gower college swansea full time courses 2014-15
DESCRIPTION
Gower College Swansea Full Time Courses 2014-15 ProspectusTRANSCRIPT
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Full Time Courses2014-15
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What’s involved:Staff available to provide information on:
• Courses• Progressionroutes
• Careersadvice&guidance
• Funding
Youwillalsobeabletoviewthecollegefacilities.
www.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
If you require this publication in an alternative format please telephone 01792 284000 or 01792 890700.Alltheinformationinthisprospectusiscorrectatthetimeofpublication.
Open Evenings2013-14
5.30 - 7.30pm
ContentsYourChoices 02
Apprenticeships 03
Sport Academies 04
WelshBaccalaureate 05
YourStepbyStepGuideto becomingaStudent 07
StudentLife 08
TheWelshDimension 09
InformationforParents 09
StudentSupport 10
TutorialSupport 10
CostsandFundingSupport 11
Transport 11
AccesstoHigherEducation 12
ALevels 16
Vocational 34
In some instances we are able to offer transport from schools to the college.
Tycoch campus:
November Tuesday19
January Wednesday15
March Thursday13
Llwyn y Bryn campus:
December Thursday5
February Thursday6
Gorseinon campus:
November Monday11
January Monday20
March Monday3
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Welcome to the Gower College Swansea prospectus for full time courses for 2014/15.The merger in 2010 of the two legacy Colleges – Gorseinon College and Swansea College - has resulted in our new College being able to offer the widest range of both academic and vocational courses – up to and including higher education courses – with, of course, one of the strongest reputations for high quality teaching and learning, not just in Swansea, but across the whole of Wales.
For example, Gower College Swansea has an excellent track record in student progression. Each year, over 900 students progress to university - of these, about 145 students are accepted by Russell Group institutions and a further 45 by 1994 Group universities. Some 540 progress to Welsh universities. In 2013, ten of our students were successful in their applications to Oxford and Cambridge. Many other graduates have gone on to launch successful careers in sport, fashion and catering, to name just a few.
Our support for students is second to none and applies equally to all of our students – whether
they are studying A Levels or Performing Arts at our Gorseinon Campus; Art and Design at our Llwyn y Bryn Campus; Business, Accounting and Professional Courses at Sketty Hall or the widest range of vocational provision in areas such as Engineering, Care, Catering, Hair & Beauty or Sport at our Tycoch Campus.
So why don’t you get in contact and find out more?
Choosing what to do after school is one of the most important decisions you will make. Whether you already know which career path to follow or are keeping your options open, we are here to help.
We’re here to help you make the right decisions about your future. If you need advice about course options, funding, or any aspect of college life, contact us or come along to one of our open evenings.
One piece of advice - every year the College receives far more applications than places available and some of our courses are full as early as January or February. So please don’t delay in applying as we don’t want you to be disappointed.
Mark Jones PrincipalandChiefExecutive GowerCollegeSwansea
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Students at Gorseinon have access to nearly 50 A Level subjects and a wide range of vocational courses.
Aworkbasedlearningprovision,includingapprenticeships,isalsoavailablehere.Amongstthespecialistfacilitiesprovidedaresciencelabsandacentrefortheperformingandcreativearts.ThecampusisbasedinapleasantresidentialareaofGorseinon.
Tycoch is a bustling and vibrant base for students on a wide variety of vocational, access and apprenticeship courses.
Manyofourwell-establishedvocationalareas,suchashealthandsocialcare,hospitalityandcatering,travelandtourism,business,science,sport,motorvehicleandengineeringareavailablehere.SpecialistfacilitiesincludeTheVanillaPodtrainingrestaurantandTycochSportsCentre.
ThecampusiswithinwalkingdistanceofSkettyandtransportlinkstoandfromSwanseacitycentreareexcellent.
Broadway Hair, Beauty & Holistics CentreWellestablishedasaCentreofExcellence,theBroadwayCentreoffersstudentsathoroughgroundinginallaspectsofhair,beautyandholistictherapies.Itdeliversarangeofcourses-includingvocational,access,NVQanddiplomalevels-inamodern,professionalenvironmentwithastrongcommercialfocus.
TheBroadwayCentreissituatedatthetopendoftheTycochcampus.Itoffersarangeofcompetitivelypricedservicestocollegestaff,studentsandmembersofthepublic.ThecollegealsodeliverstrainingattheKingswayHairAcademyinthecitycentre.
StudentscometoLlwynyBryntoexploreadiverserangeofareasincludingartanddesign,fashion,fineart,graphics,media,musicandphotography.Thecampusprovidesstudentswith21stcenturyfacilitiessetwithinthebeautifulearly-20thcenturyformerGirls’HighSchoolbuilding.Thecampusfeaturesspecialistartstudios,digitaldarkroomsandafullyequippedrecordingstudio.
Llwyn y Bryn Campus
Tycoch Campus
Your ChoicesIt is very important that you choose the right course to progress to the career you want to pursue.
Ourstudentadviserscanhelpyouchoosetherightcourseoptions.Wemayalsobevisitingyourschooltogiveyouinformationandguidance,oryoucancontactusdirect.
Assessmentonsomecourseswillbebyexaminationwhereasothercourseswillbeacombinationofcourseworkandexams-thismayhelpwithmakingadecision.
Youcanstillgoontohighereducationifyouoptforvocationalqualificationssochoosethecoursethatsuitsyoubest.
Manycourseshaveminimumentryrequirementssobeawareofthesewhenmakingyourchoices.
Checkattheinterviewstageifthere’sanyextraworkrequired,forexampleworkplacements,educationalvisitsorout-of-hoursprojects.Don’tforgettoaskabouttheamountofassignmentsyou’llbeexpectedtocompleteonyourcoursetoo,particularlyifyouopttostudythreeorfourALevels.
Somecourseswillhaveadditionalcostsassociatedwiththem-forexampleuniformsorequipment-somakesureyouaskaboutthis.
For the full listing of A Level subjects, see page 16.
For the full listing of vocational and apprenticeship courses, see page 34.
Gorseinon Campus
Work,
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Apprenticeship programmes are funded by the Welsh Government and give you the opportunity to gain experience and qualifications while you are working. Anyone over the age of 16 can sign up for an apprenticeship and they won’t cost you a penny.
What programmes are available? FoundationApprenticeship(Level2),Apprenticeship(Level3)andHigherApprenticeships(Level4).
What career routes are available?• Accountancy(membership feespayable)
• Childcare• DigitalTechnology(Electronics)
• ElectricalEngineering• ElectricalInstallation• EngineeringMaintenance• EngineeringTechnicalSupport
• ExtractiveMinerals(Mining)
• FinancialServices• GasEngineering• Hairdressing• HealthandSocialCare• MechanicalEngineering• MotorVehicle• PerformingManufacturingOperations
• Plumbing• TechnicalTheatre• WeldingandFabrication
Who can apply? Apprenticeshipsareopentoanyone:• aged16+lookingtogainqualificationsandworkexperience• leavingschoolandlookingfortrainingoutsideoftheclassroom
• returningtoworkafteraperiodofunemployment• lookingforacareerchange• facingredundancy• lookingtodeveloptheirownbusiness• lookingtogainqualificationsintheircurrentjob
What are the benefits? Bysigninguptoanapprenticeshipyoucan:• earnawage• gainexperienceinthesectoryouwanttoworkin• gainqualificationstodevelopyourcareer(e.g.QCF,NVQ,BTECandCity&Guilds)
• developyouressentialskillsfortherealworld(ICT,applicationofnumber,workingwithothers,improvingownlearning,problemsolvingandcommunication)
• enhanceyouremployabilitychances
For more information on apprenticeships, contact 01792 284000/890700 or email [email protected]
Work,Apprenticeships
Empower, Employ
TraineeshipsIfyou’reagedbetween16and18andwishtogainexperienceandqualificationsintheoccupationofyourchoice,thentheWelshGovernment-fundedtraineeships areforyou–andwhat’smore,they’refree.
Engage Aimstoaddressanylearningbarriersthatmaybepreventingyoufromcommittingtofulltimework,trainingoreducation.
Traineeships Level 1 AimtoidentifyandaddresslearningbarriersthatpreventyoufromenteringintovocationallearningatLevel2orenteringemployment.
What are the benefits? Byenrollingonatraineeshipyoucan:• increaseyourmotivationandconfidence• developyouressentialskills(communication,applicationofnumber,ICT,workingwithothers,improvingownlearningandproblemsolving)
• receivepaymentofTrainingMaintenanceAllowance (prorata)
• enhanceyouremploymentchances• receiveatravelsubsidy
All learners need to be referred by Careers Wales, contact 0800 0284 844.
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Gower College Swansea Sport Academies regularly produce top level competitors and coaches in their chosen sports. There are seven separate sports academies providing coaching and elite level competition for students.
InrecentyearsGowerCollegeSwanseahasbecomeoneofthemostsuccessfulsportscollegesintheUKwithteamsregularlywinningregionalandnationalcompetitions.Individualstudentshavealsogainedprofessionalcontractsand
beenselectedforinternationalteams.FormerstudentsLeighHalfpennyandJustinTipuricrecentlyplayedonthesuccessfulBritishLionsTourofAustralia,withLeighbeingnamedplayeroftheseries.
Academysporthasstronglinkswithprofessionalsportandnationalgoverningbodies:
•OspreysRugby•SwanseaCityCommunityTrust• FAWTrustFocusCollege•HockeyWales•WelshNetballAssociation•GlamorganCricket/EnglandandWalesCricketBoard
Anumberofcoachesareinvolvedatinternationallevelcoachingintheirrespectivesportsandplayersregularlymoveontoprofessionalandelitelevelcontracts.
Allstudentsontheprogrammeareencouragedtogaincoachingqualificationsandexperienceintheirchosensports.In2012/13over300studentscompletedatotalof1500hoursofsportscoachinginthecommunity.
Sport AcAdemies
Rugby AcAdemy
2012BritishCollegesSportNational PlateWinnersLeague: WRUCollegesLeague(gamestelevisedonS4CandScrumV)Co-ordinator:DanCluroe [email protected]
Football AcAdemy
Men’s Football
2013ECFAPremierLeagueChampions2013ECFARegionalLeagueChampions2012ECFAPremierCupWinners2012WSFACupWinners
League:ECFAPremierLeagueCo-ordinator:RichardSouth [email protected]
Ladies Football2012WSFACupWinners2013WelshCollegesSportLeague
ChampionsLeague:WCSLeagueHead Coach:AndrewStokes [email protected]
Cricket AcAdemy
TheCricketacademytrainthroughoutthewinterandcompeteinselectinvitationalcompetitionsinthesummerterm:-ExeterUniversityInterAcademy Pro40Tournament-ChristCollegeBreconT20-MonmouthSchoolpro40 -BCSSportT20CupCo-ordinator:MikeO’Brien [email protected] Coach:AlanJones
Hockey AcAdemy
2013BCSSouthWestLeagueChampions 2013BCSNationalChampionships(2nd) 2013WCSLeagueWinners 2013BCSMidlandsLeague
Winners(mixed)Co-ordinator:SianFowler [email protected]
Netball AcAdemy
2013WCSDivision2LeagueChampionsCo-ordinator:SarahLewis [email protected]
Surf AcAdemy
BCSWaterSportsChampions2012- MoroccoTrip2012- PortugalTrip2013RegulartraininginSurfing,SUP,SurfLifesavingandswimmingCo-ordinators: LeeHopkins [email protected] [email protected]
Welsh Baccalaureate
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TheWelshBaccalaureateisanexcitingqualificationwhichcanbecombinedwithbothvocationalandALevelprogrammesatintermediateandadvancedlevels.Itencouragesindependenceandadds‘reallife’experiencetothecurriculum,allowinglearnerstodevelopboththeirpersonalandacademicskills.
TheWelshBaccalaureatewillhelpyoudevelopessentialskillsthroughagreaterbreadthandbalanceofexperience.
Itimprovesyourexistingskillsandbuildsonyourinterests.Youwilltakepartinpracticalactivitiesastheemphasisisonlearningbydoing.
The five components of the course are:1.EssentialSkills–communication,applicationofnumber,ICT,workingwithothers,problemsolving,andimprovingownlearningandperformance.
