What Else Do I Need to Know
How can I apply
You need to discuss all of your option choices with your teachers, parents/carers and decide which choices are suitable for you and at what level in order to help you achieve your goals and ambitions. You will then need to complete an application with your teacher and send it into college. You will be invited for a taster session and interview and will also be given a tour of the college. All of this will be done with the support of your school and teachers.
How much will it cost?
The school will pay for you to attend a South Nottingham College programme. You may be asked to contribute to the cost of trips and specialist equipment.
How will I travel to College?
Transport to college is arranged by your school and South Nottingham College.
What feedback does the College give to school?
We give daily attendance information to schools and progress reports are completed at the end of every term. We expect 100% attendance. Should we have concerns about your progress then we will speak to your course tutor at college and your teachers in school to get you back on track. The college will hold Year 10 and Year 11 open evenings for parents and students during the Spring Term.
Is College different to school?
Yes. Students have a greater sense of independence and classes are usually smaller and are made up of students from many different schools.
What qualifications will I gain?
All of the courses are either equivalent to credits or GCSE qualifications at different grades:
- Entry Level 3 programmes are equivalent to 1-12 credits
- Level 1 programmes are equivalent to GCSEs at grades D-G or 13-36 credits
- Level 2 programmes are equivalent to GCSEs at grades A*-C
For example, a BTEC First Certificate in Fashion is equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grades A*-C
What Does the Point Score Mean?
Each qualification has a point score which is equivalent to different grades at GCSE level:-
GCSE Grade A* = 58 points (Level 2)
GCSE Grade A = 52 points (Level 2)
GCSE Grade B = 46 points (Level 2)
GCSE Grade C = 40 points (Level 2)
GCSE Grade D = 34 points (Level 1)
GCSE Grade E = 28 points (Level 1)
GCSE Grade F = 22 points (Level 1)
GCSE Grade G = 16 points (Level 1)
The point score or scoring system also indicates a qualification’s contribution to threshold which is expressed as a percentage.
- Level 2 Threshold = 5 GCSE A*-C (or equivalent) = 100%
- Level 1 Threshold = 5 GCSE A*-G (or equivalent) = 100%
Therefore a GCSE A*-C is equal to one fifth, or 20%, of the Level 2 threshold.
Level 2 qualifications contribute to both the Level 2 and Level 1 thresholds, whereas Level 1 qualifications only contribute to the Level 1 threshold.
What can I study after my course?
All of the courses have suggested progression routes if you decide that you want to continue further study in your chosen vocation. If you are successful in completing a Level 2 programme you may decide to go on and study a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma, Full Apprenticeship, NVQ, Advanced Diploma or A levels which you can do at South Nottingham College and Rushcliffe Sixth Form Centre (6FC). However, you may decide to go on and study for a full Apprenticeship or A levels, which you can do at Rushcliffe Sixth Form Centre (6FC). However, it is important to remember that many Level 3 courses will require you to have a grade C or above in English and/or Maths as well as your Level 2 vocational qualification or 4 other GCSEs grade A*-C.
If you are unsuccessful in completing Entry Level and Level 1 qualifications or even a mixture of Entry and Level 1 qualiications, you should be able to progress to either a full Level 1 qualification or a full Level 2 qualification, depending upon the other qualifications you achieve in school. South Nottingham College tutors will discuss progression routes with you and your teachers in school, to make sure that your next move is ont othe right course and at the right level.
