been approved by the University of Surrey Ethics Committee. 

The study takes about 20min, and you only need a laptop to take part. It consists of some questionnaires about your diagnosis, age, and so on, the main game in which you will have to reach targets with your trackpad, and a questionnaire on daily motor activities. If you want more info or are interested, please visit https://test-your-movement-surrey.web.app/ 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at m.martel@surrey.ac.uk. If you do not have access to a laptop and live close to the University, you can also come and participate in her office, just drop her an email. Please do not hesitate to share the study widely, we still need a lot of participants to be able to complete this study. 

If you would like to participate in more research on Dyspraxia, you can join our research database: it allows you to be informed of our studies and the results, and also to be invited to special events that we organize around Dyspraxia. Drop her an email if you are interested. 

Kind Regards Amanda Aldridge 

Amanda Aldridge
Pronouns: she/her #mynameis Uh-Man-Duh
Engagement and Partnership Officer
Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships
surreycc.gov.uk
Mobile: 07929 863582

More than 100 students gained valuable insights about their future education and employment paths at Nescot’s SEN Careers Fair held on 10 January.

The event was aimed at all students progressing within Nescot, work or supported internship. Students had a chance to learn more about vocational subject areas at the College, meet employers and training providers, seek job advice and find out more about extra-curricular clubs.

Thank you to all the employers and guests who contributed to its success - Sutton District Training, McDonalds, Aramark, Holiday Inn Express, Epsom and Ewell Hub, Chessington World of Adventures, Banstead Care Home, Palace for Life, Autism Project, Ringway, Mini Fab/Nescot Phab, LLC, JACE. Students also heard about progressing into 15 of Nescot’s vocational subject areas including Early Years, Construction, Animal Care and Supported Internships.

15 January 2024

Our Foundation Learning students enjoyed a fun taster session at the singing lunch club with the Include Choir who led the students in singing a selection of songs with Makaton signing. 

Slavina, Head of Foundation Learning said, “It was wonderful to see the students taking part in the session with such enthusiasm and joy. One of our students even led the session with the Choir leader. Thanks to the Include Choir for this joyous taster session.”

The session ended with a rousing rendition of ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman complete with top hats.

November 2023

E3 Construction and Grounds work group have been very busy again helping to clear up green community spaces and streets in the local area

Entry Level 1 Foundations made picnic food in their Cooking class that included sandwiches, sausage rolls, pesto swirls and flapjacks. Then the class had the opportunity to enjoy their hard work with a trip outside to the quiet area beside the Foundations Polytunnel for a picnic. Students served each other and ate the food they had made. The weather was very sunny so we stayed in the shade and, after eating, students had some time to play games including a ring toss game and a game of 'Would you rather?'. 

Students had a great time, and the experience developed their cooking skills, as well as communication and social skills. There was no food left over by the end of the picnic!

A few of our groups and 14-16 provision ended the year with a group visit to Hollywood bowling. Students showed their competitive spirits and teamwork skills in a range of arcade games and bowling competitions.

Our 14-16 provision visited High Ashurst in May on a team building trip for a day. Students worked together on problem solving tasks, supported each other through some of the physical activities. Students learned new skills in archery and climbing. The visit aimed to develop students' personal, social and physical health through the many adventurous activities High Ashers has to offer.

Our partners The Sunnybank Trust are holding an Alice in Wonderland afternoon. It takes place on Sat 24 June at 2pm at St. Barnabas Church, Epsom, KT19 8HA. There will be tea, jam tarts & live jazz band. Suggested donation £5 per person. Book your place by emailing info@sunnybanktrust.org

Foundation Learning students held a Coronation tea party in the Seasons Learning Hub.

More than 100 students on a range of courses across the department had a competition to decorate crowns, with college CEO and Principal Julie Kapsalis judging the winners and presenting prizes.

The students then enjoyed cakes baked by the department and took part in a special Coronation-themed quiz, as well as writing their own Coronation oaths in their English lessons.

The ten winning entries will now be sent to His Majesty the King, in the hope that the college will receive a reply from Buckingham Palace. 

The event was aimed at helping the students to work on their art and catering skills, as well as providing an opportunity to socialise in a supportive setting. You can read more about it on our website here.