School Leavers

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When it's time to consider continuing onto Further Education, it is important to get the information you need to make the choice that is right for you.

At Solihull College you can take A Levels, BTECs, NVQs, the new diplomas or join one of our Apprenticeship Programmes.

Our courses are normally divided up into Levels and range from Level 1 to Level 5. As a school leaver, you will normally start at Level 3, however we provide courses from Entry Level. To make it easier for you we make sure that whatever your previous experience or GCSE grades, we can get you started on the path you want with the course that’s right for you.

Pre Entry and Entry Level

Courses usually last one year.

Entry Requirements:

• No formal qualifications required
• Successful College Assessment or Interview

Access to Further Education

The Access to Further Education course is suitable for 16-19 year olds, who have few or no formal qualifications and are unsure about which educational or career route you want to follow. This course enables you to achieve qualifications whilst keeping your options open. This course can lead onto Level 1 or Level 2 courses, training programmes or employment.

Entry to Employment

The Entry 2 Employment programme has been designed for anyone who needs assistance securing a position as an Apprentice, in employment or full-time education. The course is aimed at 16-18 year olds (or 19 in certain circumstances) and there are no formal entry requirements to join the course. Entry 2 employment lasts for an average of 13 weeks and students will be expected to attend college for a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Level 1

Courses usually last one year.

Entry Requirements:
• No formal qualifications required
• Successful College Assessment or Interview

BTEC Intro Diploma

A BTEC First Diploma is a practical, work related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations. The course covers the basic technical knowledge and practical skills to provide a good foundation for future career opportunities or progression to a more advanced work-related qualification.

NVQ Level 1

NVQ is a work-based course aimed at those who are employed. NVQs are often considered the perfect stepping stone to turn industrial experience into a recognised professional qualification.

Level 2

Courses usually last one year.

Entry Requirements:
• 2 GCSEs at Grade D or above or equivalent (for NVQ and BTEC qualifications)
• Successful College Assessment or Interview

GCSEs

GCSEs involve studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigative work. English and Maths are requirements for many jobs and college/university courses.

BTEC First Diploma

The BTEC First Diploma is a full-time course which is normally completed within a year. BTEC First Diplomas are designed to build and develop your knowledge about your area of study. Many people who have studied this qualification have gone straight into employment after completion of the course, however many have gone on to study a BTEC National and other educational routes into university.

NVQ Level 2

NVQ is a work-based course aimed at those who are employed. NVQs are often considered the perfect stepping stone to turn industrial experience into a recognised professional qualification.

Apprenticeships

If you want to develop your future career prospects and study at the same time then an apprenticeship is for you. They are high-quality work-based training programmes that enable you to work, learn the skills of your chosen profession and gain a recognised qualification whilst earning a decent wage.

The Prince’s Trust Team Programme

The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a 12 week personal development programme which helps young people, aged between 16 and 25, find their potential and discover new confidence. This is achieved through developing team building, problem solving, communication and decision making skills and involvement in a range of activities.

Level 3

Courses usually last two years.

Entry Requirements:
• 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (incl. English and/or Maths) or equivalent Level 2 qualification.
• Successful College Assessment or Interview

AS/ A2 Levels

A Levels are made up of the AS Level and the A2 Level. Each part makes up 50% of the overall A Level grade. AS and A Levels are one of the main routes into university level education.

If you enjoy studying a range of academic subjects and taking exams then A Levels could be for you.
Studying up to four subjects in your first year and continuing with three in your second, you will be learning in a classroom based environment taking exams at the end of each year. You will be required to do a lot of independent study including research and essay writing whilst also having fun with your friends.

BTEC National Diploma

BTEC National Diplomas are vocational courses related to a broad occupational area, combining practical, hands-on activities with detailed technical study. You may also be able to take part in related work experience.

The Diploma

Launched in September 2008 - The Diploma is a new qualification for 14 to 19 year olds.

The Diploma is an alternative to our A Levels and BTEC courses providing you with an opportunity to work closely with employers to give you practical experience combined with classroom learning.

In 2009, there will be a range of Diplomas to choose from at Solihull College including Business Administration and Finance; Creative and Media; Engineering; Hair and Beauty; Information Technology; Society, Health and Development.

Apprenticeships (Advanced)

If you want to develop your future career prospects an advanced apprenticeship is for you. They are high-quality work-based training programmes for those with a substantial amount of industry-related experience. They enable you to work, develop the skills of your chosen profession further and gain a recognised qualification whilst earning a decent wage.

NVQ Level 3

NVQ Level 3 is a work-based course aimed at those who are employed and looking to enter a managerial or supervisory role. NVQs are often considered the perfect stepping stone to turn industrial experience into a recognised professional qualification.