Making choices Year 9 & 10 23/24

IT’S
YOUR
CHOICE.
Making choices in Years 9 & 10.
WWW.
GATESHEAD.
AC.UK

HELLO.
If you’re starting to think about what to do after your
GCSE exams, this guide can help you to make a choice that’s
right for you. There are lots of options and you no longer
have to stay at school.
You may decide to go to college, onto an apprenticeship, into
work or go to sixth form. Whatever choice you make we can
help you to understand your options, ensuring you’re happy
with your decision and well on your way to a brighter future.
Understanding your options 04
Your employment edge 11
A wide range of subjects 12
Academy for Sport 16
Life at Gateshead College 18
Careers Advice 20
We’re here for you 22
Our campus 24
Every effort was made to ensure that information in this guide
was correct at the time of going to print (April 2023). Gateshead
College reserves the right to amend information at any time.
© Copyright Gateshead College 2023.

MAKING
THE
RIGHT
CHOICE.
At Gateshead
College, we know
that great jobs start
with great education.
But we also know that it’s
not always easy to decide
what to study after
your GCSE exams.
This guide will help you to
start thinking about your
future and what job
you’d like to do, so you
can choose a course
or training programme
that will get you there.
3

FOLLOW OUR
CHECKLIST TO HELP
YOU DECIDE WHAT
TO STUDY WHEN
YOU LEAVE SCHOOL.
What are you good at?
We tend to enjoy the things
we’re good at. So if you get good
grades in some subjects, it may
be a good idea to continue with
those subjects after school.
What do you enjoy the most?
You’re more likely to be
successful if you enjoy what
you’re doing. So it’s a good idea
to choose subjects that you like.
How do you like to learn?
Are you a practical and hands
on learner? Or do you prefer
research and writing reports?
Are you good at exams or prefer
coursework? Answering these
questions will help you decide
between A Levels, a Vocational Study
Programme or an Apprenticeship.
Which subjects will help
you in the future?
If you know the job you want to
do, there are likely to be certain
subjects or types of training that you
should choose. For example, English
can be helpful if you want to be a
solicitor, or if you want to be a games
developer a practical vocational
study programme would be best.
Plan your future with
Career Coach
Career Coach is an online tool
that can help you find out about
different job roles, salaries and what
education and training you need to
do to get there. Find it on our website.
Try to avoid picking subjects because…
● Your friends are taking the subject
– you don’t want to get stuck
studying something you don’t like.
● You think it’s a boy’s subject or
a girl’s subject – there’s no such
thing!
● You like the teacher.
4

UNDERSTANDING
YOUR
OPTIONS.
Choosing what to
study after GCSE exams
can be confusing.
There are so many different
options available, not only in terms
of where you can study but also
what you can study.
At Gateshead College,
we’re here to help.
A LEVELS.
What are they?
A Levels tend to be more academic
and a traditional way of learning.
With us, you’ll also gain work
experience. You have tutorials in
each subject you choose and exams.
Are they for me?
If you like writing essays, sitting exams
and a traditional style of learning
similar to school.
What level are they?
A Levels are Level 3.
What do they lead to?
Higher level apprenticeships,
university or work.
5

VOCATIONAL
STUDY PROGRAMMES.
What are they?
More practical and hands-on,
vocational training will equip you
with skills in a specific sector or trade.
Progress is assessed through projects
and practical work rather than
exams and contact with employers is
frequent.
Types of vocational courses include
diploma, NVQ, BTEC, City & Guilds,
certificate and extended diploma.
Are they for me?
If you enjoy practical, hands-on
learning and focussing on one
subject area.
What level are they?
There are three levels; Level 1 is
introductory, suitable for those with
GCSE grades D/3 or below. Level 2 is
intermediate and suitable for those
with GCSE grades C or 3/4. Level 3 is
advanced and suitable for those with
GCSE grades A*-C / 4-9.
What do they lead to?
University, an apprenticeship
or straight into work.
6

