Making choices Year 9 & 10 23/24
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IT’S<br />
YOUR<br />
CHOICE.<br />
<strong>Making</strong> <strong>choices</strong> in <strong>Year</strong>s 9 & <strong>10</strong>.<br />
WWW.<br />
GATESHEAD.<br />
AC.UK
HELLO.<br />
If you’re starting to think about what to do after your<br />
GCSE exams, this guide can help you to make a choice that’s<br />
right for you. There are lots of options and you no longer<br />
have to stay at school.<br />
You may decide to go to college, onto an apprenticeship, into<br />
work or go to sixth form. Whatever choice you make we can<br />
help you to understand your options, ensuring you’re happy<br />
with your decision and well on your way to a brighter future.<br />
Understanding your options 04<br />
Your employment edge 11<br />
A wide range of subjects 12<br />
Academy for Sport 16<br />
Life at Gateshead College 18<br />
Careers Advice 20<br />
We’re here for you 22<br />
Our campus <strong>24</strong><br />
Every effort was made to ensure that information in this guide<br />
was correct at the time of going to print (April 20<strong>23</strong>). Gateshead<br />
College reserves the right to amend information at any time.<br />
© Copyright Gateshead College 20<strong>23</strong>.
MAKING<br />
THE<br />
RIGHT<br />
CHOICE.<br />
At Gateshead<br />
College, we know<br />
that great jobs start<br />
with great education.<br />
But we also know that it’s<br />
not always easy to decide<br />
what to study after<br />
your GCSE exams.<br />
This guide will help you to<br />
start thinking about your<br />
future and what job<br />
you’d like to do, so you<br />
can choose a course<br />
or training programme<br />
that will get you there.<br />
3
FOLLOW OUR<br />
CHECKLIST TO HELP<br />
YOU DECIDE WHAT<br />
TO STUDY WHEN<br />
YOU LEAVE SCHOOL.<br />
What are you good at?<br />
We tend to enjoy the things<br />
we’re good at. So if you get good<br />
grades in some subjects, it may<br />
be a good idea to continue with<br />
those subjects after school.<br />
What do you enjoy the most?<br />
You’re more likely to be<br />
successful if you enjoy what<br />
you’re doing. So it’s a good idea<br />
to choose subjects that you like.<br />
How do you like to learn?<br />
Are you a practical and hands<br />
on learner? Or do you prefer<br />
research and writing reports?<br />
Are you good at exams or prefer<br />
coursework? Answering these<br />
questions will help you decide<br />
between A Levels, a Vocational Study<br />
Programme or an Apprenticeship.<br />
Which subjects will help<br />
you in the future?<br />
If you know the job you want to<br />
do, there are likely to be certain<br />
subjects or types of training that you<br />
should choose. For example, English<br />
can be helpful if you want to be a<br />
solicitor, or if you want to be a games<br />
developer a practical vocational<br />
study programme would be best.<br />
Plan your future with<br />
Career Coach<br />
Career Coach is an online tool<br />
that can help you find out about<br />
different job roles, salaries and what<br />
education and training you need to<br />
do to get there. Find it on our website.<br />
Try to avoid picking subjects because…<br />
● Your friends are taking the subject<br />
– you don’t want to get stuck<br />
studying something you don’t like.<br />
● You think it’s a boy’s subject or<br />
a girl’s subject – there’s no such<br />
thing!<br />
● You like the teacher.<br />
4
UNDERSTANDING<br />
YOUR<br />
OPTIONS.<br />
Choosing what to<br />
study after GCSE exams<br />
can be confusing.<br />
There are so many different<br />
options available, not only in terms<br />
of where you can study but also<br />
what you can study.<br />
At Gateshead College,<br />
we’re here to help.<br />
A LEVELS.<br />
What are they?<br />
A Levels tend to be more academic<br />
and a traditional way of learning.<br />
With us, you’ll also gain work<br />
experience. You have tutorials in<br />
each subject you choose and exams.<br />
Are they for me?<br />
If you like writing essays, sitting exams<br />
and a traditional style of learning<br />
similar to school.<br />
What level are they?<br />
A Levels are Level 3.<br />
What do they lead to?<br />
Higher level apprenticeships,<br />
university or work.<br />
5
VOCATIONAL<br />
STUDY PROGRAMMES.<br />