2.Wales,EuropeandtheWorld–yourchancetolearnmoreaboutWalesanditsrelationshipwithEuropeandtheworld.Thisincludesalanguagemoduleatalevelsuitableforyou.
3.WorkRelatedEducation–includesworkingwithanemployerandtakingpartinateamenterpriseactivitytohelpyouunderstandhowbusinessandenterprisework.
4.PersonalandSocialEducation– helpsyouexploreissuesinthemodernworld;family,health,relationships,citizenshipandsustainabledevelopment.Italsoincludesanactivityinthe localcommunity.
5.IndividualInvestigation–anopportunityforyoutocarryoutpersonalresearchintoanareaofinterest.
Why should I do the Welsh Baccalaureate?• Thisisaformallyrecognisedqualificationandisachievedthroughpracticalactivitiesandcoursework(noexams).
• Itallowslearnerstodeveloptheirownpersonalinterestsandskills.
• AtanAdvancedLevelitcurrentlyattracts120UCASpoints,whichistheequivalentofanAgradeatALevel.Thequalificationisatpresentunderreviewandcandidatesstartingin2013/14willbegradedfromA*-C.ItisincludedinoffersfromuniversitiesacrosstheUKandreceivesformalrecognitionthattheexperiencesandskillsgainedarevaluablewhenstudyingatdegreelevelandbeyond.
• Thisqualificationisvaluedbyemployerswhoappreciatethatitgivesyoutheskillsyouneedtowork.Theyunderstandthatitmakesstudentsmoreconfident,bettercommunicatorsandmoreable toworkwithpeople.
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Part Time Courses
Full Time Fun!
Professional and Recreational
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Cyrsiau Rhan-amser 2013-14
Programmes for SchoolsGowerCollegeSwanseaworkscloselywithschoolstodeliver avarietyofoptionchoicesforbothsixthformandKeyStage4(14-16yearold)learners.Thecourseshavebeendeveloped toresponddirectlytospecificskillsneedsidentifiedby industrysectors.
Thesecoursesprovideastrongfoundationforfuturecareerplansandareagreatopportunityforstudentstolearnaskillthatisn’ttaughtatschoole.g.hairdressing,accountancyorengineering.
ContactHelenLewis ([email protected]).
We also offer...
Higher Education
Part Time Courses
ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)
WeofferarangeofHNC,HNDanddegreecoursesbothindependentlyandinpartnershipwithanumberofhighereducationpartners.TheseincludeEngineering,AdvancedTherapiesandSpaManagement,HealthandSocialCareandSportsScience.
Formoreinformationvisitwww.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
Thecollegeprovidesahugenumberofparttimecourses. Wearepassionateabouthelpingpeopledevelopandlearnnewskillsso,whetheryouarelookingforanewhobbyorwanttoupskillforwork,takealookatourwiderangeofprofessionalandrecreationalparttimecourses.
Formoreinformationvisitwww.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
Weofferfree*UniversityofCambridgeESOLSkillsforLifeaccreditedcoursesforthefollowinglevels(14hoursperweekfor35weeks):
PreEntryEntry1(Beginner-A1**)Entry2(Elementary-A2)Entry3(Pre-Intermediate–B1)Level1(Intermediate–B2)Level2(Upper-Intermediate-C1)*subjecttoeligibility–contactustoseeifyou’reeligible!**A1,A2,etc.refertotheCommonEuropeanFrameworkofReference(CEFR)
Entrytocoursesrequiresaninterviewandinitialassessment.Call01792284450nowtomakeanappointment.
Contact: Ifyourequirefurtherinformationaboutanyofourcourses,pleaseemailtheESOLCurriculumLeader,KieranKeogh,[email protected]
InternationalGowerCollegeSwanseaoffersawiderangeofacademicandvocationalcoursessuitableforInternationalstudents.
WealsoofferEnglishlanguagecourses.
Ifyourequirefurtherinformationaboutourcourses,pleasecontacttheInternationalOfficeon0044(0)1792284007oremailtheofficeatinternational@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
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Cyrsiau Rhan-amser 2013-14
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Your Step by Step Guide to becoming a Student
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Pupils within the City and County of Swansea:AllpupilsattendingschoolswithintheCityandCountyofSwanseamustmakeonlineapplicationsfortheirpost–16choicesviatheUCASProgresswebsite www.ucasprogress.com.Wewillacknowledgeapplicationsonthiswebsite.Allcommunicationfromusfromthenonwillbemadeviaemail.Pleaseensurethatyouremailaddressisfilledoutcorrectlyinyouronlineapplication.Ifyoudonothaveanemailaddresswewillcorrespondwithyoubypost.
PLEASE NOTE THE COLLEGE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT PAPEr APPLICATIONS FrOM THESE PuPILS.
Pupils from outside the City and County of Swansea and non school leavers:Forallotherapplicants,youcanapplyonlineviaourwebsitewww.gowercollegeswansea.ac.ukor,ifyoudonothaveaccesstoacomputer,wecansendyouapaperapplicationform.Wewouldencourageallapplicantstoapplyelectronicallyviaourwebsite.Allcommunicationfromuswillbeviaemailsopleaseensurethatyouremailaddressisfilledoutcorrectly.Ifyoudon’thaveanemailaddresswewillcorrespondwithyoubypost.
02 Interview
Youwillbeinvitedtoa
ninterview–this
maytakeplaceatyour
schooloratthe
college.Thisisanoppo
rtunityforus
togettoknowyouand
foryoutoask
questionsabouttheco
llege.During
yourinterviewwearel
ookingforareal
interestinthecoursey
ouareapplying
forandevidenceofcom
mitmentto
yourcourse,whichmay
includework
experience,hobbiesan
dinterests.
03 EnrolmentYouwillbegivenadateandtim
etocometo
thecollegetoenrol.Wheretheofferofacourse
isconditionalonyougainingtherelevantentry
qualificationsyouwillbeinvitedinfollowingthe
GCSEresultssothatyourcoursecanbeconfirmed.
Keepyourappointment,nomatterwhatyour
grades!Ifyoudon’tattend,youareatriskof
losingyourplace.Collegestaffwillbehappytotalk
throughyouroptionsifyouarenotcompletelysure
aboutthecourseyouhavechosen.
04 InductionYouwillcomeintocollegeforaninductionsessionbeforethestartofterm.Thisisdesignedtohelpyousettleintothecollege,meetyourtutorandotherstudentsonthesamecourse.Youwillreceiveyourtimetablethenandbegiveninformationtoensureyourtransitiontocollegeisasmoothandhappyone.
© Evening Post
New student common room facilities at the Gorseinon campus
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Student LifeWetryandmakeyourcollegeexperienceasinterestingaspossible.InadditiontoyourprogrammeofstudyyoucangetinvolvedinarangeofotheractivitieswhichnotonlygiveyoutheopportunitytomeetlotsofnewpeoplebutalsoimproveyourCVforwhenyouapplyforajobormovetohighereducation.
Mostrecreationandleisureactivitiestakeplaceduringlunchtimes,aftercollegeoronWednesdayafternoons.
Therangeofactivitiesinclude:•leisureactivitiessuchasboxercise,WiiClub,healthylifestyletutorials,squash,tabletennisanddance•teamsportincludingfootball(ladiesandmen’steams),rugby,netball,volleyball,basketballandcricket•events(thesearejustafew!):FreshersFayre,DiversityFayre,GlobalEnterpriseChallenge,StudentAnnualAwards,Inter-faithConferenceandtheHigherEducationFair•learnerinvolvementactivitiesincludingtheStudentCouncil,StudentEnterpriseChampionsandfocusgroups•WelshcultureincludingWelshClubandMisCŵlCymru•performanceopportuntiesincludingchoir,orchestra,danceperformancegroup,jazzdance,balletandauditiontechnique•societiesincludinghistory,philosophyandcurrentaffairs,debating•fundraisingforcharityforexampleChildreninNeed,MacmillanCoffeeMorning,TheKenyaCommunityEducationProjectandtheMrXAppeal
The Student Council AStudentCouncilhasbeendevelopedsothatyoucanhaveyoursayabouthowyouwouldliketoseethecollegeimprove.AsaClassRepresentative,youcanrepresenttheviewsofthestudentsinyourtutorgroupandmakearealimpactonthestudentexperience.EachtutorgroupelectsaClassRepresentativeduringLocalDemocracyWeekinOctober.
YoucanalsoapplytobecomeaStudentGovernorandsitontheBoardofGovernors,providingastudentperspectiveonissuesdiscussedbythecollege’sGoverningBody.
AllstudentscanalsobecomemembersoftheNationalUnionofStudents.MembershipoftheNUSprovidesbenefitsincludingdiscountsandinformationonarangeofissues,includinghealthandfinance.
Enterprise Activities Enterpriseactivitiesdevelopskillsthatyouwillneedwhenyougointotheworkplaceorrunyourownbusiness.Enterpriseskillsaredevelopedthroughthetutorialprogramme,youcanbecomeanEnterpriseChampionandyoucanenteranationalcompetitioncalledtheGlobalEnterpriseChallenge.
You can find out more about all of these activities (and more) at Freshers Fayre in your induction week.
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Information for Parents Pastoral Support Pastoralsupportisoneofthestrengthsofthecollegeandeveryfulltimestudentisallocatedatutorwhomonitorstheiracademicprogress.Thecollegetimetablesweeklygrouptutorialsessionstoensurethatyoursonordaughtercantalktotheirtutoraboutanyconcernsabouttheiracademicprogress.One-to-onesessionsarealsotimetabledsothattheirindividualattendanceandacademicperformancecanbediscussed.
The Student Code of ConductThecodeofconductfocusesonstudentbehaviourwhichdemonstratesacommitmenttotheirstudiesandrespectforthecollegecommunity.AllstudentsagreetotheStudentCodeofConductaspartoftheirenrolmenttocollege.Thisismonitoredthroughthetutorialsystem.
Progress EveningsThecollegearrangesprogresseveningssothatyoucantalktoacademicstaffaboutyoursonordaughter’sprogress.Thisisdoneonanappointmentbasistoensurethattherightmemberofstaffisavailableforyoutotalkto.Wearrangethisthroughyoursonordaughter.
How We Communicate With YouAsacollegecommittedtoreducingourpaperuseandpostageforbothenvironmentalandfinancialreasons,wecommunicatewithparentsandguardiansusingthetelephone,throughmeetingswithyouandbyemail.Postingoutinformationwillbetheexception.Pleaseletusknowifweneedtocommunicatewithyoubypost.
The College’s responsibility to Provide Information to Parents and GuardiansConsistentwiththeDataProtectionAct,wemustrequestpermissionfromyoursonordaughtertosharethedetailsontheirattendance,progressandbehaviourwithyou.Wewilldothatattheapplicationandenrolmentstage.Wearenotabletoignoreanexpresswishfromalearnerifhe/shedoesnotwishinformationtobereleasedtotheirparent(s)/guardians.However,wewilldoourbesttoobtainthatconsentaswefeelthatthisisusuallyinthebestinterestsoftheyoungperson.
MySID – your son or daughter’s performance throughout the yearThroughouttheyearyoucanaccessyoursonordaughter’selectronicmySIDrecord,withtheirpermission.Youwillneedtoaskthemfortheirusernameandpassword.MySIDcanbeaccessedviawww.gowercollegeswansea.ac.ukMySIDprovidesinformationonyoursonordaughter’sattendanceandbehaviouronaday-to-daybasisandtheiracademicreportsastheyarereleased.Ifyouhaveanyconcernsaboutyoursonordaughterafterviewingtheirrecordyoushouldcontacttheirtutor.
mob.gcs.ac.ukThecollege’smobilewebsitecanbedownloadedontoasmartphone.Itcontainsthelatestcollegenewsandusefulinformationoncollegeopeningtimes,importantdatesandfunding.Afterthey’veenrolledatcollege,yoursonordaughtercanalsoregisteranyabsencesusingmob.gcs.ac.uk.
using Welsh in the CollegeItistheaimofthecollegetopromoteaWelshdimension,nurtureaWelshethosandsupporteducationandculturethroughthemediumofWelsh.WearetryingtomaketheWelshlanguageanaturalpartofGowerCollegeSwansea,asitisinsomeareasofthecity.ThecollegeWelshLanguageSchemeensuresthatWelshistreatedasequaltoEnglishandthatthereareopportunitiesforyoutouseyourWelshwhilststudyingandusingthecollegeservices.
