Top tips for parents and carers
It is important that you and your child are aware of the educational and training options available to you, so the right choices can be made for your childs future.
Education and training has changed over the last couples of years.
Below is a summary of the courses and qualifications available, so you can help advise and support your child in their education and training decisions.
There is a broad range of exciting qualifications and learning options available for young people to choose from.
These are:
Diploma: a new qualification which offers the best of both worlds - a combination of classroom learning and practical hands-on experience, and the opportunity to develop functional skills in English, maths and ICT. From September ten subjects will be available, including Environmental and Land-based Studies, Creative and Media; and Business, Administration and Finance. Please note, not all these subjects are available in every area.
GCSE: focus around studying the theory of a chosen subject, along with an element of practical work and investigation. Students can study GCSEs in a variety of subjects, but will have to check which subjects are offered at their place of learning
A levels: are a well trusted option, but have been updated.They suit students who prefer to learn in a more traditional way.
Apprenticeships : for employees who learn on the job, and spend some time at college. The number and range available has increased, particularly in the public sector.
The Extended Project allows students to focus on an area they are really interested in. It is available as a stand-alone qualification (worth half an A level) or as part of the Advanced Diploma.
There is also a wide range of vocational qualifications.
Here is a list of ‘top tips’ and advice to help point your child in the right direction:
Find out about the different qualifications available to your child and details of what it involves. Encourage your child to think about how they like to learn, what makes them happy and what they want from life. They should also consider what qualifications are more likely to lead to employment in your area
Look at the online 14 to 19 Area Prospectus and school, college and other brochures and prospectuses or look at their websites to find out what courses and qualifications are available locally. Your child should pay special attention to teaching and learning styles, assessment methods and course length
Visit the Connexions Resource Centre/careers library where your child can look up the courses that interest them or visit the connexions website
If your child didn’t get good grades in GCSE English and maths, they should think about retaking these as they are important for so many jobs and other courses.
For advice on looking for jobs, including CV and interview preparation, and information about work experience and internships, higher and further education options, vocational training, and financial support available, click the Whats next link, under External links heading.
Your child should speak to their tutors/teachers/ admission tutors about their options, which may include combining different qualifications and subjects. For example, if they choose to take the Advanced Diploma, they may be able to take an A level as part of their Diploma because Diplomas combine a number of qualifications.