Level 3 Vocational Courses

Course Content and Assessment Pattern

The course runs over two years and is equivalent to three A levels.  Students will have to complete 13 units of varying sizes and will be assessed in a variety of methods and will provided approximately 1080 guided learning hours (GHL) as well as a significant amount of independent study.

Mandatory Units

Additional units

The Extended Diploma is a two year, full-time course that meets entry requirements in its own right for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in business areas before entering employment. It can also support learners who want to progress directly to employment in job roles in business or business management and Higher Apprenticeships in the business sector.

Lesson Structure

Students will be expected to demonstrate a clear commitment to studying business and the ability to work independently in a dedicated manner, on their application form. Once on the course they will be required (in addition to any tasks set in lessons) to undertake a significant amount of independent research to support their studies.  This may be internet secondary research or involve visiting businesses and talking to customers and employees as part of primary research.

Extra Information

The teachers in the Business and Economics Department will guide and support you throughout the process in order to ensure you reach your highest potential.  We will help you access the Schools resources as well as having extensive use of computer facilities, library and study areas to support your assignments and research.

For further information do not hesitate to contact Mrs Shakesheave, Curriculum leader in Business and Economics.

Course Content

The two year course provides learners with the opportunity (through applied learning) to develop the core specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required in the digital media sector. Areas studied include TV & film, web, radio, computer games, newspapers and magazines.  The qualification is designed to be taken as part of a study programme alongside other vocational qualifications or A Levels, such as English, Art & Design and Performing Arts. Learners will take between five and seven units, three mandatory and between two and four optional units.  Learners will study the following mandatory units:

• Media products and audiences
• Pre-production and planning
• Create a media product

These units will give learners an understanding of how different media institutions operate to create products that appeal to specific target audiences.  They’ll gain knowledge and understanding of the pre-production, planning and production processes and go on to create their own media product(s).  Through this learners will also develop transferable skills such as planning, communication, adaptability and leadership.

The optional units provide learners with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge, understanding and skills in areas like scriptwriting and advertising.  The optional units are:

• Advertising media
• Plan and deliver a pitch for a media product
• Scripting for media products
• The creation and use of sound in media

Lesson Structure

Lesson time will be split between developing knowledge and understanding of the mandatory units and creating media products in a vocational setting.  You will work with subject specialists and have opportunities to develop links with industry and work with creative practitioners. Work related learning and relevant visits / trips will also inform your work.

Assessment Pattern

The course is a combination of externally and internally assessed projects, the former by exams and the latter by the production of coursework. Each unit specifies a number of skills which students must develop, and which can be demonstrated at Pass, Merit or Distinction level. Learning is driven by assignments which allow these skills to be demonstrated. The exams comprise short answer questions and some that require a little more of an extended response.  The coursework is assessed internally and a sample is externally moderated.

Extra Information

The Extended Certificate can be studied alongside other A Levels including English and the creative Arts subjects. You will have access to resources and equipment that will enable you to explore new and exciting ways of working and which will enable you to move towards level 4 courses or employment / apprenticeships.

Course Content

During this course learners will need to demonstrate

Compulsory Units 

Planning for a Career in Music                 30 credits (Externally Assessed)

Live Sound Recording                                15 credits

Optional Units

Music Sequencing and Production         15 credits

Music Promotion                                          15 credits

Music Event Management                                     15 credits

Radio/Podcast Production                                     10 credits

To gain a qualification, candidates must earn 90 credits. Both Compulsory Units (one of which will be externally assessed) must be passed. All other units will be internally assessed based on a portfolio of evidence collated during practical tasks. At present the course must be taken for two years, since no qualification can be awarded for part completion. There are four bands of assessment (pass, merit, distinction and distinction*). The Subsidiary Diploma is equivalent to more than one A level as outlined in the table below…

Lesson Structure

Lessons are delivered through whole class sessions for practical music production and for the start of new assessment briefs. Students also work independently and are expected to take responsibility for their learning and monitor their progress throughout assessment tasks.

Assessment Pattern

The course is completed almost entirely through the production of coursework. Each unit specifies a number of skills which students must develop, and which can be demonstrated at Pass, Merit or Distinction level. All learning is driven by assignments, which allow these skills to be demonstrated. Where a skill is not initially evident at a minimum pass level, further assignments can be undertaken.

Extra Information

The music industry is a very wide field, encompassing an enormous number of different career paths, most of which are not that of the performing musician. Roles such as Producer, Studio Engineer, Studio Assistant, Arranger, Media Composer, etc., all directly require the skills developed in Music Technology. It is not essential to have studied Music Technology course previously in order to opt for this course, nor must you be a performing musician. The main requirements are a strong interest in music and an ability to be creative.

Course Content

The course runs over 2 years and is the equivalent to 3 A-Levels. To pass the course students must complete 14 units, 10 of which are mandatory and 4 are externally assessed through 4 exams. While completing the course students will have the opportunity to develop their level of fitness, attend an extended extra-curricular programme in the 3 main winter sports of Hockey, Football and Rugby and gain valuable work experience in a relevant work based setting.

Mandatory Units

Optional Units

BTEC National in Sport is a vocational type of course. It is linked to a number of different areas including sports coaching, personal training, sports business and sport development. The course will provide opportunities to learn various industry specific skills that will allow you to move towards further study at university level or into the sports industry. The course is nationally recognised and attracts points on the NQF framework in the same way as A-level qualifications.

Expectations

All students will be expected to show a clear commitment to the extra-curricular sports programme at the school either in a playing, officiating or coaching role. There would also be requirements to assist in Key Stage 3 PE lessons and at various after school primary school events throughout the two year course.

BTEC Nationals Sport and Exercise Science is a vocational type of course. It is linked to the specific area of Sport and Exercise Science industry. The course will provide opportunities to learn various industry specific skills that will allow you to move towards further study at university level or into the Sport and Exercise Science industry. The course is nationally recognised and attracts points on the NQF Framework in the same way as A level qualifications.

Course Content

The course runs over 2 years and is the equivalent of 3 A levels. To pass the course students must complete 13 units, 7 of which are mandatory and 4 are externally assessed. This also includes an external written exam paper.

Mandatory Units

Optional Units

Extra Information

All students will be expected to show a clear commitment to the extra-curricular sports programme at the school either in a playing, officiating or coaching role. There would also be requirements to assist in Key Stage 3 PE lessons and various after school primary school events throughout the two year course.