Studying through the medium of Welsh ThereareWelsh-mediummodulesintheareasofHairandBeauty,HealthandCare,andMotorVehicle(thesearehighlightedinthecoursedescription).Thehopeisthatthiswilldevelopinthenearfuture.
Welsh-medium servicesWerecordwhichlanguageyouwanttoreceiveourcorrespondence.Beforestartingatthecollege,asaWelshspeakeryouwillreceiveyourinterviewinWelsh.InsomelearningareasthereareWelsh-mediumtutorgroupsestablished,andyoucanbeapartofthat.
ItisimportanttorememberthatyouhavetherighttosubmitworkinWelsh;evenifyourmoduleisdeliveredinEnglish,yourworkcanbetranslatedformarkingifneeded.
ThereisapeermentoringtrainingserviceavailabletoyouinWelsh,aswellassupport,helpandtheopportunitytodevelopyourstudyskillsasaWelshspeakinglearner.
Induction WeekTherewillbeanopportunitytohearabouttheopportunitiesavailabletoyouasstudents,intermsofeventsandactivitiesaswellasanyacademicoptions,andtheserviceweofferinWelsh.
YoucanjointheWelshSocietyduringtheFreshersFair.Wewillbearrangingseveralbilingualeventsandactivitiesovertheyear,sothateveryonecantakepart-forexample,rugbytrips,theatre,gigs,sporttrainingcourses,filmworkshops,rap,competitions,foodfair,aswellastheusualtraditionaleventslikeStDavid’sDayandSantesDwynwen.
What are the advantages of doing things in Welsh?•Developagreaterunderstandingofthesubjectas,tosomeextent,youcanstudyitintwolanguages•Maintainlanguageskillsalreadydevelopedinschool•Developcognitiveskills•Developemployabilityskillsasbilingualpeopleareneededinallkindsofjobs.•Givesagoodfoundationtoanycareer•Meetingnewpeople.
If you would like more information on any of these aspects, contact Anna Fflur Davies, the college Bilingual Champion: [email protected]
The Welsh Dimension
IfyouseethissymbolthenthereareWelsh-speakingstaffworkinginthisarea.
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Health and Welfare Services Gotaproblem?Wecanhelp.Studentscantalk,inaconfidentialsetting,toourwelfareofficersaboutanythingfromacademicproblemstoangermanagement.StudentscanalsovisittheStudentHealthAdvisersiftheyfeelunwellorwouldliketodiscussalcohol,drugs,sexualhealthandhealthylifestylesinconfidence.Thesestaffarealsocommittedtoraisinghealthawarenessinthecollege.
Student Support OfficersWehavedesignatedLookedAfterChild,LeavingCare,YoungCarer,MentalHealthandHomelessStudentSupportOfficers.TheCollegeofferssupportonaone-to-onebasis,eithershortorlongterm,dependingontheneed.
Maths and English SupportLiteracyandnumeracyelementsarebuiltintocoursestoimprovestudents’mathsandEnglishskills.Thecollegealsooffersadhocsupportthroughstudyskills.
Student Support Tutorial Support
Student ServicesStudentServicesisthefirstcontactpointforinformation,supportandadviceonanythingfromcareerstofinancialassistance.Thecollege’sspecialiststudentsupportstaffareheretohelpyougetthebestoutofyourtimeatcollege.
Course Advice and Careers Guidance TheStudentAdviserandAdmissionsTeamprovideacomprehensiveserviceincludingimpartial,professionalandconfidentialsupportandguidancetostudentsthroughouttheapplicationprocess.IndependentcareersandeducationadviceisalsoprovidedbyCareersWalesatTycochandGorseinonthroughouttheacademicyear.Theycanhelpyouwithyourcareerchoices,mockinterviews,developingworkskillsandlookingintoemploymentoruniversity.
GowerCollegeSwanseahasarangeofsupportmechanismstohelpourstudentssucceed.
Additional Learning Support Weprovidespecialistsupportforstudentswithadditionallearningneedsordisabilities.Ifyourequirespecialistequipmentorassistancewewillapplyforfundingforthis.Letusknowattheapplicationstagetoensurewecanprovidetherightsupportforyou.
Arangeofsupportcanbemadeavailable:•Supportworker–one-to-one•Supportworker–smallgroups•Specialistsupportforvisuallyimpairedstudents•Communicationfordeafandhearingimpairedstudents•Specialistequipment–uponassessmentandrequest•Materialavailableinlargeprint,tapeandBraille
Ifweknowwhatyouneedwecanmakeallreasonableadjustmentstohelpyousucceed.Alldisclosureswillbetreatedsensitively.Additionallearningresourcesarealsoavailable,suchascomputers,laptopsandeducationalsoftwaretoaidliteracy.
Allfulltimestudentsareallocatedapersonaltutortohelpmonitortheiracademicprogresswhileatcollege.Theyarethefirstpointofcontactifyouneedsupportatanytime.
Studentsalsoattendgrouptutorialsessionswheretheybenefitfromastructuredtutorialprogrammeincludingvisitingspeakers,enterpriseactivities,careersguidance,environmentalissuesandgainassistanceintheirUCASapplications.
Oxbridge Preparation ProgrammeAsignificantnumberofourstudentshaveprogressedtoOxfordandCambridgeeachyearoverthepasttwodecades.10studentsreceivedoffersin2013and25havebeenacceptedoverthepastthreeyears.OurOxbridgePreparationProgrammeprovidesindividualprogrammesforthosewhowishtoapplyforleadinguniversitiesthroughouttheUK,includingRussellGroupuniversities,aswellasinternationalinstitutions.
Inyearone,individualguidanceisprovidedthroughtheearlystagesofapplication.VisitstoOxfordandCambridgeandvisitsbyOxbridgeundergraduatesandliaisonstaffareessentialelementsoftheprogramme.Inyeartwo,interviewtechniquesandmockinterviewsarekeyelements.
HE+InadditiontoourOxbridgePreparationProgramme,GowerCollegeSwanseaisthe“hub”institutionintheSwanseaHE+Consortium,acollaborationbetweenthecollege,thesevenstatesixth-formschoolsinSwansea,andtheUniversityofCambridge.HE+aimstohelpstudentsdevelopacademicskills;inspirestudentstoaimashighaspossiblewhenmakinguniversitychoices(possiblybutnotnecessarilyincludingCambridge);supportstudentsinpreparingcompetitiveapplicationstohighlyselectiveuniversities;andencouragestudentstochallengethemselvesandeachotherinanacademicallysupportiveenvironment.
StudentswhoareeligibletojoinourOxbridgeProgrammewillalsobeeligibletojoinHE+.BenefitsofHE+include:monthlyextensionclassesaftercollegeonpost-syllabusacademiccontentandthechancetoapplyforvisitstoexploretheUniversityofCambridgeanditsconstituentcolleges.HE+iscurrentlyonlyavailableinWalestostudentswhoattendGowerCollegeSwanseaoroneofthestatesixth-formschoolsintheCityandCountyofSwansea.
Some of the students progressing
to Oxford and Cambridge in 2013
11
Moving OnStudentsaretaughtbyhighly-qualified,veryexperiencedspecialiststaff,manyofwhomareexaminers,andthisisreflectedintheexcellentresultswhichareachievedeachyear.
Thecollegehaswell-establishedlinkswithmanyhighereducationprovidersthroughouttheUKwhowelcomeourlearnersaspotentialstudents.Thevastmajorityoflearnerswhoapplytohighereducationareacceptedand,indeed,thecollegehadasuccessrateof75.5%in2012(thelatestyearforwhichfiguresarecurrentlyavailable).Around90%ofthosestudentswhoprogressedtohighereducationgainedaplaceataninstitutionforwhichtheyoriginallyapplied,with15%ofoursuccessfulapplicantsattendingaRussellGroupinstitution.
Financial HelpThereareavarietyoffundingstreamsavailabletoeligiblestudentsstudyingfulltimeatGowerCollegeSwansea. Theseincludethe:•EducationMaintenanceAllowance•WelshAssemblyLearningGrant•FinancialContingencyFund
Thefundingisdesignedtosupportyouwithyourstudiesandpayforessentialcourserelatedequipment.Ourfundingteamcanhelpidentifywhatformsoffinancialhelpyoucouldbeeligiblefor.Contactthemon01792284000or01792890700.
Scholarship ProgrammeStudentscanalsoapplytothescholarshipprogrammetogainadditionalfundingtosupporttheirstudies.ThescholarshipprogrammeisopentoallstudentsapplyingforfurthereducationfulltimecoursesatGowerCollegeSwansea.Youwouldneedtodemonstrateahighlevelofcommitmentandachievemente.g.representingyourcountyorWales.Askouradmissionsteamforanapplicationform.
Tuition FeesThecollegedoesnotchargetuitionfeesforfulltimefurthereducation(15hoursperweekormore)providedtoUnitedKingdomorEuropeanCommunitylearnersofanyage.Therearetuitionfeesforoverseasstudents.OurInternationalOffice canadviseyouofthecostsinvolved.
Additional CostsAllstudentsarerequiredtopayanon-refundableadministrationfee.Onsomecourses,e.g.hairdressingandcatering,theremaybeadditionalcostsforspecialistequipmentorclothing.Detailswillbegivenduringtheapplicationandenrolmentprocess.
StudentswhoattendstructuredworkexperienceaspartoftheircourseandrequireaDBS(DisclosureandBarringService-previouslyCRB)check,e.g.forchildcarecourses,willbechargedforthecostsoftheDBScheck.
Costs and Funding SupportApplications for Medicine
Studentswhohaveexpressedaninterestinmedicine,dentistry,veterinarymedicineorrelatedcareersaregivenweeklytutorialsessionsduringtheirsecondyearofstudy.Theseprovidetheopportunityforthemtodiscusscurrentethicalissuesandmedicalbreakthroughsandtoreceiveadviceoninterviewtechniques.
Thecollegehasstronglinkswithlocalhospitalsandothercareproviders,enablingstudentstohavefirst-handexperienceofwhatitmeanstobeadoctor,bothinhospitalandwithinthecommunity.Prestigiousspeakers,includingconsultantsandGPs,regularlyvisitthecollege.Formerstudents,whoarenowqualifiedandprogressingintheircareers,alsocomeintocollegetoprovideinterviewexperienceandtalktostudentsabouttheirchoiceofcourses.
In2013,14studentswereacceptedtostudymedicineandoneisstudyingdentistry.Thetutorgroupalsoincludedthreefuturevetsandtenpharmacists.
Applications to Performing Arts InstitutionsPerformingartsstudentsareguidedthroughtheapplicationproceduresforspecialistcollegesandpreparedforauditions.
Transport Fulltimestudentsarecurrentlyofferedasubsidisedbuspass.AtGorseinoncampusthecollegearrangestransportforitsfulltimestudentsatthestartandtheendofthecollegeday.Itistheresponsibilityofparents/guardianstoensurethatstudentsareatthedesignatedpick-uppointsonthetransportnetworkbythetimeagreed.AtTycoch,LlwynyBrynandKingsway,aFirstCymrubuspassisavailable.ThepasscanbeusedfromSeptembertotheendoftheacademicyearandthroughoutSwanseaandNeath.AbusisprovidedforstudentstravellingtotheTycochcampusfromSwanseaEast.ThebusroutestartsinLlansamlet,pickingupstudentsinBirchgrove,Trallwn,WinchWenandBonymaen,thengoingdirectlytothecollege.ThebusleavesTycochat4.35pmeacheveningforthereturnjourney.Furtherinformationisavailableatopenevenings.
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Access to Higher Education
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
270 students successfully completed Access courses in 2013. Of these, 231 students gained places at university, including:•Midwifery-SwanseaUniversity•PhysiotherapyandMidwifery-King’sCollege,London
•ClinicalPsychology-UniversityofEastLondon
•PaediatricNursing-BristolUniversity
•Business-LondonMetropolitanUniversity
•English-BathUniversity•History-PortsmouthUniversity•Business-MunichUniversity
95% overall pass rate
Aimed at over
18’s wanting
to return to
education
Levels 2 + 3
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Skills for Further Study Level 2 Agored Cymru Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThiscourseisdesignedforstudentswhowishtopreparefortheAccesstoHEprogrammeswithinGowerCollegeSwansea.
