We offer vocational courses in the following subjects. Please click on the links for further information about these courses, including any subject specific entry criteria. Each of the courses below is equivalent to one A Level. To enrol onto vocational courses, students will need to have achieved a minimum of grade 4 in GCSE English and/or GCSE Maths, along with at least 4 other grade 4+.
Art and Design BTEC
Course Overview
The BTEC Art course is a natural progression from GCSE, with each year comprising of two units; a portfolio of work set by the teacher, and a starting point set by the exam board. You will learn a range of new skills, as well as developing ones already learnt during GCSE. You will also be given more freedom to guide your projects towards your own personal interests and ambitions.
You will be expected to work independently both in the classroom and at home, and will need to keep on top of a heavy workload.
What will I learn?
The course encourages you to look at other artists and designers, learning how to analyse and critique them appropriately and apply their techniques and ideas to your own work, and how these an be applied in industry.
Art history and contextual studies are an important part of the course. You will also learn a range of new skills in areas such as photography; fine art, textiles, ceramics and printmaking. You will also develop skills in designing and problem solving, as well as applying yourself to create informed, interesting and high quality artworks in a range of medias.
How will I be assessed?
Through the course you will receive regular written formative feedback to homework and coursework tasks, as well as group and 1:1 tutorials.
Entry Requirements
Students will be at a significant advantage if they have studied Art & Design at
GCSE, however students will be considered on the submission of a portfolio
showcasing their drawing ability. You must be motivated and willing to work
outside of lessons, as well as have a genuine interest in the arts.
Progression Opportunities
Art can lead to many further courses or jobs in the industry, including:
o   Graphic Design
o   Fine Art
o   Architecture
o   Interior Designing
o   Illustration
o   Animation
o   Concept Design
o   Theatre Stage Set Design
o   Gallery Curation
The usual route for art students is to go on to study a National Diploma in Foundation studies in Art, before moving onto a degree.
BTEC Business
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business
Business is for anyone who is interested in learning about the business sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses.
This is a two year course that once completed is the equivalent of one A Level. Students will study 4 units over the two years. Learning hours will be spread over lessons and private study.
Course overview
On this course, students gain a good understanding of the basics of business; initially the course looks at the different elements of business such as marketing, human resources, business structures, the economy and finance.
What will I learn?
All students will complete the following 4 units:
- Exploring Business
- Developing a Marketing Campaign
- Personal and Business Finance
- Work Experience in Business
How will I be assessed?
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business is assessed 50% internally, 25% controlled assessment of a case study and 25% exam.
Entry requirements
GCSE Maths and GCSE English at grade 4 or above is desirable. A grade 4 or
above in GCSE Business or Level 2 Merit in BTEC Business/Enterprise would be
an advantage.
Education progression opportunities
Business will gain students UCAS points, which will enable students to continue their studies at University. Universities offer a range of business courses such as Business Studies, Marketing, Accountancy, Business Management and International Business.
Career progression opportunities
With the international recognition of BTEC courses such as this, you can progress straight into employment. If successful there are a variety of potential careers that you can explore, all of which will benefit from your studies, for example:
- Human Resources
- Accountancy
- Marketing and Sales
- Production
- Enterprise
BTEC Level 3: Creative Media Digital Production
National Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production
Course overview
Learners develop an understanding of the media industry through analysing media representations and pitching and producing media products.
It is designed for post-16 learners who aim to progress to Higher Education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the Media Industries as part of a programme of study alongside other BTEC qualifications or A Levels.
How the course is constructed:
- The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level.
- 2 internally assessed units (coursework) and 2 externally assessed units (exam)
Exams
- There is one exam in Media Representations (Year 12)
- There is a unit where students are given an industry-standard brief to work on and then submit work (Responding to a Commission) (Year 13)
Coursework
- In Year 12, students will complete a pre-production coursework unit where they will plan and design a brand new music or fashion magazine
- In Year 13 Students will then create the magazine using industry standard software in a specialised Mac Suite
What skills will students gain?
All BTEC Nationals are mapped to relevant occupational standards. Employability skills, such as team working and entrepreneurialism, and practical hands-on skills have been built into the design of the learning aims and content. This gives you the opportunity to use relevant contexts, scenarios and materials to enable learners to develop a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates the breadth of their skills and knowledge in a way that equips them for employment.
Entry requirements
A GCSE grade 4 or above in English is desirable. A wider interest in the media
industry, and a willingness to research and produce work independently would
be a significant advantage.
What could students do next?
In addition to studying Media at further education, this qualification will assist students if they are looking for careers in the following sectors:
- Web and Games Design
- Commercial Production
- Journalism
- Social Media
- Print Industry
- TV/Film Production
- Marketing
- Photography
- Graphic Design
- Events Management
- Digital Editing and Publishing
What is criminology?
