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Foundation Learning students held a charity coffee morning at Nescot today (September 29) to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Students in the department’s Further Education pathway were selling cakes, biscuits and tea and coffee to college students and staff from the purpose-built café from 10-11am.

The event was the students’ first experience of running the café, which they will be opening regularly from after October half term.

“The students really enjoy doing the café, and it’s a great opportunity for them to learn a range of skills and practise them in a real-life environment,” said tutor Mary Ayres, who organised the event.

“It gives them the opportunity to use their maths skills through using the till and through baking, for example, and their writing skills when they’re setting up the menu.

“Most importantly, the students tend to enjoy the café because they’re improving their self-confidence through serving customers, and their organisation through helping to manage the event.”

Student Elissia, who is hoping to join the college’s Animal Studies department next year, said before the café opened this morning that she was feeling proud to be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“I feel a little bit nervous, but the teachers are here as well if we need them,” she added. “I really like being at Nescot. Everyone is really nice and makes you feel welcome, and I’ve made lots of friends.”

Nescot’s Foundation Learning department offers a range of courses to help young people realise their full potential.

Some of the courses are for students who have learning difficulties or disabilities, and others have been developed for people who left school with little or no formal qualifications.

The Further Education pathway aims to build students’ confidence and independence while they do vocational taster sessions to see which education pathway would suit them best.