7

APPRENTICESHIPS.
What are they?
Apprentices usually spend four days
in work and one day at college. You
will be paid a weekly wage and study
the skills, knowledge and behaviours
required for your chosen career, as
well as English, maths and ICT.
Are they for me?
If you’re ready to get out into the
world of work and earn a wage.
What level are they?
Apprenticeships range from Level 2
to masters degree level.
Level 2 Apprenticeship
This is the same level as GCSEs.
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
This is the same level as A levels.
Level 4 to 7 Higher Apprenticeship
This is the same as a foundation
degree or above.
8

What do they lead to?
You can progress through the
apprenticeship levels if supported
by your employer. Many level 4+
apprentices are qualified to step into
management positions.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments will take place during
your apprenticeship and you will be
awarded a grade based on your
performance at the end.
How much will I earn?
This depends on your employer but
there are nationally set minimum
wages depending on your age.
How long does it take?
It depends on the type of
apprenticeship and can vary from
12 months to 4 years. Most
apprentices work for at least
30 hours a week.
Sign up now
Visit www.gateshead.ac.uk/
apprenticeship-alerts
Tell us what kind of apprenticeship
you’re interested in and we’ll send
you vacancies and invite you to
events that will help you to get
ready for when you leave school.
A wide range of sectors available
Apprenticeships are not just
available for traditional trades
such as construction and
engineering, we cover every
sector from catering, retail, digital
media, social care, hairdressing
and events and promotion.
Fast-track to
an apprenticeship
If you can’t find the right
apprenticeship vacancy
or you want to do some
studying first - no problem.
You can start on a vocational
study programme then once
you’re ready and a vacancy
becomes available, we’ll
help you transfer on to an
apprenticeship.
9

T LEVELS.
What are they?
T Levels are technical qualifications
that have been endorsed by business
leaders and designed to get you
career-ready. Depending on the
T Level route, you’ll spend a minimum
of 45-days (315 hours) working
in industry to get the skills and
experience that employers are
looking for.
What level are they?
T Levels are a Level 3 qualification.
Students achieving the very top
grade in their T Level qualification will
have the equivalent of three A*s at
A Level - or 168 UCAS points.
What do they lead to?
Just like with any other vocational
or academic qualification, T Level
students can progress to higher
education, a job or higher
apprenticeship.
10

EARN YOUR
EMPLOYMENT
EDGE
WITH
GATESHEAD
COLLEGE.
We want you to have
the confidence to hold a
conversation, the ability
to use your initiative and
the strength to tackle the
world of work head on.
That’s why we partner
with hundreds of
organisations to offer
real-life context to what
we teach. They work with
us to make sure the skills
you learn are exactly
what industry needs.
Our network of some of
the brightest business
minds, forward thinking
entrepreneurs, ambitious
family businesses,
global enterprises and
aspirational start-ups
means we’re in the best
position to give you the
highest quality education
combined with real world
skills.
It’s something we
call education with
employment edge.
And it’s totally unique to
Gateshead College.
11

A WIDE
RANGE
OF
SUBJECTS.
A LEVELS
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⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Dance
Drama & Theatre
Economics
English Language
English Literature
Further Maths
Geography
History
Law
Maths
Media Studies
Music
Politics
Physics
Psychology
Sociology
T LEVELS
⚫
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Business
Construction
Digital Technologies
Early Years
Engineering
Health & Social Care
12

VOCATIONAL
STUDY
PROGRAMMES.
Art & Design
⚫ Art & Design
⚫ Photography
Automotive
⚫ Motor Vehicle Studies
⚫ Accident Repair Multiskilled
⚫ Motor Vehicle Service & Repair
⚫ Motor Vehicle Body Repair
& Paint Refinishing
Construction
⚫ Certificate in Construction Skills
⚫ Bricklaying
⚫ Carpentry & Joinery
⚫ Site Carpentry
⚫ Plumbing
⚫ Plumbing Studies
⚫ Electro Technical Installation
⚫ T Level in Construction Design,
Surveying & Planning
⚫ T Level in Carpentry & Joinery
Beauty Therapy
⚫ Beauty Therapy
⚫ Creative Hair & Media Make-up
Artistry
⚫ Advanced Hair & Media-up Artistry
⚫ Advanced Nail Technician
Business
⚫ Introduction to Business & Travel
⚫ Introduction to Business Management
⚫ Business
⚫ T Level in Business Management
Catering & Hospitality
⚫ Cookery and Food & Beverage
Service
⚫ Food & Beverage Service
⚫ Professional Patisserie &
Confectionary
⚫ Hospitality Supervision & Leadership
Digital Technology
⚫ Digital Technology
⚫ Computer Science
⚫ Cyber Security & Networking
⚫ Software Engineering
⚫ T Level in Software Development
(Digital Production, Design &
Development)
⚫ T Level in Networking & Infrastructure
(Digital Support Services)
⚫ T Level in Big Data (Business Services)
MORE INFO?
Go online for full course
details: www.gateshead.ac.uk
13