Thisprogrammeisforstudentswhohavebasicliteracyandnumeracyneeds,aswellaslackofconfidencefortheoneyearAccessprogrammewhich,withtheintroductionofgradingin2009,hasbecomechallenging.
What’s involved: ThesubjectsstudiedonthisLevel2coursecloselyunderpinthosestudiedontheAccessprovisionandsoallowstudentstogainaninsightanddevelopagreaterunderstandingofwhatisrequiredofthembeforeembarkingupontheAccessatLevel3.
Moving on: StudentswillbeabletoprogresstotheAccesscoursesuponsuccessfulcompletionormoveontootherLevel3 programmeswithinthecollege.
EmploymentandvoluntaryopportunitiesmayalsobeenhancedwiththisLevel2qualification.
Business Level 3 Agored Cymru TycochCampus Course length: one year
Theprogrammeisaimedatmorematureindividualswhohaveaninterestinbusinessandwishtodevelopthenecessaryskillstoenhancetheiremploymentopportunities.AtleastLevel2innumeracyandcommunicationskillsorequivalentrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: Sufficientcreditsgainedonthisprogrammewouldenableastudenttoprogresstohighereducation.
Allstudentswillstudycoremodulesincluding:
•Communicationskills•Applicationofnumber•IT•ECDL(EuropeanComputerDrivingLicence)
Studentswillalsostudybusinessmodulesincluding:
•Marketing•Humanresourcemanagement•Businesslaw
Moving on: Possibleprogressiontohighereducationinareassuchasbusinessstudiesandfinanceortoemploymentinareassuchasbusinessandadministration.
Counselling Skills and Psychology Level 3 Agored Cymru TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thecourseisasuccessfulprogrammethatpreparesmaturestudentsorcareerchangersforeithertheworldofworkorhighereducation(eithervocationaloracademic).
What’s involved: Thecoursecontainsstudyskillunitsaswellasacademicallybasedstudytopreparestudentsforhighereducationwithinthefieldofpsychologyandcounselling.
ThecoursesupportsstudentsthroughtheUCASapplicationsystemforentryintohighereducationinstitutionsthroughouttheUKandNorthernIreland.
Moving on: Possibleprogressiontouniversitytostudypsychology,youthwork,socialwork,counsellingandpsychologyandsocialscienceprogrammes.
Part Time Pre-Access/Access
courses also available.
We also offer a range of Higher
Education and Foundation courses
in partnership with local HE
institutions.
See our website for details.
Victoria Davies showed
determination and focus
throughout the Access to Law
course, consistently gaining
Merits and Distinctions, and is
now studying for a Law degree.
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Humanities Level 3 Agored Cymru Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisaimedatstudentswhoare19andover,havenotattainedaLevel3qualificationinthepastandareintendingtogoontouniversitytostudyanarts,humanitiesorsocialsciencesubject.
What’s involved: Studentsareintroducedtofourhumanitiessubjectareas:English,history,psychologyandsociology.Withineachtopic,arangeofthemesandconceptswillbeconsidered.
Inaddition,studentsarerequiredtoachievecoremodulesinnumeracy,communication,ITandstudyskills,whilstalsocompletingaresearchproject.
Noformalentryqualificationsarerequiredbutcommunicationandnumericalskillswillbeexploredduringtheinterviewprocess.
Moving on: Thegoalofthecourseistodeveloptheskillsnecessaryforstudyatdegreelevel,progressingontoadegreeprogrammeinEnglish,history,sociology,psychologyorarelateddiscipline.
Paststudentshaveprogressedontocareersinteaching,youthandcommunitywork,publicadministrationandcounselling.
Law Level 3 Agored Cymru Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year
Theprogrammeisaimedatmorematureindividualsandprovidestheknowledgeandskillsrequiredtoprogresstohighereducationorrelatedemployment.ThecourseisrecognisedbyallacademicinstitutionsandprovidesanexcellentbackgroundfordegreesandHNDsinlaw,criminologyandotherrelatedsubjects.AtleastLevel2innumeracyandcommunicationskillsorequivalentrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.Nopreviousknowledgeoflawisrequired.
What’s involved: Allstudentswillstudythecoremodulesofcommunicationskills,applicationofnumber,IT,researchskillsandcustomerserviceskills,aswellaslawmodules:
•Natureoflaw•Modernsourcesoflaw•Criminallaw•Contractlaw•Tort•Advocacyandcommunications•Mediation•Civilliberties•Sexandracediscrimination
Moving on: Possibleprogressiontohighereducationinareassuchaslawandcriminologyoremploymentinrelatedareas.
Health Science Level 3 Agored Cymru TycochCampus Course length: one year (12 hours per week)
TheAccesstoHealthSciencecourseisaprogrammethatpreparesmaturestudentsorcareerchangersforeithertheworldofworkorhighereducation,eithervocationaloracademic.Thecoursecontainsstudyskillunitstodevelopskillsaswellasacademicallybasedstudytopreparestudentsforhighereducation.
ThecoursesupportsstudentsthroughtheUCASapplicationsystemforentryintohighereducationinstitutionsthroughouttheUKandNorthernIreland.
Moving on: Studentswillbeabletoprogresstouniversityfromthiscoursetostudyaudiology,radiography,paramedics,speechtherapy,podiatry,cardiology,ordegreesinmedicalsciences,etc.
Manystudents,however,dogainemploymentfromthisprogramme,forexamplelaboratoryworkorhealthcareassistantrolewithinlocalhospitalsetc.
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Science Level 3 Agored Cymru Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year (14.5 hours per week)
ThecourseisstudiedoveroneyearandoffersdirectuniversityentrancetomanybiosciencerelateddegreecoursesintheUK.Itisaimedatstudentswhoareatleast19yearsofageandhaveastrongdesiretostudyasciencebasedsubjectatuniversity.Althoughnoformalqualificationsarerequired,aLevel2qualificationinScience,orsuccessfulcompletionofthepre-accessprogramme,isdesirable.
What’s involved: Thecoursefocusesheavilyonpracticalaspectsofscienceandyouwillspendsignificanttimecarryingoutmodern,excitingindustriallaboratoryprocedures–includinggeneticengineering.
YouwillstudymodulesinBiology,Chemistry,PhysicsandMathematics,whilstalsobeingrequiredtoachieveinthecoremodules(communication,IT,studyskillsandresearchproject).Throughouttheprogramme,wewillfocusondevelopingtheskills,knowledgeandunderstandingwhichwillenableyoutobesuccessfulinhighereducation.
Moving on: Thecourseisidealforstudentswhowishtoprogressontodegreeordiplomacoursesinthebiologicalsciencesandeventuallypursueacareerinasciencebasedprofession,egpharmacology,dietetics,radiography,physiotherapy,cardiologyandbiomedicalscience.
Paststudentshaveprogressedontocareersinteaching,youthandcommunitywork,publicadministrationandcounselling.
Social Welfare/ Social Work Level 3 Agored Cymru Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thecourseisasuccessfulprogrammethatpreparesmaturestudentsorcareerchangersforeithertheworldofworkorhighereducation(vocationaloracademic).
What’s involved: Thecoursecontainsstudyskillunitsaswellasacademicallybasedstudytopreparestudentsforhighereducation.ThecoursesupportsstudentsthroughtheUCASapplicationsystemforentryintohighereducationinstitutionsthroughouttheUKandNorthernIreland.
Moving on: Possibleprogressiontouniversitytostudysubjectsincludingsocialwork,youthwork,criminology,socialpolicy,communitystudies,psychologyandsocialsciences.Studentshavealsoprogressedontoateachingdegree.Manystudentsgainemploymentfromthisprogrammeincludingasateachingassistant.
Nursing and Health Professions Level 3 Agored Cymru Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thecourseisasuccessfulprogrammethatpreparesmaturestudentsorcareerchangersforeithertheworldofworkorhighereducation(vocationaloracademic).
What’s involved: Thecoursecontainsstudyskillunitsaswellasacademicallybasedstudytopreparestudentsforhighereducation.ThecoursesupportsstudentsthroughtheUCASapplicationsystemforentryintohighereducationinstitutionsthroughouttheUKandNorthernIreland.
Moving on: Possibleprogressiontouniversityhealthrelatedsubjectssuchasadultnursing,paediatricnursing,mentalhealthnursing,midwifery,audiology,radiography,paramedics,speechtherapy,podiatry,ODP,clinicalphysiology.
Manystudentsgainemploymentfromthisprogrammeforexampleasasocialworkassistant,healthcaresupportworker,youthworkeretc.
The dedication shown by Mark Jones to the Access to Nursing course resulted in the achievement of several Merits/Distinctions and two conditional offers from universities - some feat, considering the limited spaces available for Adult Nursing.
16
ContentsArt and Design 18Business 19Computing and Technology 20Engineering 21Health and Childcare 22Humanities 22Languages 24Maths, Science and Social Science 27Media 31Performing Arts and Music 32Sport 33
A Levels
Gorseinon campusAll A Level courses are based at our Level
3
The college offers some 50 A Level subjects, many of which are ‘new’ as they are not offered at GCSE.Takesometimetolookatallthesubjectsasyoumayfindsomethingunexpectedwhichwillprovetobejustthecourseforyou!
InallALevelsubjects,thefirstyearofstudyisknownastheASLeveland,generally,externalassessmenttakesplaceattheendofthefirstyear.
ThesecondyearofstudyistheA2yearandalsoinvolvesexternalexaminationstogainthefullALevelAward.
ItmayalsobepossibletostartanewASsubjectinthesecondyearofstudy.
A-Z Page ¨Accounting 19¨AncientHistory 22¨Archaeology 22¨ArtandDesign:TextileDesign (Fashion/InteriorDesign) 18¨Biology 28¨BusinessStudies 19¨Chemistry 28¨ClassicalCivilisation 23¨Computing 20¨Dance 32¨DesignandTechnology:ProductDesign 21¨Drama 32¨Economics 20¨Electronics 21¨EnglishLanguage 24¨EnglishLanguageandLiterature 25¨EnglishLiterature 25¨EnvironmentalStudies 29¨FilmStudies 32¨FineArt 18¨French 25¨Geography 30¨Geology 29¨GovernmentandPolitics 23¨GraphicCommunication 18¨HealthandSocialCare 22¨History 23¨HumanBiology 29¨InformationandCommunicationTechnology 21¨Law 20¨Mathematics/PureMathematics 27¨MathematicsDoubleAward 27¨MediaStudies 31¨Music 33¨MusicTechnology 33¨Philosophy 24¨Photography 19¨PhysicalEducation 33¨Physics 30¨Psychology 30¨ReligiousStudies 24¨Sociology 31¨Spanish 26¨Spanish(GCSE–Level2) 26¨Welsh(SecondLanguage) 27¨WorldDevelopment 31
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Subject Entries A*% A*-C % A%-E%
Accounting 36 8% 83% 97%
AncientHistory 10 0% 60% 90%
Biology 131 6% 74% 97%
BusinessStudies 93 1% 84% 100%
Chemistry 108 12% 94% 100%
ClassicalCivilisation 18 6% 78% 100%
Computing 17 0% 41% 94%
Dance 18 0% 89% 100%
DesignandTechnology: ProductDesign
10 0% 30% 90%
Drama 30 3% 93% 100%
Economics 33 3% 82% 100%
Electronics 8 0% 100% 100%
EnglishLanguage 37 0% 84% 100%
EnglishLanguageandLiterature 71 8% 96% 100%
EnglishLiterature 33 3% 82% 100%
EnvironmentalStudies 14 0% 71% 93%
FineArt 29 10% 69% 86%
French 28 4% 82% 96%
Geography 79 6% 89% 99%
Geology 25 8% 84% 100%
GovernmentandPolitics 20 0% 65% 95%
GraphicCommunication 23 26% 74% 91%
HealthandSocialCare 12 0% 75% 100%
History 57 2% 88% 100%
HumanBiology 30 3% 70% 93%
ICT 43 2% 65% 95%
Law 64 14% 78% 94%
Mathematics 153 12% 86% 96%
Mathematics:Further 22 27% 91% 100%
Mathematics:Pure 10 10% 70% 100%
MediaStudies 21 0% 48% 95%
Music 19 0% 84% 100%
MusicTechnology 22 0% 36% 86%
Philosophy 16 0% 75% 88%
Photography 35 0% 94% 100%
PhysicalEducation 23 0% 30% 87%
Physics 39 3% 56% 95%
Psychology 128 1% 83% 100%
ReligiousStudies 19 5% 84% 100%
Sociology 63 11% 87% 97%
Spanish 9 11% 89% 100%
Textiles 17 6% 65% 94%
Welsh(SecondLanguage) 9 0% 89% 100%
WorldDevelopment 16 6% 94% 100%
80% A*-C overall pass rate
97% overall pass rate
2013 A Level ResultsEntry RequirementsSevenGCSEsatgradeC,preferablyincludingEnglishandMaths.Ifthishasnotbeenachievedatschool,acommitmenttoenrolonGCSEMathsandEnglishatcollegewillberequiredifitisyourintentiontogoonto highereducation.
