Introduction to Level 1 Foundation Project Qualification

Level 1 Foundation Project Qualification specification

Level 1 Foundation – a case study 

Isis Marcus-Deardon, a Project student, and her mother talk about how she researched her project and learned new skills.

The Foundation level is a versatile Project Qualification providing opportunities to engage and motivate all learners with different capabilities. It can be offered as a stand‑alone qualification, a compulsory element of a level 1 Diploma or as an extension of other Level 1 qualifications or vocational qualifications such as Modern Apprenticeships.

We’ve designed it to fit easily into your curriculum, so you could use it to stretch and challenge high achievers, as part of a Gifted and Talented programme, or as a stepping stone to the Higher and Extended Projects and a path to higher education.

The Foundation Project can encourage students who struggle with traditional academic study by inspiring them to complete a practical project, such as producing an artefact or learning a new practical skill. They could in the process:

• gain a focus for learning at school
• build sufficient confidence to engage with other subjects.

Our specification is designed to allow both these possibilities, and to provide a clear structure within which, with some guidance, all learners can:  

• develop transferable and core skills to apply in a future workplace, apprenticeship or further study
• become inquisitive and independent learners
• experience new areas and methods of study, including how to plan and review their progress
• if needed, use ICT and appropriate technologies with assurance.