What are A Levels (AS/A2)?

GCE A Levels are two-year study courses normally taken by students after they have completed their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. In most cases students should have passed a GCSE in the subject they wish to take at A Level, but some subjects (such as Law) are not offered at GCSE level. A Levels are seen as one of the main routes into higher education and employment.

A Levels offer flexibility because of the introduction of AS and A2. Students can decide how many A Levels they wish to study, depending on their career choices, ability and provision. A Levels demand more individual, in-depth study than GCSEs and place greater emphasis on traditional study skills.

There are a vast range of subjects offered at AS/A Level - many of which you will find in the prospectus.

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What are BTEC Introductory Certificates and Diplomas?

Introductory Certificates and Diplomas are one-year, Level 1 qualifications which are initial steps into vocationally-related education. They help encourage learners to develop personal skills and attributes in order to develop confidence to work and reach their full potential at this level. Students will follow core vocational units, personal skills units and specialist units. Alongside their programme, they will also study Key Skills. Successful candidates may be able to progress to First Diploma programmes, employment, or other Level 2 qualifications.

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What are BTEC First Diplomas?

First Diplomas are a one-year, Level 2 qualification for students who would like to take up a career in a broad occupational area. They are vocational courses that develop knowledge, skills and understanding for employment or progression to a National Diploma. First Diplomas provide a mix of essential and optional subjects tailored to suit local employment opportunities or as a progression to a National Diploma. Students will experience a broad range of study in preparation for a wide range of careers in the vocational area.

All First Diploma programmes include Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology or GCSEs in English and/or mathematics. Some courses include the opportunity to develop other skills relevant to the occupational area and work experience.

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What is a BTEC National Award/Certificate/Diploma?

A National Award/Certificate/Diploma is a Level 3 qualification for students who wish to prepare for a career in a specific occupational area and/or progress to higher education. They have the same academic level as A Levels but offer greater opportunity for specific hands-on, work related activity. National Diplomas are equivalent to three full A Levels and National Certificates are equivalent to two A Levels.

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What is an NVQ programme?

NVQs are National Vocational Qualifications for students who wish to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed at work. They enable students to become competent in a specific job or craft.

NVQ programmes provide a mixture of practical and theoretical studies in realistic working environments to simulate the real world of work. The range and number of NVQ units studied is decided nationally by employers.

NVQs are available at levels 1, 2 and 3. Level 1 is a basic introduction, level 2 is a general craft and level 3 is an advanced or more specialised craft level. Some programmes include other specialist qualifications, enrichment activities and work experience.

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What are Diplomas?

These new Diplomas provide young people with:

* a combination of the essential knowledge and skills that
* employers and universities look for, including teamwork,
* self-management and critical thinking skills.
* opportunities to experience different styles of learning in
* different environments such as school, college and the
* workplace, with an emphasis on practical activities and an
* integrated curriculum;
* opportunities to experience work in one of the UK’s main
* employment sectors;
* flexibility and choice with options to pursue their interests,
* whether this is further study or a job;
* an insight into what work is really like without committing
* them to a career in a particular area;
* a high-quality qualification that will be valued by industry
* and higher education.

These new Diplomas are available at 3 levels:

* Foundation (Level 1) – equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
* Higher (Level 2) – equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C
* Advanced (Level 3) – equivalent to 31/2 A levels

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What is Foundation Learning?

Foundation Learning is the new name for the Foundation Learning Tier and is a credit-based programme where learners (both 14–19 years old and post-19 adult learners) undertake a combination of courses which meet their personal needs. The aim of the new initiative is to increase learner participation, achievement and progression through entry level and level 1 towards achievement at level 2. It gives greater meaning to programmes of study and supports progression to clearly defined destinations. It aims to make learning fit-for-purpose for the individual. Learners completing courses within Foundation Learning can gain credits which allow for the achievement of an award, certificate and eventually a diploma.

Foundation Learning covers educational provision at entry level and level 1. Foundation Learning programmes include:

* Functional skills
* Subject and vocational skills and understanding
* Personal and social development learning

By September 2010 all courses up to and including level 1 will be part of Foundation Learning and will aim to offer increased programme flexibility and progression.