Early Years
⚫ Diploma for the Early Years
Practitioner
⚫ Diploma in Education & Childcare
⚫ T Level Transition in Education &
Childcare
⚫ T Level in Education & Childcare/
Assisting Teaching
Hairdressing
⚫ Hair Techniques for Beginners
⚫ Intermediate Hairdressing Techniques
⚫ Advanced Hair Artistry & Styling
Health & Social Care
⚫ First Extended Certificate in Health &
Social Care
⚫ Foundation Diploma in Health & Social
Care
⚫ Extended Diploma in Health & Social
Care
⚫ T Level Transition in Health
⚫ T Level in Health
⚫ T Level in Science
Media
⚫ Media
⚫ Digital Journalism & Content Creation
⚫ Photography
⚫ TV & Film
Engineering
⚫ Ford Engineering Academy
⚫ General Engineering
⚫ T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing,
Processing & Control
⚫ T Level in Maintenance, Installation &
Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing
Games
⚫ Games
⚫ Games Design
⚫ Games Production
⚫ eSports
⚫ Immersive Technologies
14

Music & Dance
⚫ Performance Skills (Music
Performance or Music Technology/
DJ)
⚫ Music Performance
⚫ Music Tech, Production & DJ
⚫ Dance (Commercial Dance,
Contemporary Dance or Musical
Theatre)
Travel & Tourism
⚫ Introduction to Business & Travel
⚫ Travel, Hospitality & Aviation
⚫ Travel Management (Business)
Uniformed Public Services
⚫ Uniformed Public Services
⚫ Uniformed Public Services
(Armed Forces, NHS & Prison Service)
⚫ Uniformed Public Services
(Fire Brigade)
⚫ Policing
Performing Arts & Production Arts
⚫ Performance Skills (Performing Arts)
⚫ Performing Arts (Acting, Movement
and Vocal)
⚫ Technical Theatre
Sport
⚫ Sport
⚫ Health, Exercise & Fitness Instruction
⚫ Personal Training for Health, Fitness
and Performance
⚫ Sports & Exercise Science
⚫ Coaching & Development
⚫ Gateshead Football Club Academy
MORE INFO?
Go online for full course
details: www.gateshead.ac.uk
15

WORK HARD
PLAY HARDER.
Our Academy for
Sport is home to eight
specialist academies,
all offering outstanding
training, coaching and
playing opportunities
for everyone of all
abilities.
You don’t need to be
studying sport to join one
of our sport academies,
you can study any fulltime
course with us and
get involved. We'll work
your timetable to enable
you to take part in up
to 4.5 hours of training
a week and to play in
competitive matches.
Why train with us?
● We’re at the top of our
game when it comes
to sport, education
and training
● Our facilities are
among the best in the
country and include
3G and 4G pitches,
an indoor athletics
track, sports hall,
cardio gym, strength
and conditioning
gym, massage suite,
aerobics suite, gym
and boxing ring
● You’ll get up to 4.5 hours
of professional training
each week within your
specific academy with
specialist coaches
● Free access to
physiotherapy
assessments and
treatment*
● The opportunity
to compete in
local, national
and international
competitions
● A personalised training
programme and access
to a strength and
conditioning coach for
performance athletes
● We’re also TASS
accredited which
means we help our
athletes get the best
from their sporting and
academic careers
● Students get a
free core kit bundle
OUR LIONESSES.
Two former students played in the Lionesses
squad that won the Euro Championships in 2022.
Jill Scott
Midfielder
16
Demi Stokes
Defender
* subject to screening process
8 SPECIALIST
ACADEMIES:
Athletics
Basketball
Boxing
Men's football
Men's rugby
Netball
Women's football
Women's rugby