What are they?<br />
More practical and hands-on,<br />
vocational training will equip you<br />
with skills in a specific sector or trade.<br />
Progress is assessed through projects<br />
and practical work rather than<br />
exams and contact with employers is<br />
frequent.<br />
Types of vocational courses include<br />
diploma, NVQ, BTEC, City & Guilds,<br />
certificate and extended diploma.<br />
Are they for me?<br />
If you enjoy practical, hands-on<br />
learning and focussing on one<br />
subject area.<br />
What level are they?<br />
There are three levels; Level 1 is<br />
introductory, suitable for those with<br />
GCSE grades D/3 or below. Level 2 is<br />
intermediate and suitable for those<br />
with GCSE grades C or 3/4. Level 3 is<br />
advanced and suitable for those with<br />
GCSE grades A*-C / 4-9.<br />
What do they lead to?<br />
University, an apprenticeship<br />
or straight into work.<br />
6
7
APPRENTICESHIPS.<br />
What are they?<br />
Apprentices usually spend four days<br />
in work and one day at college. You<br />
will be paid a weekly wage and study<br />
the skills, knowledge and behaviours<br />
required for your chosen career, as<br />
well as English, maths and ICT.<br />
Are they for me?<br />
If you’re ready to get out into the<br />
world of work and earn a wage.<br />
What level are they?<br />
Apprenticeships range from Level 2<br />
to masters degree level.<br />
Level 2 Apprenticeship<br />
This is the same level as GCSEs.<br />
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship<br />
This is the same level as A levels.<br />
Level 4 to 7 Higher Apprenticeship<br />
This is the same as a foundation<br />
degree or above.<br />
8
What do they lead to?<br />
You can progress through the<br />
apprenticeship levels if supported<br />
by your employer. Many level 4+<br />
apprentices are qualified to step into<br />
management positions.<br />
How will I be assessed?<br />
Assessments will take place during<br />
your apprenticeship and you will be<br />
awarded a grade based on your<br />
performance at the end.<br />
How much will I earn?<br />
This depends on your employer but<br />
there are nationally set minimum<br />
wages depending on your age.<br />
How long does it take?<br />
It depends on the type of<br />
apprenticeship and can vary from<br />
12 months to 4 years. Most<br />
apprentices work for at least<br />
30 hours a week.<br />
Sign up now<br />
Visit www.gateshead.ac.uk/<br />
apprenticeship-alerts<br />
Tell us what kind of apprenticeship<br />
you’re interested in and we’ll send<br />
you vacancies and invite you to<br />
events that will help you to get<br />
ready for when you leave school.<br />
A wide range of sectors available<br />
Apprenticeships are not just<br />
available for traditional trades<br />
such as construction and<br />
engineering, we cover every<br />
sector from catering, retail, digital<br />
media, social care, hairdressing<br />
and events and promotion.<br />
Fast-track to<br />
an apprenticeship<br />
If you can’t find the right<br />
apprenticeship vacancy<br />
or you want to do some<br />
studying first - no problem.<br />
You can start on a vocational<br />
study programme then once<br />
you’re ready and a vacancy<br />
becomes available, we’ll<br />
help you transfer on to an<br />
apprenticeship.<br />
9
T LEVELS.<br />
What are they?<br />
T Levels are technical qualifications<br />
that have been endorsed by business<br />
leaders and designed to get you<br />
career-ready. Depending on the<br />
T Level route, you’ll spend a minimum<br />
of 45-days (315 hours) working<br />
in industry to get the skills and<br />
experience that employers are<br />
looking for.<br />
What level are they?<br />
T Levels are a Level 3 qualification.<br />
Students achieving the very top<br />
grade in their T Level qualification will<br />
have the equivalent of three A*s at<br />
A Level - or 168 UCAS points.<br />
What do they lead to?<br />
Just like with any other vocational<br />
or academic qualification, T Level<br />
students can progress to higher<br />
education, a job or higher<br />
apprenticeship.<br />
<strong>10</strong>
EARN YOUR<br />
EMPLOYMENT<br />
EDGE<br />
WITH<br />
GATESHEAD<br />
COLLEGE.<br />
We want you to have<br />
the confidence to hold a<br />
conversation, the ability<br />
