Foundation

The Programme

An increasing number of managers, parents, teachers and community workers are recognising the value of engaging in coaching conversations to support individuals in achieving sustained improvements in personal and organisational performance.

The Foundation in Coaching Skills Programme provides an introduction to core coaching skills and techniques for anyone wanting to apply these skills in their professional or day-to-day interactions.

This programme is delivered through five days over four months. It introduces core coaching concepts, models and approaches and supports you to practice this learning through exercises with a learning cohort.

A key focus is critically reflecting and applying the skills learnt to your individual context.

Who is it for?

This programme is aimed at anyone who could benefit from engaging in coaching conversations. This could include, but is not limited to:

  • Managers and team leaders
  • Human resource staff and training consultants
  • Business consultants and advisers
  • Teachers
  • Counsellors, therapists and social workers
  • Sports coaches
  • Parents

Where next?

On successful completion of this programme you can either exit with an i-coach academy Foundation in Coaching Skills Certificate or progress to the Certificate in Coaching Practice Programme, which is the first step for those wishing to pursue a career in coaching.

Learning Journey

Our programme assists you to critically reflect on your experience and knowledge, while integrating new theories and approaches. Since coaching is inherently interdisciplinary, our curriculum draws on broad areas of knowledge that inform the field of coaching. Through a process of experimentation and application, the programme is designed to help you to define your unique approach to coaching. Instead of memorising the ‘right’ answers or behaviours, our Faculty act as facilitators encouraging you to discover principles for yourself and to build knowledge by working with others.

Learning to become a coach is a voyage of discovery that can be an intense, emotional and challenging experience. We don’t believe in taking shortcuts and the journey is sometimes difficult. However, by the end you will be a competent and compassionate coach.

Learning Element

Day One and Two - Core Skills Module
The purpose of this two day module is to introduce you to the core skills of coaching. By the end of the second day, you will have begun to recognise the difference between coaching and a helpful conversation by getting beyond the surface of what is being said. You will be introduced to the GROW model and its core skills such as listening and questioning.

Embedding the Learning
Day Three and Four - Learning Review Days
These days offer an opportunity to bring your field work to the group for reflection and support, to receive input on additional approaches to coaching (eg Solutions Focused Coaching and Person Centred Approach) and to engage in further skills practice and receive feedback.

Day Five - Professional Review (Foundation Level)
The purpose of this final day is to draw all the learning together through formal assessment and feedback. You will be asked to do an observed coaching session that will run for 45 minutes. The session is captured on video and feedback is given by the client, peers and Faculty.

One-to-One Coaching
Research suggests that receiving coaching acts as a role model and embeds coaching skills. You will receive coaching from your learning cohort and our experienced Faculty during the Learning Review Days on this programme. You are also encouraged to receive 1:1 coaching outside of the programme however this will be at your own cost. We have a list of Masters students and alumni who offer discounted rates.

Applied Coaching
On completion of the first module, you will be expected to practice coaching in your workplace and / or day-to-day interactions. There will be the opportunity to bring your reflections on this coaching practice to the group for support during the Learning Review Days.

Assessment

  1. Assessment of observed coaching session
    The final day of the programme involves a 45 minute observed and assessed coaching session.
  2. Reflective essay and individual development plan
    At the end of the programme you will be required to submit an essay and individual development plan, which will be a critical reflection on your journey through the programme.

Time Commitment

  • Attend a two-day learning module which introduces core coaching skills
  • Deliver coaching in your day-to-day interactions
  • Attend two Learning Review Days
  • Work independently for a minimum of one hour per week on activities such as reflective practice, reading and course work
  • Attend a Professional Review - Foundation level
  • Attend a 1:1 feedback tutorial

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