17

LIFE AT
GATESHEAD
COLLEGE.
Studying at Gateshead
College is very different
from school.
You’ll have more freedom.
We’ll treat you as an adult.
Class sizes are likely to be smaller.
We have a wider choice of
subjects you can study.
You’ll study in modern,
up-to-date facilities.
Plus, there are lots of
things to make coming
to college fun!
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●
●
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On site hair, beauty &
barbering salon - Botanica
Modern, bright social spaces
Lots of clubs and sport activities
Students’ Union
We even have a Starbucks!
18

19

CAREERS
ADVICE.
Whatever your career
ambitions, ideas and hopes
for the future we have a
team of independent careers
advisors to help you get
onto the right career path.
You can book an
appointment when you’re
still at school. Simply get
in touch or come along to
one of our events.
See our website for details.
Our team can help with:
● Careers guidance and support
● Career planning
● Employability skills
● CVs, job applications and
covering letters
● Interview skills
● Apprenticeships and training
opportunities
● University applications
How to make an appointment
Simply call 0191 490 4603 or email
career.guidance@gateshead.ac.uk.
You don’t have to be a Gateshead
College student to receive advice.
20

YOU’RE
MORE THAN
A NUMBER.
Even though we have more
students than schools, we’re
geared up to look after
everyone as an individual and
have a team of experts on hand
to help with every aspect of
your life at college.
Our team can help with:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Careers advice
Money advice
Trips and visits to support your study
Learning difficulties
Physical disabilities
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD
or Asperger’s
Mental health and wellbeing.
21

WE'RE HERE
FOR YOU.
Whatever support you need, we're here for
you and will make sure you get the most out
of your time at college.
Our specialist team can help with:
● Special Educational
Needs and
● Mental health
and wellbeing
Disabilities (SEND)
and EHCP support
● Exam access
arrangements
● Physical and sensory
disabilities
● Money, finance and
bursaries
● Dyslexia, Dyspraxia,
ADHD, Asperger’s
or other specific
learning difficulty
● Careers advice
Helping you save money.
Free benefits for everyone
All our students enjoy a
range of benefits:
● Free IT software
● Free parking*
● Discounted food
● Discounted haircuts
and beauty
treatments.
Gateshead College
Bursary
Lots of our students receive
help from our bursary of up
to £800 to cover the costs of:
● Travel - you could
access travel support
worth up to £500
● Uniforms or kit – a
saving of up to £100
● Other course related
costs
Free college meals
Free lunches are available
to some students – saving
you more than £300 a
year. Plus, we provide free
breakfasts for all students
22

Hear from some of our students about
how the foundation has helped them...
Gateshead College
Foundation
When you study with us you'll have
exclusive access to the Gateshead
College Foundation - a charitable
fund set-up by us to help you to
get the most from your college
experience.
The foundation can help towards
travel and course costs and it
can pay towards those amazing
experiences that will really make
your CV pop!
For example, you can apply for
money to buy clothing for a job
interview, pay for travel to a work
experience placement or pay to
enter an industry competition.
Find out more:
www.gateshead.ac.uk/foundation
All funding applications/awards are based on household income or qualifying benefits.
* £10 per year parking permit charge applies. This is refunded when you leave.
23

OUR
CAMPUSES.
We have four different
campuses across
Gateshead, all with world
class facilities including:
Relaxed social spaces
Hair, beauty &
barbering salon
83m indoor athletics track
Music recording studios
Restaurants
Starbucks
Science labs
Construction trade
workshops
Sports science and
medicine facilities
Mechanical maintenance
workshops
Welding and fabrication
workshops
Electronic lab
Health care lab
Pole vault, long jump
and throw area
4G artificial and
grass pitches
Spray paint booths
24

To find out more about each of our
individual campus facilities and transport
links, visit www.gateshead.ac.uk
25

WE LIKE
TO BE
SOCIAL!
Follow us on
social media to
stay up to date
with events,
competitions,
news and see
what our students
get up to.
@gatesheadcoll

@gatesheadcollege
@gatesheadcollege

@GATESHEADCOLL
@GATESHEADCOLLEGE
@GATESHEADCOLLEGE
WWW.
GATESHEAD.
AC.UK