CALDERDALE COLLEgE 2012/13

guIde to levels
InspIrIng learners to succeed In lIfe & In work
Choosing your Course
If you’re not sure which course is right for you,
take a look at the chart on the pages 10-11.
Calderdale College has a set of standard entry
requirements. Never be deterred by any lack
of formal qualifications or by not meeting the
entry requirements. apply for the course you
want to study and we will help you get there.
In many cases and for a variety of reasons
entry requirements can be waived at the
College’s discretion.
There are lots of courses available—work
focused, practical or academic, so it’s
important to think about the future — whether
you want to go to uni, move onto another
course or get a job. If you’re still not sure,
don’t worry, just speak to one of our student
advisers and we’ll help you out. Call student
services on 01422 399367.
Qualifications – what does it
all mean?
What are BTECs?
BTeCs are vocational and occupationally
relevant courses which help you gain
knowledge and vocationally specific skills.
They are well recognised by employers and
universities. achieving a BTeC National
qualification over two years is the equivalent
of doing 3 a levels Grade a-e. achieving a
BTeC First is the equivalent of doing 5 GCses
Grade a*-C. achieving a BTeC Introductory
diploma is the equivalent of 5 GCses Grades
d-G. all courses are primarily taught through
assignment work and case studies and are
tested through assignments and time-limited
assessments. BTeC awards and Certificates are
accreditation for completing some units but not
the full diploma.
What are Functional skills?
When asked, employers and universities
tell us how important it is for people to have
good skills in communication, working with
numbers, and information communication
technology skills, as well as being able to
work in teams and solve problems. This is why
these Functional skills are an important part of
your course and why all our learners work on
improving these skills and gaining Functional
skills qualifications whilst they are following
their vocational learning programme.
The level of Functional skills you follow
depends upon your GCse results and the
results of an assessment you will complete
when you join College. like all classes in
College, attendance at Functional skills classes
is a requirement to prepare you to pass the
Functional skills tests, and the completion of a
portfolio which shows your skills is part of your
vocational course.
every learner has a personal tutor and follows
a personal tutorial programme. The activities
that are organised within this part of your
course includes working in teams and groups
and this enables you to achieve an additional
Key skill called Working With Others.
For those who wish to progress to university,
Functional skills contribute UCas points that
are recognised in all universities.
What are NVQs?
NVQs are job-specific, competence based
qualifications. NVQs reflect the skills and
knowledge needed to do a job effectively. They
are available to anyone at any age or stage of
their career development.
The central feature of NVQs is the National
Occupational standards (NOs) on which
they are based. NOs are statements of
performance standards that describe
what competent people in a particular
occupation are expected to be able to
do. They cover all the main aspects of an
occupation, including current best practice,
the ability to adapt to future requirements
and the knowledge and understanding that
underpins competent performance.
CALDERDALE COLLEGE 2012/13
What are Apprenticeships?
Young people aged between 16 and 24 can
earn while they learn on an apprenticeship
and there is a wide range of training
opportunities to suit your ability and job
preferences. By working to a structured
training plan and gaining work experience you
will achieve an apprenticeship framework that
reflects your ability.
Functional skills are a requirement for an
apprenticeship framework and an expectation
within other courses. If you have not achieved
GCse Grades C or above in english, maths or
ICT then you will work on these skills with help
from your vocational tutor so that you achieve
at least a level 2 in all areas which is the level
required to be effective in work and to access
higher level courses.
What are VRQs
VrQs are practical courses that are usually
assessed by tests and course work. They are
available in work-related subjects such as
hairdressing and are more job specific than
other qualifications. Whilst studying a VrQ
you will gain knowledge, understanding and
skills for a broad area of work or range of jobs.
Special entry requirements:
some courses require special entry
requirements, such as:
a Criminal records Bureau enhanced
disclosure, references, the completion of a
dexterity test, attainment in a pre-course
diagnostic assessment (including testing for
colour blindness), age criteria (over 18, under
24 etc), for you to be in training in a job, or be
successful at an audition or interview.
The admissions team can help you identify
whether you meet the entry requirements and
the College can advise prior to an admissions
event, what evidence may be required. should
you be interviewed at an admissions event
and not be successful in receiving an offer for
the course you applied for, you will be directed
onto an alternative level that will prepare you
to progress.
9 For further information: www.calderdale.ac.uk » Tel:01422 399399 Calderdale College: Inspiring Learners To Succeed In Life & In Work
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