SEEVIC

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Sept 2010 start

Qualifications explained

The A Level Route

A levels are an academically-based programme that normally take two years to complete full-time. The first year of an A Level is an AS and after passing this students go on to study A2 in the second year.

Students normally specialise in four or five A Levels including General Studies, choosing three subjects to study over two years and one additional subject to study in year one. Students are expected to commit an additional four hours of study per A Level subject, per week.

The Vocational Route

BTECs
BTECs are work related qualifications that provide a practical, real world approach to learning alongside a theoretical background and include an element of work experience.

BTECs also allow for progression to university. There are no exams as it is portfolio based. This means you will complete a range of assignments, case studies, projects and assessments.

There are different levels of BTECs including BTEC First Diplomas (one-year course), BTEC National Awards/Certificates and Diplomas (two-year courses).

• BTEC National Diplomas are equivalent to three A Levels.
• BTEC National Certificates are equivalent to two A Levels.
• BTEC National Awards* are equivalent to one A Level.

Students are expected to commit an additional 12 hours of study per week for National Diplomas, eight hours for National Certificates, four hours for National Awards and 10 hours for BTEC First Diplomas.

Foundation Learning Tier
The Foundation Learning Tier is a one-year course that refers to a range of qualifications put together to form ‘progression pathways’. It includes all courses below Level 2, the equivalent of a GCSE at grade C.

Each progression pathway specifies a minimum achievement in Vocational Knowledge; Skills and Understanding; Functional Skills and Personal & Social Development.

The Career Focused Route

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
AAT qualifications are one-year courses, designed to give you practical financial skills for the workplace. They can offer a fast-track, non-graduate route into chartered accountancy.

Administration and Secretarial Studies
Administration and Secretarial courses are two year courses designed for those who wish to pursue a career in an office environment or for those considering a career as a Secretary, Legal Secretary or Personal Assistant. The courses also include an element of work experience. Students are expected to commit an additional 10 hours of study per week.

Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are work-based learning programmes for those aged 16 or above, which have been developed to complement employment, giving students the opportunity to improve their knowledge, skills and career prospects while earning a salary. For details on Apprenticeships please visit our Apprenticeship course page.

The Diploma Route

The Diploma is a new qualification that combines theoretical study with work related practical experience and involves studying for a period within a realistic work setting.

It provides an integrated programme of study made up of different courses and requires students to achieve a minimum standard in English, Maths and ICT (Functional Skills).

Students also complete a project and do a minimum of 10 days work experience.

SEEVIC College offers the Advanced Diploma which is equivalent to 3.5 A Levels and the Higher Diploma, equivalent to seven GCSEs at grades A* to C at New Campus Basildon (for more details on the Higher Diploma, contact New Campus Basildon on 01268 882 622). Students are expected to commit an additional 12 hours of study per week.

Essential Skills

We offer a special Essential Skills programme for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The aim of this programme is to enable students to progress through a series of one-year modules, to opportunities in Further Education, training and employment.

GCSEs

(including Vocational Paralegal Studies)

Students can take a one-year GCSE programme consisting of five subjects. The programme is intended as a way to progress to a further course of study at Advanced Level, or to enhance job prospects, rather than as a chance to repeat a range of subjects. Students who have not already achieved GCSE English Language or Maths at grade C will be expected to enrol for an appropriate course.

Supplementary Courses

We offer a choice of supplementary subjects for study over one-year to further broaden student’s experience and enhance their qualification portfolio.

Functional Skills

Functional skills are practical skills in English, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Mathematics that allow individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life.

Whichever programme of study chosen, an important element is the development of these skills. This is through a combination of separate courses and skill development within courses. The aim is to support all learners to try and achieve at least Level 2 for each skill where appropriate.

Students who have not achieved GCSE English Language or Maths at grade C before entry to SEEVIC College must take a functional skills course in English and/or Maths. This may also include re-sitting the GCSE if appropriate.

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