Certainsubjects/coursesmayrequirespecificGCSEsatgradeCoraboveandtheseareindicatedwithinsubjectinformation(visitourwebsitefor furtherdetails- www.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk).
Whereentryrequirementsarenotmet,buttherearespecialcircumstances,eachapplicationwillbeconsideredonindividualmerit.
GCSE re-sitsStudentswillbestronglyencouragedtore-sitGCSEEnglish,Mathematics,ScienceandWelsh(FirstLanguage), whererequired,andprovisionismadeforthesesubjectstobestudiedwithinthefirstyearoftheircourse.
Examinationswillusuallybesatattheendofthefirstyearofstudy.
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Art and DesignArt and Design: Textile Design (Fashion/InteriorDesign) Course length: two years
Thecourseaimstonurturecreativityandpersonalstrengthsthroughindependentstudy.
What’s involved: The‘designprocess’anditsdevelopmentisanessentialpartofthecourse,thereforeworkshopsinmark-making,colourworkanddesignprocessskillsarecovered.Studentswilluseavarietyofdecorativetechniques,suchashandprinting,embroideryandhanddyeing.Fabricconstruction,manipulationandembellishmentwillalsobecovered.Studentsareencouragedtoexploretheuseofbothtraditionalandnon-traditionalmaterials,suchasplastic,wireandpaper,andtoresearchandstudytheworkofotherartists,designersandcraftpersons(bothcontemporaryandhistorical).
StudentsonthiscoursewillalsobeabletogainadditionalCity&GuildsqualificationswhichcomplementtheALevelprogramme.TocopewiththepracticaldemandsofthetextilescourseitishighlyrecommendedthatstudentsworktowardstheCity&GuildsCertificateinSewingMachineTechniquesqualification.TheCity&GuildsLevel2CertificateinPatternCutting,whichisalsoavailablewithinthecourse,willprovidestudentswithastimulatingnewskillwhichcancontributetosuccessfulcompletionoftheALevel.
Pleasenotethatthereisastudiofeeof£25forthiscourse.
Moving on: ALevelTextileDesignopensmanydoorsandcanbefundamentalincreatingpathwaysforawholearrayofuniversitycourses/ArtandDesignFoundation.Agraduateoftextilescouldfollowacareerinfashion,surfacepatterndesign,interiordesign,film/theatrecostumedesign,fashionpromotion/journalism,teachingorbecomeaspecialisttextileartist/designerintextilejewellery,felt-making,printing,etc.
Fine Art Course length: two years
Thecourseisapracticalexplorationoftraditionalandcontemporarypracticewithinfineartandencourageslearnerstodeveloptheirownskillsanddirectionwithinthebroaddefinitionofthesubject.
What’s involved: Studentsareencouragedtolearnfromtheworkofothersandtodevelopthisknowledgewithintheirownpersonalexplorations.
Afullrangeofdiversepracticeisencouragedandallstudentsareexpectedtochallengethemselveswithinawidespectrumofmaterials,techniquesandprocesses.
AtleastoneGCSEpassmustbeanartand/ordesignsubject.
Pleasenotethatthereisastudiofeeof£25forthiscourse.
Moving on: StudentssuccessfullypassingtheALevelFineArtcoursewillnormallyprogresstohighereducationviathetraditionalrouteofanextrayearoftheFoundationCourseinArtandDesignormaybeaccepteddirectlyontoadegreeinfineart/artanddesign.
Graphic Communication Course length: two years
Whychoosegraphiccommunication?Thissubjectareaallowsstudents,whatevertheirbackgroundorinterests,togetinvolvedwiththe‘creativeprocess’.
AnartbasedGCSEatgradeCisrecommended,althoughnotessential.
What’s involved: Thecourseprovidesopportunitiestodeveloppersonalresponsestoideas,observations,experiences,environmentsandculturesinpractical,criticalandcontextualforms.Candidateswillproducepracticalandcritical/contextualworkinoneormoreareasincluding:illustration,advertising,packagingdesign,designforprint,communicationgraphics,computergraphics,multimedia,animation,webdesign,film,televisionand/orvideo.TheflexibilityoftheAQAGraphicCommunicationspecificationallowsstudentstoworkfromtheirstrengths.
Pleasenotethatthereisastudiofeeof£25forthiscourse.
Moving on: Successfulstudentscouldusethisqualificationtogainaccesstofurtherstudyinavarietyofareas,suchasgraphicdesign,artanddesign,mediadesign,multimediadesign,filmandvideo,advertising,designmanagementandmanyotherareaswithintheever-expandinggraphiccommunicationworld.Thisspecificationlaysanappropriatefoundationforfurtherstudyofartanddesignorrelatedsubjectsinhighereducation.Inaddition,itissuitableforthediverserangeofcandidateswhowishtodeveloptheirinterestinandenjoymentofartanddesign.
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Photography Course length: two years
Thecourseisdesignedtointroducelearnerstothecreativefieldofphotography.
What’s involved: Learnerswilldevelopskillsandanunderstandingoflocationimagemaking,aswellasusingourwell-equippedstudiotoproducehighqualityprofessionalimages.Photographicpracticalexperiencewillbesupportedbyanunderstandingoftechnicalapplications,includingtraditionalfilmanddigitalphotography.
Althoughpotentiallearnersmaynotpossessaformalqualificationinphotography,itisusefultohaveacreativebackground,e.g.artorgraphicsatGCSE,althoughthisisnotessential.
Pleasenotethatthereisastudiofeeof£25forthiscourse.
Moving on: Successfulcandidatescanprogressontofoundationordegreelevelcourses,orperhapsgainemploymentinthemediaandphotographicindustry.
BusinessAccounting Course length: two years
Accountingteachesthestudenthowtomanagethefinancesofasmallorlargebusiness.Itappealstothosewhoarenumerate,haveamethodicalmindandenjoythelogicoffigures.
What’s involved: Thecourseisdeliveredthroughavarietyofteachingmethods.Teamandgroupworkisencouragedandindependentstudyisessential.Thecourseisofapracticalnatureandtheclassatmosphereislively,withagreatdealofstudentparticipation.Workisallbasedonreal-lifesituations,whichcallforaccuracyandtheabilitytohandlealargevolumeofinformation.
Areasstudiedwithinthiscourseinclude:• Financialaccounting• Thepreparationandinterpretationoffinancialaccounts
• Costingandaccountingforcontrol• Investmentandfinancialdecision-making
Moving on: AS/ALevelAccountingcombineswellwithothersubjects,suchasbusinessstudies,economicsandlaw.Itcanleadtoadegreeinaccounting,oraccountingandfinance,orcombineddegrees,suchasaccountinglaworaccountingandmanagement.
Business Studies Course length: two years
BusinessstudiesisavaluablesubjectwhetheryoutakejusttheAdvancedSubsidiaryorthefullALevel.Nopreviousknowledgeofthesubjectisrequired-youdonotneedtohavetakenthesubjectatGCSE.However,somepartsofthecourserequireanelementofconfidencewithnumeracysoaCgradeoraboveinGCSEMathsisrecommended.
What’s involved: Thecourselooksatthedecisionsthathavetobetakenbythemanagersinallorganisations(bothprivatebusinessesandthosecontrolledbytheGovernment).Today’sALevelstudentsarethemanagersoftomorrow.Nomatterwhatyourchosencareeranunderstandingofbusinessstudieswillbeuseful.
Wealsolookattheissuesinvolvedinsettingupandrunningyourownbusiness.
Thebehaviourofawidevarietyoforganisationswillbeinvestigatedintermsoftheirabilitytomeetsociety’sneedsandwantsandalsotheethicaldilemmasandresponsibilitiestheyface.Throughoutthecourse,studentswillbeencouragedtogenerateenterprisingandcreativesolutionstobusinessproblemsandissues.
Moving on: Thereisnolimittothecareerareasthatbusinessstudiesisapplicableto.Eveninmanypublicsectorinstitutions,suchaseducationandtheNHS,organisationsareincreasinglyhavingtoactinabusiness-likefashionsoanunderstandingofbusinessconceptsandtheoriesisvaluabletoallcareer-mindedALevelstudents.Someofourstudentsarealreadyclearthattheywanttosetuptheirownbusinessonedaybutmostendupasmanagersinawiderangeofenvironments.
Alargenumberofourstudentsgoontostudythesubjectatuniversitybecausetheyrealisehowvaluablethiswillbetotheirfuture.
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Computing and Technology
Economics Course length: two years
EconomicsisthestudyofthewaysinwhichManorganisestheuseofresourcestoachievethegoodsandserviceswhichheneedstosurviveandprosper,fromthebasicsoffood,clothingandshelter,tocomputers,airtravel,education,etc.
GCSEMathsgradeCoraboveisrecommended.Nopreviousknowledgeofeconomics/businessstudiesisrequired.
What’s involved: Thecoursewilldealwitheconomicquestionswhichareinthenewstoday,suchasthesingleEuropeancurrency,theminimumwage,thecrisisinagriculture,theroleofGovernmentintheeconomy,etc.Thismakesitaninteresting,topicalsubject,wheretheprosandconsofalternativepoliciescanbediscussed.Thegatheringofinformationfromnewspapers,televisionandtheinternetwillbearequirementofthecourse.
Moving on: Thereishardlyafieldofhumanendeavourwheretheapplicationofeconomicprinciplesisnotrelevant.Aqualificationineconomicsisvaluableinanycareerandinvaluableinspecificoccupations.StudentsconsideringreadingPPCatOxfordshouldconsidertakingeconomics,atleasttoASLevel.Thereisanincreasingneedforeconomistsincommerceandindustrygenerally:inmarketresearch,centralandlocalgovernmentdepartments,banking,themedia,journalism,etc.
Manyprofessions,suchasmanagers,accountantsandbankers,siteconomicspapersaspartoftheirprofessionalexaminations.Businessstudies/managementstudiesatuniversitylevelhavesubstantialeconomicscontent.
Law Course length: two years
ThecourseencouragesstudentstodevelopaninterestandunderstandingoflawandselectedareasofthelegalsysteminEnglandandWales.
What’s involved: Thechangingnatureoflawinsocietywillbeconsidered,aswilltherightsandresponsibilitiesofindividualsascitizens.
Studyunitsinclude:• Understandinglegalvalues,structuresandprocesses
• Understandinglegalreasoning,personnelandmethods
• Understandingsubstantivelaw:freedom,thestateandtheindividual
• Understandinglawincontext:freedom,thestateandtheindividual
Nopriorqualificationinlawisrequiredtofollowthiscourse.
Moving on: Lawisavaluablequalificationformanycareersandaconsiderablenumberofprofessionshavealegalcontentintheirtraininge.g.banking,business,accountancyandjournalism.Otheropportunitiesincludequalifyingforthelegalprofessionasasolicitororbarrister.
Themajorityofstudentsprogresstostudylawatuniversity,althoughcriminologyisanalternativechoice.PopulardestinationsincludeCardiff,Swansea,Oxford,Cambridge,King’sCollegeandtheLondonSchoolofEconomics.Paststudentsoftenreportbackontheadvantagetheyhaveatuniversityovertheircontemporarieswhohavenolegalbackground.