to use your initiative and<br />
the strength to tackle the<br />
world of work head on.<br />
That’s why we partner<br />
with hundreds of<br />
organisations to offer<br />
real-life context to what<br />
we teach. They work with<br />
us to make sure the skills<br />
you learn are exactly<br />
what industry needs.<br />
Our network of some of<br />
the brightest business<br />
minds, forward thinking<br />
entrepreneurs, ambitious<br />
family businesses,<br />
global enterprises and<br />
aspirational start-ups<br />
means we’re in the best<br />
position to give you the<br />
highest quality education<br />
combined with real world<br />
skills.<br />
It’s something we<br />
call education with<br />
employment edge.<br />
And it’s totally unique to<br />
Gateshead College.<br />
11
A WIDE<br />
RANGE<br />
OF<br />
SUBJECTS.<br />
A LEVELS<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
Art & Design<br />
Biology<br />
Business Studies<br />
Chemistry<br />
Dance<br />
Drama & Theatre<br />
Economics<br />
English Language<br />
English Literature<br />
Further Maths<br />
Geography<br />
History<br />
Law<br />
Maths<br />
Media Studies<br />
Music<br />
Politics<br />
Physics<br />
Psychology<br />
Sociology<br />
T LEVELS<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
⚫<br />
Business<br />
Construction<br />
Digital Technologies<br />
Early <strong>Year</strong>s<br />
Engineering<br />
Health & Social Care<br />
12
VOCATIONAL<br />
STUDY<br />
PROGRAMMES.<br />
Art & Design<br />
⚫ Art & Design<br />
⚫ Photography<br />
Automotive<br />
⚫ Motor Vehicle Studies<br />
⚫ Accident Repair Multiskilled<br />
⚫ Motor Vehicle Service & Repair<br />
⚫ Motor Vehicle Body Repair<br />
& Paint Refinishing<br />
Construction<br />
⚫ Certificate in Construction Skills<br />
⚫ Bricklaying<br />
⚫ Carpentry & Joinery<br />
⚫ Site Carpentry<br />
⚫ Plumbing<br />
⚫ Plumbing Studies<br />
⚫ Electro Technical Installation<br />
⚫ T Level in Construction Design,<br />
Surveying & Planning<br />
⚫ T Level in Carpentry & Joinery<br />
Beauty Therapy<br />
⚫ Beauty Therapy<br />
⚫ Creative Hair & Media Make-up<br />
Artistry<br />
⚫ Advanced Hair & Media-up Artistry<br />
⚫ Advanced Nail Technician<br />
Business<br />
⚫ Introduction to Business & Travel<br />
⚫ Introduction to Business Management<br />
⚫ Business<br />
⚫ T Level in Business Management<br />
Catering & Hospitality<br />
⚫ Cookery and Food & Beverage<br />
Service<br />
⚫ Food & Beverage Service<br />
⚫ Professional Patisserie &<br />
Confectionary<br />
⚫ Hospitality Supervision & Leadership<br />
Digital Technology<br />
⚫ Digital Technology<br />
⚫ Computer Science<br />
⚫ Cyber Security & Networking<br />
⚫ Software Engineering<br />
⚫ T Level in Software Development<br />
(Digital Production, Design &<br />
Development)<br />
⚫ T Level in Networking & Infrastructure<br />
(Digital Support Services)<br />
⚫ T Level in Big Data (Business Services)<br />
MORE INFO?<br />
Go online for full course<br />
details: www.gateshead.ac.uk<br />
13
Early <strong>Year</strong>s<br />
⚫ Diploma for the Early <strong>Year</strong>s<br />
Practitioner<br />
⚫ Diploma in Education & Childcare<br />
⚫ T Level Transition in Education &<br />
Childcare<br />
⚫ T Level in Education & Childcare/<br />
Assisting Teaching<br />
Hairdressing<br />
⚫ Hair Techniques for Beginners<br />
⚫ Intermediate Hairdressing Techniques<br />
⚫ Advanced Hair Artistry & Styling<br />
Health & Social Care<br />
⚫ First Extended Certificate in Health &<br />
Social Care<br />
⚫ Foundation Diploma in Health & Social<br />
Care<br />
⚫ Extended Diploma in Health & Social<br />
Care<br />
⚫ T Level Transition in Health<br />
⚫ T Level in Health<br />
⚫ T Level in Science<br />
Media<br />
⚫ Media<br />
⚫ Digital Journalism & Content Creation<br />
⚫ Photography<br />
⚫ TV & Film<br />
Engineering<br />
⚫ Ford Engineering Academy<br />
⚫ General Engineering<br />
⚫ T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing,<br />
Processing & Control<br />
⚫ T Level in Maintenance, Installation &<br />
Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing<br />
Games<br />
⚫ Games<br />
⚫ Games Design<br />
⚫ Games Production<br />
⚫ eSports<br />
⚫ Immersive Technologies<br />
14
Music & Dance<br />
⚫ Performance Skills (Music<br />
Performance or Music Technology/<br />
DJ)<br />