Were you fascinated by the characters from movie series like True Detective, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, or Sherlock Holmes who played the detective or investigator role? Do you want to be just like them only in real life? Then criminology is for you. Criminology is the study of crime, crime prevention and how the world reacts and controls crime. It is a branch of Sociology which can lead to many different careers within the Criminal Justice System and beyond.Â
Criminology crosses paths with several other subjects – both inside and outside of the Social Sciences department including Law, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, Politics and Government and History to name a few.Â
What does the course lead to?
As a criminology graduate with critical thinking, analytical and communications skills, you’re attractive to employers both inside and outside the criminal justice sector. Jobs directly relating to the course are things like:
- Community development worker
- Detective
- Police officer
- Prison officer
- Probation officer
- Social worker
- Youth worker
What will I learn?
| Topic Title | Assessment Type | |
| Year 12 | Changing Awareness of Crime
You will gain an understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported and create a media campaign to raise social awareness of particular unreported crimes.  |
Internal assessment |
| Criminological Theories
Why do people commit crime? Why are some crimes more reported than others? What are the main criminological theories and how do they affect social policies set by the government? |
External Exam (90 minutes) | |
| Year 13 | Crime Scene to Courtroom
You will look at the criminal justice system process from the moment a crime has been identified through to the verdict. What are the roles of personnel involved when a crime is detected? What investigative techniques are available to investigators to help to identify the culprit? Do techniques differ depending on the type of crime being investigated? What happens to a suspect once charged by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)? What safeguards are in place to ensure a suspect has a fair trial? |
Internal assessment |
| Crime and PunishmentÂ
You will apply your understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court (the previous 3 units) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy |
External Exam (90 minutes) |
What Grades do I need?
You must have at least 5 GCSE’s at grade 5 or above to be enrolled onto the Criminology course.Â
BTEC Health and Social Care
BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care
Edexcel
Course Overview
BTEC Health and Social Care provides a knowledge and understanding of the health care sector in a vocational context. On completion of the course you will be able to analyse and evaluate different perspectives of health, you will gain imperative skills needed to work in the health care sector such as effective communication skills, empathy, professionalism, critical thinking, problem solving, intrapersonal skills and many more.
There are two mandatory external examinations, one mandatory internal module and one optional unit. In year 12 we will look at the study of human lifespan development looking at the different life stages each individual passes through and how life events can impact on our growth and development.
The course will look at many relevant issues that shape how healthcare professionals should conduct their work within health and social care settings and how they benefit patients:
- Can healthcare professionals have an impact on an individual’s lifespan?
- Are we disadvantaged in terms of the healthcare we receive based on the demographics of where we live?
- How does social class, gender and even race affect your health and care.
- Are we really at a disadvantage going to school in a socially deprived area?
- Living in a socially deprived area
- Is our health compromised by discrimination? Is this fair?
What will I learn?
BTEC Health and Social Care Level 3 Extended Certificate provides a knowledge and understanding of the healthcare sector in a vocational context. On completion of the course you will be able to analyse and evaluate different perspectives of health you will gain imperative skills needed to work in the health care sector such as:
- effective communication skills
- empathy
- professionalism
- critical thinking
- problem solving
- interpersonal skills
and many more.
There are 3 mandatory unit including two external examinations and one optional unit.
Mandatory units:
- Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development (External Examination)
- Unit 2 – Working in Health and Social Care (External Examination)
- Unit 5 – Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
Optional Units
- Unit 10 – Sociological perspectives in HSC
- Unit 11 – Psychological perspectives in HSC
- Unit 12 – Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs
- Unit 14 – Physiological Disorders and their Care
How will I be assessed?
To pass this course you will need to pass the two external examinations. You are also expected to meet deadlines for assignments for each unit of study.
Assessment methods will include:
- practical work
- group work
- presentations
- essays
- discussions
The external examinations are mandatory and have to be passed in order to continue on the course.
Entry requirements
Students will benefit from a grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and grade 4s in
GCSE Science(s). A wider interest in the health and social care industry, and a
willingness to research and produce work independently would be a significant
advantage.
Education progression opportunities
This course is a good starting point if you want to follow a career in Health and Social Care. This course can lead to employment, however; you would be expected to undertake further training or university for further study. This is an ideal course for those who wish to work in Health and Social Care environments or those who wish to move on to study in Higher Education in the area of Health and Social Care.This course is a full time course and can be studied over two years alongside other BTEC or A Levels which will support progression to higher education.
Career progression opportunities
- Adult Nursing
- Working with people with Learning Disabilities
- Mental Health
- Pediatrics
- Midwifery
- Social care
- Physiotherapy
- Apprenticeship in the health and social care sector.
BTEC National Level 3 IT
Is this course for me?
Students on our Information Technology course will develop high-level application skills and learn how IT is applied in business. This course is for students who may not be interested in the technical side of computing but want to gain an appreciation of how IT can be applied across a range of subjects.
What will I study?