Computing Course length: two years
What’s involved: Theareasstudiedwithinthiscoursearecontainedinfourmodules,comprisingonetheoryandonepracticalcourseworkmoduleineachyearofstudy.WorkcanbeundertakenonbothMacandWindowsplatforms.Topicsinclude:
• Computerprogramming• Creatingcomputersoftware,e.g.databaseprogramming,gamesprogramming,appdevelopment
• Representingdatainthecomputer• Security• Datatypesanddatastructures• Fileorganisationanddatabasesystems
• Methodsofsolvingstandardproblems• Producingstructuredsolutionstocomputerproblems
• Systemdesignandanalysis• Algorithms• Systemtesting• Systemsoftware• Computersystemsarchitecture• Communications
BgradeatGCSEMathematicsisrecommendedtoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on: Progressiontoauniversitycourse.Ascomputerprogrammesandapplicationsareanintegralpartofeveryaspectofmodernlifeandbecauseofthemanytransferableskillsdeveloped,thissubjectissuitableforstudyincombinationwithmanyothersubjects,bothatALevelandinhighereducation.
Theskillsetdevelopedwillbenefitanycareer.Computersciencegraduatesparticularlyareingreatdemandandcommandhighsalaries.
Business (continued)
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Information and Communication Technology Course length: two years
What’s involved: Thecourseconsistsoffourunits,twowillbestudiedforASandtwoforA2.
• Practicalproblem-solvinginthedigitalworld-studentsdeveloptheirknowledgeandunderstandingofthedevelopmentofICTsystemsthroughpracticalexperience,usingarangeofapplicationssoftware.
• Livinginthedigitalworld-thisunitisdesignedtogivestudentsthewiderpictureoftheuseofICTandtoenabletheunderstandingofbasictermsandconcepts.
• TheuseofICTinthedigitalworld-thisunitlooksatthefast-changingsubjectofICT,includingdevelopmentsintechnologyandICTsystemcapabilities.
• Coursework-practicalissuesinvolvedintheuseofICTinthedigitalworld.StudentscompleteasubstantialprojectinvolvingtheproductionofanICT-relatedsystem.
Moving on: CompetitionforITgraduateshasplacedthemabovelawyersandengineersincommandinghighsalaries.ManylargecompaniesarerecruitingITgraduatesactivelyandthereareexcellentopportunitiestoworkabroad.
EngineeringDesign and Technology: Product Design Course length: two years
Theaimsofthiscoursearetodevelopcreativityindesignandestablishafirmfoundationintechnicalknowledge.
What’s involved: Thisisbothapracticalandtheoreticalcourse.InadditiontotheALevelqualificationstudentswillgainanNVQinworkshopskills.
Studentswilldeveloptheircreativitybyinvestigating,designingandmakingproducts.Thiswillbeachievedthroughanumberofsmallertasksinyearone,developingtoafulldesignandmanufactureprojectinyeartwo.Studentswillbegiventheopportunitytofocusonareasthatrelatetotheirchosencareer.
Moving on: ThiscourseprovidesanexcellentfoundationforawiderangeofdegreeorHNDcourses.Whenstudiedwithmathsorscience,studentscanprogresstocareersinarchitecture,aerospace,mechanical,civilormaterialsengineering,computeraideddesign,industrialdesign,productiondesignor3Ddesign.Whenjoinedtoart-based ALevels,amoreart-basedcareermaybepursued.
StudentshaveprogressedtostudyanimationinBournemouth,architectureatBathUniversity,aerospaceengineeringinBristolandSwansea,medicalscienceinCardiffandproductdesigninLoughboroughandSwansea.
Electronics Course length: two years
Thecoursecoversbothacademicandpracticalelementsandisdividedintoatotalofsixunits:threeASunitsandthreeA2units.
ApassatGCSEinScienceand/orMathsisrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: AtASLevelyouwillstudydigitalandanaloguesystems,circuitsandcomponentsandprogrammablecontrolsystemsproject.
AtA2Levelyouwillstudycommunicationssystemsandsystemsapplications,thefinalmodulebeingthedesignprojectwhereyouwilldesignandtestanelectronicsystem.
Moving on: Thiscourseallowsprogressiontohighereducationorvocationalelectronicstrainingviaanapprenticeshipandwillprovideafirmfootholdforstudentswishingtostudyelectronicsorengineering.
Tim Johnston receiving the Outstanding A Level
Student of the Year – Services to Industry
and People award for the quality of his work on
the Design and Technology (Resistant Materials)
course. The brief was to create a shelter
for victims of natural disasters and the
project was selected for the 2013 Innovation
Awards. Tim also studied A Level Business
Studies and Physics and is now studying for a
degree in Business Management.
22
Health and ChildcareHealth and Social Care Course length: two years
What’s involved: TheGCEinHealthandSocialCareallowsstudentstobuildskillsaswellastechnicalknowledge.Itprovidesabroadbaseofunderstanding,whileallowingstudentstoalsofocusonthefollowingspecialistareas:
• Rights,responsibilitiesandvalues• Communicationincaresettings• Healthandwellbeing• Serviceprovisionandpractitionerroles
Moving on: Thiscoursegivesstudentsawidechoiceofprogressionoptionsintofurtherstudy,trainingoremployment.Successfulcompletionequipsstudentstomoveontoadegreecourse,includingnursing,midwifery,socialworkandmedicalsciences.ItwillalsogiveaccesstoLevel5BTECHigherNationalDiplomaorQCFcourses.
HumanitiesAncient History Course length: two years
ThiscourseisdesignedtostudythehistoryandcultureofAncientGreeceandRome.
ItisrecommendedthatstudentshaveatleastaBinGCSEHistory(ifGCSEHistoryhasnotbeentaken,aCgradeinEnglishisexpected).
What’s involved: AtASyouwillstudythesetopics,usingoriginalsourcesfromtheancientworld:• PoliticsandsocietyofancientSparta• AugustusandthePrincipate
Youwilllearnhowtousethisevidence,understandingissuesofreliabilityandinterpretation.
AtA2youwillstudyGreekandRomanhistoryunderthethemeofconflictandculture:• TheCultureofAthens499-399BC• TheInventionofImperialRome 31BC-96AD
YouwillbuildonskillsdevelopedatAS,withafocusontheinvestigationofhistoricalthemes.
Moving on: Thesubjectnurturesthepersonaltransferableskillsofproblem-solving,analysis,disciplinedargumentandpersuasivepresentation,whichemployersvaluehighly.Itsstudyisproofofintelligence,commitmentandanabilitytothinkcreatively.Alltheseskillswillbesoughtbyuniversityadmissionstutorsandemployers.Itisalsoanexcellentsubjecttosupportstudyinotherareas,suchasmodernhistory,law,English,philosophyandpolitics.UniversitiestowhichstudentstypicallyprogressincludeSwansea,Lampeter,Bristol,Exeter,Reading,UCLandKing’s.
Archaeology Course length: two years
Archaeologyisthestudyofpasthumansocietiesfromtheinvestigationofmaterialremains.Itisoneofthemostexcitingsubjectsinthecurriculum.Archaeologyistheultimatesubjectforan‘allround’student,inthatitcombineselementsofmanyotheracademicdisciplines,suchasscience,art,technology,geography,history,sociologyandreligiousstudies.
What’s involved: Theprogrammeofstudyisasfollows:
AS outline:Thisspecificationintroducescandidatestotheworldofarchaeologyandarchaeologists:• Unit1:TheArchaeologyofReligionandRitual
• Unit2:ArchaeologicalSkillsandMethods.
A2 outline:Thespecificationprovidesopportunitiesforcriticalthinkingandindependentstudy.Candidatesconsiderfurtherkeythemesinworldarchaeology,includingafocusoncontemporaryarchaeologicalissues,andwillundertakeanarchaeologicalinvestigation:• Unit3:WorldArchaeology• Unit4:ArchaeologicalInvestigation
AgradeBinGCSEScienceisdesirableforentrytothiscourse.
Moving on: Archaeologyisaveryrespectedacademiccourse,whichhasgrowninpopularityoverrecentyears.Alluniversitiesrespectthequalification.PostALevelstudentscanprogressontostudyarchaeologyatarangeofhighereducationinstitutionsincludingRussellGroupuniversities.
23
Classical Civilisation Course length: two years
ClassicalCivilisationisthestudyoftheculturesofancientGreeceandRome,primarilythroughtheirliterature.Theirliteratureisverymuchconnectedwiththeirculturalidentity-theirgods,mythsandlegends,whichtheyviewedastheirtruehistory.
What’s involved: TopicsstudiedatAS:• AristophanesandAthens–threeplaysbythecomicplaywrightAristophanes
• Homer’sIliad–theepicpoemsetatthetimeoftheTrojanWar
TopicsstudiedatA2:• GreekTragedy–fourplaysexaminingthedarkandtraumaticrealmsoftheancientGreekmind
• RomanEpic–Virgil’sepicpoem, TheAeneid
Moving on: Studentsmakesuccessfulcareersinthemainstreamofcommerce,law,financeandpublicadministration,aswellasinmoredirectionallyvocationalfieldssuchasteaching,archiveandmuseumworkandconservation.
UniversitiestowhichstudentstypicallyprogressincludeSwansea,Lampeter,Bristol,Exeter,Reading,UCLandKing’s.
Government and Politics Course length: two years
What’s involved: TheASLevelexaminesBritishgovernmentandpolitics.Studentsstudyvotingbehaviour,electoralsystems,politicalparties,ourrepresentativeinstitutionsandhowwearegoverned.
ThesecondyearfocusesontheuniquepoliticalsystemoftheUnitedStates.Topicsincludetheelectoralprocess,useofdirectdemocracy,theUSConstitution,CongressandthePresidency.
TosupporttheASprogrammewehaverecentlyintroducedavisittoLondonandintendtoofferanoverseastriptotheUnitedStatestocomplimenttheA2subjectcontent.
Lecturesinvolvenumerousactivities,debatesanddiscussionsonpoliticalconcepts/theoriesandtheimportantissuesoftheday.GovernmentandPoliticsstudentsmustmeetnormal ALevelentryrequirementsandhaveatleastaCgradeinEnglishbutaBgradeisdesirable.Studentswillneedtobeenthusiastic,withaninterestinnewsandcurrentaffairsessentialtogainingagoodgradeinthesubject.
Moving on: Manystudentsgoontotakedegreecoursessuchaspoliticsorinternationalrelations.StudentsthathavetakenthecoursehavegoneontostudyathighlyregardedinstitutionssuchasAberystwyth,Bristol,Cardiff,King’sCollegeLondon,LSEandSwansea.
Studentswhostudygovernmentandpoliticsgenerallypursuecareersinawiderangeofareas,includingthecivilservice,localgovernment,journalism,socialwork,bankingandfinancialinstitutions,law,police,armedforces,businessandindustry.Knowledgeofgovernmentandpoliticsisveryusefulinawidevarietyoffields.
History Course length: two years
Historyisthestudyofthepastandhowithasbeeninterpreted,involvingresearch,analysisandargument.Conceptsofcause,consequence,continuityandchangehelpstudentsunderstandthepast.
ItisrecommendedthatstudentshaveatleastaBinGCSEHistory(ifGCSEHistoryhasnotbeentaken,aCgradeinEnglishisexpected).
What’s involved: StudentsstudyanoutlinecourseonmodernWelshandEnglishhistoryc1780-1886,focusingonpoliticalandeconomicdevelopmentsoftheera.
Thesecond(in-depth)courseisanEuropeanstudy,eitherNaziGermanyc1933-1945ortheFrenchRevolutionc1774-1795.StudentsofGermanyexamineNazigovernment,foreignpolicy,andtheSecondWorldWar.TheFrenchRevolutioncoverspoliticalandconstitutionalchangesintheperiod,thentheCounterRevolutionanditsdefeat.
Moving on: SuccessatALevelHistorycanleadtoentryathighereducationandisausefulqualificationforemploymentinfieldssuchasadministrationandmanagement,publicrelations,teaching,librarianship,archiveandarchaeologicalwork,museumsandgalleries,law,journalismandthemedia.TypicaluniversitydestinationsforhistoryareAbersytwyth,Swansea,Cambridge,UniversityofLondon,Exeter,WarwickandBristol.
