Vocational Courses

The First Diploma is a one year course at Level 2. The National Diploma is a two year course at Level 3, which can gain you entry to Degree Level Study. National Diplomas are not usually combined with AS/A2 Levels.

List of Vocational subject areas on offer for 2010

Vocational courses are nationally recognised and accepted by employers and Higher Education.

Vocational courses are related to areas of work, for example in Business Studies, Caring, Design or Engineering. They encourage you to take a measure of responsibility for your own learning and to practise and be assessed in skills such as problem solving, information gathering, communication and information technology. As the courses are continuously assessed, and project or assignment based, you will have a clear idea of your progress at every stage of your course. Some courses involve a period of work experience.

What prospects are there for me in the future?

If you have achieved a vocational First Diploma at Merit or Distinction you may progress to a National or other vocational course, or enter full-time employment.

The National Diploma Award entitles you to apply to Higher Education in a University on a degree course, or to progress directly into employment.

At GCSE we offer retake programmes in English and Mathematics for students with a Grade D.

Diplomas

Diplomas are new qualifications which offer students an exciting alternative to traditional learning and an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a 'real world' environment.

The new diplomas consist of Principal, Generic and Additional Learning.

Principal Learning gives the opportunity for students to acquire knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes relevant to learning in the sector. The emphasis will be on learning by doing with a rich and varied use of learning environments.

Generic Learning will enable students to develop and apply the broad skills and knowledge for learning, employment and personal development.

Generic skills have a wide application and can be developed in a variety of contexts including a project and work experience.

Additional Learning enables the student to specialise or to take up complementary learning such as an A Level or a GCSE, at the same level as their diploma.

The Advanced Diploma is equivalent to 3.5 A Levels. Entry requirements will depend on the Additional Learning.

List of Vocational subject areas on offer for 2010

Art and Design National Diploma
Art and Design First Diploma
Art and Design Foundation Diploma
Apprenticeships
Business National Diploma
Business and Tourism Combined First Certificates
Children's Care Learning and Development (CCLD) National Diploma
CCLD for Mature Students National Diploma
Children's Care Learning and Development First Diploma
Creative and Media Advanced Diploma (Level 3)
Foundation Programme
Health and Social Care National Diploma
Health and Social Care First Diploma
IT Practitioner National Diploma
ICT Practitioner First Diploma
Information Technology Advanced Diploma (Level 3)
Manufacturing Engineering National Diploma
Manufacturing Engineering First Diploma
Pathways For Students with learning difficulties and disabilities
Performing Arts National Diploma
Performing Arts First Diploma
Social Studies National Diploma in Public Service
Social Studies First Diploma in Public Service
Sport and Exercise Sciences National Diploma
Sport (Performance) First Diploma
Travel and Tourism National Diploma