⚫ Music Performance<br />
⚫ Music Tech, Production & DJ<br />
⚫ Dance (Commercial Dance,<br />
Contemporary Dance or Musical<br />
Theatre)<br />
Travel & Tourism<br />
⚫ Introduction to Business & Travel<br />
⚫ Travel, Hospitality & Aviation<br />
⚫ Travel Management (Business)<br />
Uniformed Public Services<br />
⚫ Uniformed Public Services<br />
⚫ Uniformed Public Services<br />
(Armed Forces, NHS & Prison Service)<br />
⚫ Uniformed Public Services<br />
(Fire Brigade)<br />
⚫ Policing<br />
Performing Arts & Production Arts<br />
⚫ Performance Skills (Performing Arts)<br />
⚫ Performing Arts (Acting, Movement<br />
and Vocal)<br />
⚫ Technical Theatre<br />
Sport<br />
⚫ Sport<br />
⚫ Health, Exercise & Fitness Instruction<br />
⚫ Personal Training for Health, Fitness<br />
and Performance<br />
⚫ Sports & Exercise Science<br />
⚫ Coaching & Development<br />
⚫ Gateshead Football Club Academy<br />
MORE INFO?<br />
Go online for full course<br />
details: www.gateshead.ac.uk<br />
15
WORK HARD<br />
PLAY HARDER.<br />
Our Academy for<br />
Sport is home to eight<br />
specialist academies,<br />
all offering outstanding<br />
training, coaching and<br />
playing opportunities<br />
for everyone of all<br />
abilities.<br />
You don’t need to be<br />
studying sport to join one<br />
of our sport academies,<br />
you can study any fulltime<br />
course with us and<br />
get involved. We'll work<br />
your timetable to enable<br />
you to take part in up<br />
to 4.5 hours of training<br />
a week and to play in<br />
competitive matches.<br />
Why train with us?<br />
● We’re at the top of our<br />
game when it comes<br />
to sport, education<br />
and training<br />
● Our facilities are<br />
among the best in the<br />
country and include<br />
3G and 4G pitches,<br />
an indoor athletics<br />
track, sports hall,<br />
cardio gym, strength<br />
and conditioning<br />
gym, massage suite,<br />
aerobics suite, gym<br />
and boxing ring<br />
● You’ll get up to 4.5 hours<br />
of professional training<br />
each week within your<br />
specific academy with<br />
specialist coaches<br />
● Free access to<br />
physiotherapy<br />
assessments and<br />
treatment*<br />
● The opportunity<br />
to compete in<br />
local, national<br />
and international<br />
competitions<br />
● A personalised training<br />
programme and access<br />
to a strength and<br />
conditioning coach for<br />
performance athletes<br />
● We’re also TASS<br />
accredited which<br />
means we help our<br />
athletes get the best<br />
from their sporting and<br />
academic careers<br />
● Students get a<br />
free core kit bundle<br />
OUR LIONESSES.<br />
Two former students played in the Lionesses<br />
squad that won the Euro Championships in 2022.<br />
Jill Scott<br />
Midfielder<br />
16<br />
Demi Stokes<br />
Defender<br />
* subject to screening process<br />
8 SPECIALIST<br />
ACADEMIES:<br />
Athletics<br />
Basketball<br />
Boxing<br />
Men's football<br />
Men's rugby<br />
Netball<br />
Women's football<br />
Women's rugby
17
LIFE AT<br />
GATESHEAD<br />
COLLEGE.<br />
Studying at Gateshead<br />
College is very different<br />
from school.<br />
You’ll have more freedom.<br />
We’ll treat you as an adult.<br />
Class sizes are likely to be smaller.<br />
We have a wider choice of<br />
subjects you can study.<br />
You’ll study in modern,<br />
up-to-date facilities.<br />
Plus, there are lots of<br />
things to make coming<br />
to college fun!<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
On site hair, beauty &<br />
barbering salon - Botanica<br />
Modern, bright social spaces<br />
Lots of clubs and sport activities<br />
Students’ Union<br />
We even have a Starbucks!<br />
18
19
CAREERS<br />
ADVICE.<br />
Whatever your career<br />
ambitions, ideas and hopes<br />
for the future we have a<br />
team of independent careers<br />
advisors to help you get<br />
onto the right career path.<br />
You can book an<br />
appointment when you’re<br />
still at school. Simply get<br />
in touch or come along to<br />
one of our events.<br />
See our website for details.<br />
Our team can help with:<br />
● Careers guidance and support<br />
● Career planning<br />
● Employability skills<br />
● CVs, job applications and<br />
covering letters<br />
● Interview skills<br />
● Apprenticeships and training<br />