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
24
Philosophy Course length: two years
Inphilosophywethinkaboutfundamentalquestionsaboutlife,religion,science,ethicsandpolitics.Itisasubjectwithaverylonghistory.Althoughyoumightnothavecomeacrossphilosophyinyoursecondaryschooleducation,manyphilosophicalquestionsarenotdifficulttounderstand.
What’s involved: AtASwestudytwounitsandfourthemes:• Introductiontophilosophy1: - Reasonandexperience - WhyshouldIbemoral?
• Introductiontophilosophy2: - Freewillanddeterminism - Thevalueofart
AtA2weprogresstostudykeythemesinphilosophy:• Politicalphilosophy• Epistemologyandmetaphysics• Philosophicalproblems• Nietzsche-‘BeyondGoodandEvil’
Moving on: Philosophyisinvaluableformanycareerswhichinvolvethedevelopmentofrationalargument,standardsofjustificationanddiscoursesaroundtruth.Philosophyhasbeenabasisforcareerssuchaslaw,journalismandteaching.Thecourseencouragesthedevelopmentofusefulskillsthatwillenhancecareerorhighereducationprospects.
religious Studies Course length: two years
Itmakesnodifferenceifyouareatheist(believerinGod),atheist(non-believerinGod)oragnostic(undecidedaboutGod),ReligiousStudiescouldofferyouaninterestingandvibrantoptionatbothASandALevelwithplentyofopportunitiesforthought-provokingreligious,ethicalandphilosophicaldebate.
What’s involved: Welookatissuesrelevanttothechangingmodernworld,suchaswarandgeneticengineering,fromtheperspectivesofreligiousbelieversaswellasmoralphilosophers.Westudyoneworldreligionindepthandevaluateitsrelevancetodayforbelieversandnonbelievers.
GradeCinreligiousstudies,iftakenatGCSEasafulloptionorforshortcourse,isrequired.
Moving on: ReligiousstudiesisregardedasaseriousacademicsubjectwhichservesasanentryqualificationtoallcoursesrequiringALevelpasses.Religiousstudieshelpstodeveloptoleranceandunderstandingofhumanity,usefulforanyjobsworkingwithpeople.
Adegreeinreligiousstudiescanleadtoavarietyofcareerssuchasteaching,socialwork,journalism,nursing,PRandyouthwork.StudentswhohavecompletedthecoursehavegoneontovariousuniversitiesincludingSwansea,Cardiff,Bristol,London,TrinityStDavid,CambridgeandBathSpa.
LanguagesEnglish Language Course length: two years
ThissubjectbuildsonmanyoftheskillsacquiredinGCSEEnglish.
What’s involved: ThemainareasofstudyatbothASandALevelare:• analysingarangeoftexts(bothwrittenandspoken)usingtheframeworksthatunderlielanguageinuse.Themostimportantoftheseframeworksisgrammar.
• writingdifferentkindsoftextstosuitdifferentaudiencesandsituations
• respondingtoissuesinlanguage,includingthehistoryofthelanguage.
Therewillbeopportunitiestoexplorefurtherareasoflanguageusethatinterestyouandtodevelopcreativewritingskills.
GCSECgradesinEnglishLiteratureandEnglishLanguagearerequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on: ALevelEnglishLanguageisinvaluableforfuturejournalists,teachersandanyonewhohasaninterestinusingwordswithconfidence.Thecourseencouragesthedevelopmentofusefulskillsthatwillenhancecareerorhighereducationprospects:essaywritingtechniquewillimproveaswellasyourabilitytoexpressyourselforally.However,perhapsmoreimportantly,wehopethatyouwillalsodevelopalifelongfascinationwithwords,readinganddiscussingideas.
Former A Level French student, Bethan
Rees, is now studying Modern Languages
and European Studies at the University of
Bath: “Confidence is definitely half the
battle when you study languages, and I
think studying at Gower College Swansea
did the world of good for boosting my
confidence.”
Humanities (continued)
25
English Literature Course length: two years
EnglishLiteratureatASandALevelbuildsontheskillsgainedatGCSEandencouragesyoutolookmorecloselyatdifferenttextsandtomakeconnectionsbetweenthem.
What’s involved: Youwillbeintroducedtosomeoftheinterestingcontextualfactorsthatshapedthewritingandthedifferentreadingsoftexts.
AtASyouwillstudyaminimumofsixtexts,coveringarangeofperiodsandgenres,includingmodernpoetryanddramaandarangeofprosetexts.
AtA2youwillstudypoetrywrittenbefore1800andaShakespeareantext.
GCSECgradesinEnglishLiteratureandEnglishLanguagearerequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on: EitherALevelEnglishLiteratureor ALevelEnglishLanguageandLiteratureareessentialforthosewhowanttoreadEnglishliteratureatahigherlevel,butarealsoinvaluableforfuturejournalists,teachersandanyonewhohasaninterestinusingwordswithconfidence.
Thecourseencouragesthedevelopmentofusefulskillsthatwillenhancecareerorhighereducationprospects:essaywritingtechniquewillimproveaswellasyourabilitytoexpressyourselforally.However,perhapsmoreimportantly,wehopethatyouwillalsodevelopalifelongfascinationwithreadinganddiscussingideas.
English Language and Literature Course length: two years
EnglishLanguageandLiteratureatAS/ALevelbuildsontheskillsgainedatGCSEandrequiresyoutostudyarangeoftexts,bothliteraryandnon-literary.
What’s involved: Youwilllearnarangeoflinguisticandliterarytermswhichwillhelpyouanalyseandcommentongrammarandsentencestructuresaswellasmeaningandimpactwithintexts.Thecourseconsistsoffourmodules,twoatASLevelandtwoatA2Level.Inbothyearsthereisoneexamination(60%)andacourseworkmodule(40%).
GCSECgradesinEnglishLanguageandEnglishLiteraturearerequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on: EitherALevelEnglishLiteratureorALevelEnglishLanguageandLiteratureareessentialforthosewhowanttoreadEnglishliteratureatahigherlevel,butarealsoinvaluableforfuturejournalists,teachersandanyonewhohasaninterestinusingwordswithconfidence.
French Course length: two years
ImprovingcommunicationinFrenchisoneofthemainaimsofthecourse.Therefore,grammarteachingplaysakeyroleinconfidencebuilding.
What’s involved: Thefirstyearofstudybuildsonexistingskillsoflistening,speaking,readingandwritingandstudentsareencouragedtoexpresstheirownopinionsonawiderangeofinterestingtopicsfrompopularculturetohealthylivingandthefamily,whilegaininganinsightintoanotherculture.
StudyingaspectsofFrenchcinemaisakeyelementofthesecondyearofstudy.Theexposéoffersstudentstheopportunitytoembarkonpersonalresearch.Translationpracticeisachallengingbutrewardingpartofthesecondyearandprovidesexcellentpreparationforuniversity.
GCSEprofiletoincludeFrenchatgradeC,althoughgradeBishighlyrecommended.
Moving on: Manyofourstudentscontinuetheirstudyoflanguagesatuniversityandcanlookforwardtocareersintranslating,interpretingandteaching.
Beingabletospeakalanguageincreasesastudent’semployabilitybecauselanguagestudentstypicallycombineacademicqualificationswitharangeofotherskills,includingexcellentoralandwrittencommunicationskills,independenceandself-confidence.
AmongtheuniversitiesthatstudentshaveprogressedtoareCardiff,Swansea,Bristol,Bath,Exeter,London(King’s,UCL,UniversityofLondonInstituteinParis)andOxford.
One of our past A Level French
students, Lottie Myers, is currently
studying on the innovative Cardiff-
Bordeaux Joint Degree/Diploma which will
allow her to obtain the BSc (Econ) in
Politics from Cardiff University, as well
as the Diploma from the prestigious
Sciences Po in Bordeaux (one of nine
Instituts d’Études Politiques in France).
26
Spanish Course length: two years
Spanishisnowoneoftheworld’smostwidelyspokenlanguageswithover400millionspeakers.
TheASandA2coursesadvancetheexistingskillsofreading,writing,speakingandlisteninggainedatGCSElevel.
What’s involved: Topicsstudiedincludeleisure,lifestylesandtheindividualandsociety.WithASandA2Level,inadditiontocoveringtheenvironmentandsocialandpoliticalissues,thereisalsotheopportunitytostudySpanishandLatinAmericanfilm.
Alllanguagestudentsenjoythesupportofanativespeakerfororalandgenerallinguisticskills.StudentsareencouragedtousetheinternetforresearchandtousethemanyonlineresourceswhicharenowavailableforSpanish.
GCSEprofiletoincludeagradeCinSpanish(forbeginnersinSpanish,GCSEcanbestudiedinYear1ofthecoursewithanintensivesecondyearcoveringASandAlevelSpanish).
Moving on: Manyofourstudentscontinuetheirstudyoflanguagesatuniversityandcanlookforwardtocareersintranslating,interpretingandteaching.
AmongtheuniversitiestowhichstudentshaveprogressedareOxford,Cardiff,Swansea,Bristol,BathandExeter.
Spanish GCSE (Level 2)Course length: one year
ThisisanabinitiocoursesonopreviousknowledgeofSpanishisnecessary,althoughitisanadvantagetohavestudiedFrench.
What’s involved: TheSpanishGCSEcourseteststheskillsofreading,writing,speakingandlistening.Topicsstudiedincludehomelife,hometownandregion,education,theenvironment,youthcultureandthemedia.
Spanishisspokenbyover400millionpeople(onlyMandarinboastsmorespeakers).ThisisagreatopportunitytoaddanewlanguagetoyourskillsandenhanceyourCV.¡Buenasuerte!
Moving on: StudentsaregiventheopportunitytostudythelanguagetoASorALevel.Thisinvolvesahighlevelofcommitmentbut,inthepast,excellentresultshavebeenachievedandmanyabinitiostudentshavegoneontostudySpanishtodegreelevel.
Languages (continued)
Former student Danny Rees is now studying French and Spanish at St Anne’s College, Oxford and has been travelling in Bolivia to enhance his language skills: “The thorough and in-depth way both grammar and language were taught stood me in very good stead for university, as well as the oral practice I had with native speakers for both French and Spanish. All my lecturers were more than happy to help with any questions I had during my two years and provided me with lots of extra reading material and language work to keep me occupied.”
27
Welsh (Second Language) Course length: two years
Welsh(SecondLanguage)GCSEgradeC(fullcourseORshortcourse)requiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: AS(firstyear)-threecompulsoryunitsarestudied:• Film,multimediaWelshculture-oral• Writtencoursework• Theuseoflanguageandpoetry-written
ALevel(secondyear)–threecompulsoryunitsarestudied:• Theplay‘Siwan’,multimediainWales• Shortstoriesandformalletterwriting• Theuseoflanguageandpoetry
Moving on: StudyingWelshathighereducation.Employmentopportunitiesincludethecivilservice,mediainWales,healthandcareservicesorpolice.
Maths, Science and Social Science
Maths:Mathematics Double Award Course length: two years
GradeAinGCSEMathematicsisrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: ToqualifyfortheALevelDoubleAward,studentshavetostudysixmodulesinyearone:C1,C2andC3andeitherM1,M2andM3orS1,S2andS3.
Inyeartwotheystudyanothersixmodules:C4,FP1andFP2andeitherM1,M2andM3orS1,S2andS3.
Studentsqualifyfortwoawards:• AdvancedLevelMathematicsand• AdvancedLevelFurtherMathematics.
StudentswhohavealreadycompletedanALevelinmathematicscanstudyforASFurtherMathematicsbytakingFP1plustwoothermodulesfromthefollowing:FP2,FP3,S1,S2,S3,M1,M2orM3,dependingonthemodulesalreadyundertakenforALevelMathematics.
Moving on: Successfulstudentscanprogresstohighereducationtoreadmathematicsinanyreputableuniversity.
Mathematics/Pure Mathematics Course length: two years
ToundertakeALevelMathematics,aminimumgradeBinGCSEMathematicsathigherlevelisrequired.ForALevelPureMathematics,aminimumgradeAisrequired.