In Year 12:
Creating Systems to Manage Information
- 25% of the overall grade
- A 10 hour practical database exam split over 5 days (2 hours a day) in April/May
Using Social Media in Business
- 25% of the overall grade
- Coursework based written assignments throughout the year
In Year 13:
Information Technology Systems
- 25% of the overall grade
- 2 hour written exam in May. Example topics: digital devices, peripheral devices, software, networking, new technologies, data, protecting data, online systems
Data Modelling
- 25% of the overall grade
- Coursework based written and practical assignments throughout the year developing and creating spreadsheets
Entry requirements
GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, and a pass in a Level 2 IT course would be a significant advantage. IT capability is essential.
BTEC Sport
National Level 3Â Extended Certificate in Sport
Course overview
The BTEC Sport course provides learners with an introduction to and understanding of the sports industry. This course provides a broad basis of study for the sport sector and opportunities for progression to Higher Education as part of a programme of study, which includes other BTEC Nationals or A Levels. The course combines up-to-date industry knowledge with the right balance of the practical, research and behavioural skills students need to succeed in Higher Education and in your career.
Course details and assessment:
The new BTEC in Sport uses a combination of assessment styles to give students confidence in order to apply their knowledge to succeed in the workplace – and have the study skills to continue learning on higher education courses and throughout their career. This range of assessments – practical and written – mean students can showcase their learning and achievements to best effect when they take their next step, whether that’s supporting applications to higher education courses or potential employers.
There are three compulsory units which students must study in this Extended Certificate:
- Unit 1 – Anatomy & Physiology. In this unit learners explore how the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems function and the fundamentals of the energy systems. This unit is assessed via a written exam and equates to 33% of your final grade.
- Unit 2 – Fitness, Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being. In this unit learners explore client screening and lifestyle assessment, fitness training methods and fitness programming to support improvements in a client’s health and wellbeing. This unit is assessed via an externally-set controlled-assessment task which is completed in timed conditions and equates to 33% of your final grade.
- Unit 3 – Professional Development in the Sports Industry. In this unit learners explore the knowledge and skills required for different career pathways in the sports industry. Learners will take part in, and reflect on, a personal skills audit, career action plan and practical interview assessment activities. This unit is assessed internally via a series of assignments.
One additional unit will be chosen from the list below which will be assessed internally via a series of assignments:
- Unit 4 – Sports Leadership
- Unit 5 – Application of Fitness Testing
- Unit 6 – Sports Psychology
- Unit 7 – Practical Sports Performance
Entry requirements
A grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and/or GCSE English, with a minimum of
grade 4s in GCSE Science. A grade 4 or higher in GCSE PE, or a Merit or higher in
BTEC Level 2 Sport. Enthusiasm for sport, health and active leisure is essential,
and regular involvement in physical activity will demonstrate aptitude and
commitment.
Education progression opportunities
Universities offer degrees and HNDs in related subjects including:
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Sports Development
- Fitness and Fitness Training
- Sports Therapy
- Sports Coaching and Teaching.
Career progression opportunities
Typical career paths are linked to the individual units completed. These might include;
- Sports coaching
- Fitness training and instruction
- Sports psychology
- Business and sports development
- Leisure management
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology
Students will benefit from a grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and grade 4s in GCSE Science(s). A wider interest in Psychology and a willingness to research and produce work independently would be a significant advantage
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology is equivalent in size to one A Level. The qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare you for further study or training. Everyone taking this qualification will study three mandatory units, covering the following content areas: applications of psychological approaches; conducting psychological research; health psychology. The mandatory content allows you to concentrate on the development of your knowledge and understanding of psychology, as well as the application of skills that are important in psychology, over an extended period. You will choose one optional unit, which has been designed to support progression to more specialist applied psychology courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas, such as: criminal and forensic psychology; principles of children’s psychological development; psychopathology and treatment; applied sport psychology.
Who is this qualification for?
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology is intended to be an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the applied psychology sector.
The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and it has been designed as one third of a typical study programme, normally alongside A Levels or other applied general qualifications at Level 3.
What could this qualification lead to?
When combined with other qualifications within a two-year study programme, such as AS/A Levels or a BTEC National Foundation Diploma or Diploma in a complementary sector, you can progress to higher education qualifications such as:
- BSc (Hons) in Occupational Health if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care
- BSc in Education and Child Psychology if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care and an A Level in Biology
- BSc (Hons) in Sport Psychology if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
- BSc in Forensic and Criminal Psychology if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation.
You should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific higher education providers.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology consists of 4 units, of which 3 are mandatory and 2 are external. Mandatory content is 83% of the course and External assessment is 58% of the course. Please see the table below.
The optional unit has been chosen by the teachers running the course based on feedback from the exam board and other teachers on what will achieve the best student outcomes.
| Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology | |||
| Unit (number and title) | Unit size (GLH) | Mandatory or Optional | Externally or Internally assessed |
| 1 – Psychological Approaches and Applications | 90 | Mandatory | External Exam |
| 2 – Conducting Psychological Research | 90 | Mandatory | Internal – coursework |
| 3 – Health Psychology | 120 | Mandatory | External Exam |
| 6 – Introduction to Psychopathology | 60 | Optional | Internal – coursework |