opportunities<br />
● University applications<br />
How to make an appointment<br />
Simply call 0191 490 4603 or email<br />
career.guidance@gateshead.ac.uk.<br />
You don’t have to be a Gateshead<br />
College student to receive advice.<br />
20
YOU’RE<br />
MORE THAN<br />
A NUMBER.<br />
Even though we have more<br />
students than schools, we’re<br />
geared up to look after<br />
everyone as an individual and<br />
have a team of experts on hand<br />
to help with every aspect of<br />
your life at college.<br />
Our team can help with:<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
●<br />
Careers advice<br />
Money advice<br />
Trips and visits to support your study<br />
Learning difficulties<br />
Physical disabilities<br />
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD<br />
or Asperger’s<br />
Mental health and wellbeing.<br />
21
WE'RE HERE<br />
FOR YOU.<br />
Whatever support you need, we're here for<br />
you and will make sure you get the most out<br />
of your time at college.<br />
Our specialist team can help with:<br />
● Special Educational<br />
Needs and<br />
● Mental health<br />
and wellbeing<br />
Disabilities (SEND)<br />
and EHCP support<br />
● Exam access<br />
arrangements<br />
● Physical and sensory<br />
disabilities<br />
● Money, finance and<br />
bursaries<br />
● Dyslexia, Dyspraxia,<br />
ADHD, Asperger’s<br />
or other specific<br />
learning difficulty<br />
● Careers advice<br />
Helping you save money.<br />
Free benefits for everyone<br />
All our students enjoy a<br />
range of benefits:<br />
● Free IT software<br />
● Free parking*<br />
● Discounted food<br />
● Discounted haircuts<br />
and beauty<br />
treatments.<br />
Gateshead College<br />
Bursary<br />
Lots of our students receive<br />
help from our bursary of up<br />
to £800 to cover the costs of:<br />
● Travel - you could<br />
access travel support<br />
worth up to £500<br />
● Uniforms or kit – a<br />
saving of up to £<strong>10</strong>0<br />
● Other course related<br />
costs<br />
Free college meals<br />
Free lunches are available<br />
to some students – saving<br />
you more than £300 a<br />
year. Plus, we provide free<br />
breakfasts for all students<br />
22
Hear from some of our students about<br />
how the foundation has helped them...<br />
Gateshead College<br />
Foundation<br />
When you study with us you'll have<br />
exclusive access to the Gateshead<br />
College Foundation - a charitable<br />
fund set-up by us to help you to<br />
get the most from your college<br />
experience.<br />
The foundation can help towards<br />
travel and course costs and it<br />
can pay towards those amazing<br />
experiences that will really make<br />
your CV pop!<br />
For example, you can apply for<br />
money to buy clothing for a job<br />
interview, pay for travel to a work<br />
experience placement or pay to<br />
enter an industry competition.<br />
Find out more:<br />
www.gateshead.ac.uk/foundation<br />
All funding applications/awards are based on household income or qualifying benefits.<br />
* £<strong>10</strong> per year parking permit charge applies. This is refunded when you leave.<br />
<strong>23</strong>
OUR<br />
CAMPUSES.<br />
We have four different<br />
campuses across<br />
Gateshead, all with world<br />
class facilities including:<br />
Relaxed social spaces<br />
Hair, beauty &<br />
barbering salon<br />
83m indoor athletics track<br />
Music recording studios<br />
Restaurants<br />
Starbucks<br />
Science labs<br />
Construction trade<br />
workshops<br />
Sports science and<br />
medicine facilities<br />
Mechanical maintenance<br />
workshops<br />
Welding and fabrication<br />
workshops<br />
Electronic lab<br />
Health care lab<br />
Pole vault, long jump<br />
and throw area<br />
4G artificial and<br />
grass pitches<br />
Spray paint booths<br />
<strong>24</strong>
To find out more about each of our<br />
individual campus facilities and transport<br />
links, visit www.gateshead.ac.uk<br />
25
WE LIKE<br />
TO BE<br />
SOCIAL!<br />
Follow us on<br />
social media to<br />
stay up to date<br />
with events,<br />
competitions,<br />
news and see<br />
what our students<br />
get up to.<br />
@gatesheadcoll
@gatesheadcollege<br />
@gatesheadcollege
@GATESHEADCOLL<br />
@GATESHEADCOLLEGE<br />
@GATESHEADCOLLEGE<br />
WWW.<br />
GATESHEAD.<br />
AC.UK