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What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships are open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 24 years. They will provide you with the opportunity to work, earn and learn at the same time. It’s full-time employment with great career prospects!

Apprenticeships in plumbing are currently available in Clacton. Colchester Institute offers the Apprenticeship schemes as part of the Braintree Colchester and Tendring (BCT) Work Based Learning Consortium. For full details please telephone the Apprenticeships Enquiry Line: (01206) 712242.

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What is e2e (Entry to Employment)?

Colchester Institute has funded places available for learners aged 16-18 years wishing to undertake an e2e programme. These programmes are aimed at learners looking to develop the skills to be able to progress to an Apprenticeship programme, employment or further training. The timetable is individual to the student, with sessions being allocated to enhance the student’s learning. The subjects that can be studied include: Certificate in Employability Skills, Basic Skills in Numeracy and Literacy, Certificate in Citizenship, Confidence-boosting and Time-management.

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Can you complete Further Studies in Colchester?

In addition to the vocational programmes Colchester Institute offers in Clacton, there are programmes, at various levels, which use the specialist facilities at the Sheepen Road, Colchester Campus. These include Art, Design and Media; Business and Management; Computing and Administration; Construction; Education; Engineering; Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy; Health and Care; Hospitality and Food Studies, and Music and Performing Arts. For further details and to order a prospectus visit www.colchester.ac.uk.

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What is The September Guarantee?

The September Guarantee is an offer, by the end of September, of a place in learning to young people completing compulsory education. This Guarantee will be delivered by a number of providers, some of which will be outside the Clacton Consortium – Colchester Institute is an obvious example. Nevertheless the Clacton Consortium has a major role to play in the September Guarantee and we will do our utmost to ensure its effective delivery.

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New Opportunities?

From September 2010, there will be further opportunities to study at more than one site in the Consortium. The most appropriate courses delivered at The College at Clacton will be linked with some of those offered by the schools. From September 2010 the Consortium is offering the Society, Health and Development Diploma at Foundation and Higher levels, and the Creative and Media Diploma at Foundation, Higher and Advanced levels.

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What Next?

For students attending one of the three Clacton schools, the application form will be completed as part of an interview process. Please consider the Route you wish to study in discussion with your tutor/mentor and parent/guardian.

A copy of the application form and the prospectus can be found in the download area of this site, but your tutor/mentor will have a separate copy which you may complete together. The form will be sent directly to the Clacton Consortium by your school.

Applicants for courses within this prospectus and offered by The College at Clacton/Colchester Institute are required to submit a completed reference from their school. The pre-admission reference form is on the reverse of the application form at the back of the prospectus.

Students currently attending other institutions should complete the downloadable form, having firstly considered their options, and return it to the address shown, preferably by 11th December 2009.

Applicants for courses at The College at Clacton should complete a Clacton Consortium application form and the pre-admission reference. Applicants for courses offered at Colchester Institute Colchester Campus should complete a

Colchester Institute application form from www.colchester.ac.uk.

The application information will be held in a central location, but the form will be forwarded to whichever school or college you have chosen to study at.

Each school or college may request further information from you and will process your application according to their admission procedures.

Applications for Colchester Institute, for September 2010 entry, received by the College by 31st January 2010, will be given priority. However, applications will be accepted throughout the year.

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What is the Education Maintenance Allowance?

If you are aged 16-18 years and you are about to leave, or have already left, compulsory education, you may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). Your further education course(s) must add up to more than 12 guided learning hours per week, and your household income can be a maximum of £30,810 for you to receive a weekly payment. For further information, please telephone (01206) 712566 or contact your EMA Co-ordinator.

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What is your Equal Opportunities Policy?

The schools and colleges participating in the Clacton Consortium Post-16 Studies programme aim to provide a welcoming environment in which all learners and employees are encouraged to realise their full potential, where every individual is valued and offered equal opportunity to progress.

To this end, the Consortium aims to ensure that all actual or potential learners and employees are treated equally, regardless of age, disability, family responsibility, marital status, race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, trade union activity, or any other irrelevant criteria.

Please contact the appropriate school and/or college if you require further details of their individual Equal Opportunities Policy.

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