Foundation Course

British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course Outline 2009 -2010

What is the course about?

This course will incorporate the syllabus of the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) Foundation Course (available on the BWY website or from the course tutor).
The course focuses on basic practical techniques and personal development taught in the context of the philosophy that underpins Yoga.
Course Aims include providing a structure to the widening of practical experience and to encourage personal development for the serious student of yoga. In this context it is also suitable for those who may in the future wish to consider teacher training.

What level is the course?

The course is suitable for any serious student of yoga who has attended regular classes for at least 2 years with a BWY approved teacher (or similar).
Students should be committed enough to invest their time - approx one (occasionally two) Sunday afternoons a month, and two weekends away, to begin practicing at home, and reading about and reflecting on course subject matter.
This course is for personal development and is not a teaching qualification.

What will the course cover?

The course is intensive. The group will meet on 7 Sundays and 2 full weekend over 8 months. There will be 60+ contact hours plus the chance for individual tutorials.
Students are expected to attend their regular weekly yoga classes, mixed level or above, for the duration of the course.
The course covers the principles of posture (asana), sequencing (vinyasa), breath release, breath development and control (pranayama), relaxation techniques, concentration and meditation. We will also look at energy gestures (mudra), purification techniques (kriya) and chanting. Theoretical aspects will examine different yoga paths and traditions, a brief history of yoga, the Yoga Sutras and some basic Sanskrit. Theory and practical elements are split approx 50/50.
A typical meeting might be a brief Q&A followed by a long yoga asana class, relaxation and meditation. A 20 min break for tea followed by some yoga philosophy or theoretical discussion, a shorter tea break, then some relaxation, pranayama, meditation and chanting.

What can I expect to achieve? By the end of the course you should be able to:

Asanas

Demonstrate safe and effective asana practice
Perform a range of yoga asanas (and their modifications), relaxation methods and simple breathing exercises safely and independently and in an appropriate order
Recognise the importance of ‘stability and ease’ within asana
Describe the link between asana and breathing

Pranayama/Meditation

Explain the principles of pranayama
Perform certain pranayama and breath related relaxation techniques safely and independently
Demonstrate an effective sitting position in relation to meditation
Recognise the concept of ‘loosening & tightening’ in meditation
Practice a simple meditation session independently

Yoga Philosophy

Discuss the ‘Eight Limbs’ of Yoga as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
Recognise yoga as a life skill, and realize the importance of practice ‘off the mat’

Written work/Oral Work

Complete a simple diary of your regular practice and its effects on your own personal development during the course
Provide feedback and discuss within the group any experiences and personal development relevant to yoga and the course

Award: BWY Foundation Course Certificate (80% attendance needed with active participation)

How will I be taught? How will I know I’m progressing?

The theoretical part of the course will be through lecture, discussion and student interaction. The practical elements are through tutor explanation, demonstration and student participation. Home practice and study will be encouraged (and expected for those students working towards the full certificate). There will be ample opportunity for feedback, questions and discussion. Handouts etc will be provided.
Your progress will be regularly assessed and monitored by the course tutor taking into account class work and the yoga diary where appropriate. The tutor will record your progress and provide informal regular feedback throughout the course. The BWY provide assessment forms to be completed at the beginning and the end of the course.

What are the course costs?

The course is unique in including two retreat weekends. The fee is £705 (payable in installments).This fee includes all tuition (including guest tutors), two fully catered residential weekends and the BWY administration fees.
You will also need to join the British Wheel of Yoga (currently £25).
A comprehensive course booklet is provided, and I recommend you purchase a copy of the Yoga Sutras. You may wish to buy other books from the reading list.
Practical parts of the course require students to wear loose, warm clothing. You will need a mat and block or cushion. Pen and notebook are essential.

When and where is the course?

Sundays 1.30pm (promptly!) through to 5.30pm. (2009: 15^th Nov, 6^th Dec, 2010: 10^th Jan, 21^st Feb, 21^st March, 11^th April and 9^th May) at Rivercourt Church Hammersmith W6, which has a warm and atmospheric feel, ideal for yoga practice. Residential weekends in Jan (22^nd – 24^th) and June (11^th – 13^th), Fri evening through to Sunday lunchtime at Domus Marie Convent, Chigwell. Essex. This is easily accessible by road or public transport from Central London, has single centrally heated rooms, and is set within lovely gardens. Domus Marie is renowned amongst the retreat community for its tasty and plentiful vegetarian food!

How do I apply? What happens next?

If you are interested (and have 2 years or more class experience), please check you can commit; talk it through with your partner or family and ensure they are happy for you to invest this time on weekends, then fill out the Student Application/Profile and return it to me as soon as possible.
If you are accepted, I’ll let you know by email or letter. You then need to fill out the BWY membership form; send this to me along with the course deposit to confirm your place. All this will be detailed on the acceptance correspondence, along with venue directions, reading list and any other pre-course information you may need.