What’s involved: AtAS,studentsstudycoremathematics(C1andC2)andchoosefromeithermechanics(M1),statistics(S1)orcoremathematics(C3)toqualifyforoneofthefollowing:
• ASMathematics(C1,C2andM1orC1,C2andS1)
• ASPureMathematics(C1,C2andC3)
AtA2,studentsstudycoremathematics(C3andC4)andchoosefromeithermechanics(M2)orstatistics(S2)orM1orS1.
A2PureMathematicsstudentswillstudyC4,FP1andFP2.Studentswillqualifyforoneofthefollowing,basedonthecombinationofmodulestakenoverthetwoyearsofthecourse:
• AdvancedLevelMathematics• AdvancedLevelPureMathematics
Moving on: Successfulstudentscanprogresstohighereducation.
28
Biology Course length: two years
GCSEgradeBindoubleortriplescience(highertier),Englishandmathsrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: Thesyllabusisdividedintosixunits:
ASUnit1:Basicbiochemistryandcellorganisation-writtenpaper(20%totalmarks)
Unit2:Biodiversityandphysiologyofbodysystems-writtenpaper(20%totalmarks)
Unit3:Practicalassessment-experimentalworkatcentre,markedexternally(10%totalmarks)
A2Unit4:Metabolism,microbiologyandhomeostasis-writtenpaper(20%totalmarks)
Unit5:Environment,geneticsandevolution-writtenpaper(20%totalmarks)
Unit6:Experimentalworkatcentre-externallymarked(10%totalmarks)
Moving on: Manystudentsusethissubjectasaplatformforentryintomedicine,dentistryandveterinaryscience.Otherdegreecoursesthatareavailabletobiologystudentsincludepharmacy,biomedicalsciences,radiography,optometry,nursingandmanyotherhealth-relatedcareers.
Biologicalsciencedegreescanleadtoacareerinresearch,genetics,forensicsandpublichealth.Therearemanyenvironmentaldegreecoursesonoffer.Somestudentscombinebiologywithothersubjectsinordertostudypsychology,laworjournalism.
Chemistry Course length: two years
MinimumGCSEgradeBinmaths,Englishanddoubleortriplesciences(highertier)requiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: TheexamboardisWJECandyouwillberequiredtosittwoexaminationsattheendofbothYear1andYear2.Inaddition,therearetwoexternallyassessedpracticalsforbothASandA2.
AtAS,topicsincludeatomicstructure,chemicalequilibrium,chemicalcalculations,energeticsandkinetics,chemicalbonding,shapesofmolecules,solubilityofcompounds,solidstructures,periodictrends,organicreactions,hydrocarbons,halogenoalkanes,alcoholsandanalyticaltechniques.
AtA2,topicsincludespectroscopy,isomerismandaromaticity,organiccompoundscontainingoxygen,alcoholsandphenol,aldehydesandketones,carboxylicacidandderivatives,organiccompoundscontainingnitrogen,organicsynthesisandanalysis,redoxandstandardelectrodepotential,chemicalkinetics,enthalpychangesforsolidsandsolutions,entropyandfeasibilityofreactionsandequilibria.
Moving on: ALevelChemistryisacompulsoryrequirementofmanyhighereducationcoursesincludingmedicine,dentistry,veterinaryscienceandpharmacy.MostofthesescoursesarenowaskingforagradeAorA*inALevelChemistry.
Science:
A Level students from Gower
College Swansea have again
successfully competed in the annual Chemistry Olympiad. The students sat
a two hour examination with
questions set by the Royal
Society of Chemistry. “The
questions are pitched beyond
A Level, often covering unfamiliar topics that we
haven’t yet taught in class,”
said lecturer Paul Mouncher.
“Not one student threw in
the towel so I am incredibly
proud of them. It was a
voluntary challenge and
represents a considerable
achievement for them all.”
Thomas Grove was presented
with a Silver Medal by the
Royal Society of Chemistry.
Tom Chess received a Bronze
Medal and Rachel Anderson,
Shivani Birla, Kelli-Jo Davies,
Melissa Gatley, David Hughes
and Sophia Lewis all received
certificates.
Olympians
Rachel Anderson receiving
the Outstanding A2
Student of the Year -
Arts & Sciences - award
for the quality of her
work and results. She
studied Chemistry, Biology,
Maths and Spanish and is
now reading Medicine at
Cambridge.
29
Human Biology Course length: two years
GCSEgradeBindoubleortriplescience,Englishandmathsrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: Thesyllabusisdividedintosixunits:
ASUnit1:Basicbiochemistryandcellorganisation-writtenpaper(20%totalmarks)
Unit2:Biodiversityandphysiologyofbodysystems-writtenpaper(20%totalmarks)
Unit3:Practicalassessment-experimentalworkatcentre,markedexternally(10%totalmarks)
A2Unit4:Metabolism,microbiologyandhomeostasis-writtenpaper(20%totalmarks)
Unit5:Environment,geneticsandevolution-writtenpaper(20%totalmarks)
Unit6:Experimentalworkatcentre,externallymarked(10%totalmarks)
Moving on: Studentscanusethissubjectasaplatformforentryintomedicine,dentistryandveterinaryscience.Otherdegreecoursesthatareavailableincludepharmacy,biomedicalsciences,radiography,optometry,nursingandmanyotherhealthrelatedcareers.
Biologicalsciencedegreescanleadtoacareerinresearch,genetics,forensicsandpublichealth.Somestudentscombinehumanbiologywithothersubjectsinordertostudypsychology,laworjournalism.
Environmental Studies Course length: two years
Thisisawide-rangingandinterestingcoursethatfocusesonimportantissuessuchasairandwaterpollution,theuseandmisuseofnaturalresources,climatechange,wildlifeconservationandsustainability.
ItisrecommendedthatGCSEsincludescience(s)atgradeC.
What’s involved: Thecoursecentresonunderstandingthewaythatdifferentnaturalcyclesandeventswithintheenvironmentwork,howhumanbeingsaremakinganimpactontheseprocessesandwhatcanbedonetominimisetheresultingproblems.
Thecourserequiressomebasicknowledgeofchemistry,biologyandphysicsandbuildsonthistogivestudentsaknowledgebasefromwhichtodiscusskeyenvironmentalissues.
Moving on: Therearemanyhighereducationcoursesdirectlyrelatedtoenvironmentalstudies,suchasenvironmentalscience,environmentalriskmanagement,pollutionscience,wildlifeconservationandenvironmentalchemistry.Manyothersubjectshavelinkswithenvironmentalstudies,suchasgeography,climatescience,planningandcivilengineering.
Jobsintheareaofenvironmentalsciencearerewardingandhighlyvalued.
Geology Course length: two years
GeologyisthescienceoftheEarth.Itstudiesminerals,rocksandfossilstounderstandhowtheearthworkstodayandhasworkedoveritslonghistory.
What’s involved: Thisknowledgeisappliedbothinstudyingnaturalhazards,suchasearthquakes,volcanoesandtsunamis,andinfindingvitalresourceslikeoil,coal,waterandmetals.Geologyisasciencethatappliesarangeofphysical,chemicalandbiologicalprinciplestoworkoutpastenvironmentsandeventsandtopredictundergroundstructures,suchasfoldsandfaults.
ItisrecommendedthatGCSEsincludescience(s)andmathsatgradeCorabove.
Moving on: Geologyorearthsciencedegreecoursesareofferedbymanyuniversities.PleasenotethatmanyoftheserequiremathsALevelandsome,suchasOxfordorCambridge,physicsorchemistry ALevels.
Ageologydegreeiswidelyvaluedasapreparationformanyothercareers.Geologyorearthsciencesalsoplayavitalroleinbiology,environmentalscience,geographyengineeringandoceanography.
For the second year running our Geology
students won the South Wales Geology
Challenge organised by the Geological
Society of London. The team went on
to compete against five other regional
winners at the national finals held in
London and came runners up, beaten only
by Wells Cathedral School. The team was
captained by Hannah Collis and included
Alastair Evans, Daniel Peel, Dylan Roberts
and Eleanor Tandy.
30
Psychology Course length: two years
Psychologyisconcernedwithhelpingusunderstandthethoughtsandbehaviourofindividuals.Thecourseisinterestingandchallenging,coveringmanyareaswithinpsychology.
What’s involved: TheASLevelcourseinvolvesstudyingthemainapproachesinpsychology,i.e.psychodynamic,behaviourist,cognitiveandbiological,includingatheoryandatherapyforeachapproach,e.g.sociallearning,theoryofaggressionandtherapiessuchaspsychosurgeryanddreamanalysis.Studentswillalsohavetheopportunitytostudyresearchmethodsusedbypsychologistsandtenpiecesofpsychologicalresearch,suchaslanguageinanimals,stressandhealth,causesofphobiasandobediencetoauthority.
TheALevelcoursewillrequirestudentstostudyresearchmethodsandissuesinpsychology,suchastheethicsofusinghumansandnon-humananimalsinpsychologicalresearch.Topicscoveredincludepsychologicalcontroversies,suchasroleofgenesandenvironmentinbehaviour,andispsychologyascience?Otherareasstudiedincludethepsychologyofrelationships,treatmentandcausesofabnormalbehaviourandforensicpsychology.
SevenGCSEs,withaBgradeinEnglishLanguage,essentialforentryontothiscourse.BgradeinMathematicsandSciencedesirable,particularlyifinterestedinstudyingpsychologyatdegreelevel.
Moving on: Manyofourstudentsstudypsychologyatdegreelevel.Thiscanleadtocareersinareassuchascriminalpsychology,educationalpsychology,sportspsychologyandclinicalpsychology.Psychologyisusefulforanyoccupationwhichinvolvesworkingwithpeoplesuchasteaching,nursing,socialwork,humanresourcesandthepoliceforce.
Geography Course length: two years
Thecourseaimstoencouragestudentstoacquireandapplyknowledgeoftheworldatarangeofscales,throughthebalancedinvestigationofphysicalandhumanprocesses,andtodevelopanunderstandingoftheinter-relationshipsbetweenpeopleandtheirenvironments.
What’s involved: TopicsstudiedforASare:changingphysicalenvironmentsandchanginghumanenvironments.Studentsarerequiredtoparticipateinlocalfieldtrips.
TopicsstudiedforA2are:coastalenvironments,emergingAsiaandsustainabledevelopment.TosupporttheA2programmewehaverecentlyintroducedanoverseastriptoBarcelonaandintendtoofferasimilaroverseastripattheendoftheASyearofstudy.
AtleastaBgradeforGCSEGeographyisrequiredbutwewillconsiderstudentswhohavenottakenGCSEGeography.
Moving on: Geographyopensupawiderangeofcareeropportunities,includingcartography,surveying,meteorology,teaching,planningandotherlocalgovernmentpositions.GeographystudentsgoontouniversitiesacrosstheUK.ThreeformerstudentsgraduatedfromCambridgeandOxfordin2013withfirstclasshonoursdegreesinGeography.Twostudentsin2013andsevenin2012achievedtheAberystwythScholarshipawardtostudyGeography.
Social Science:Physics Course length: two years
YoushouldseektoachievesevenverygoodgradesatGCSE;gradeAorBinphysicsordoubleawardscienceandinmathematicsareadvisableifyouaretobeconfidentbutCgradesareacceptableuponinterview.Youshouldhaveaninterestintheworldaroundyou,acuriosityaboutthewaythingsworkandenjoythinkingaboutandsolvingproblems.
What’s involved: PhysicsexpandstherangeofknowledgebeyondGCSEviasixmodules:
• Particles,QuantumPhenomenaandElectricity
• Mechanics,MaterialsandWaves• InvestigativeandPracticalSkills• FieldsandFurtherMechanics• NuclearPhysicsandAstrophysics,MedicalPhysics,AppliedPhysicsorTurningPointsinPhysics
PhysicsstudentsnotsittingMathematicsmayhaveaclassfocusingonthemathematicalskills,informationandtechniquesrequiredforPhysics.
Moving on: Physicshasbecomeincreasinglyimportantintheworldofworkandischangingourleisure-timeandhobbies.Itsolvesproblems,helpsdiagnosemedicalconditions,createsnewmaterialstoorder,isovercomingtheenergycrisisand,ofcourse,isthesciencebehindtheinternet.
Physicsisthefasttracktothewidestrangeofopportunities.EmployersrateaPhysicsqualificationsohighlybecausetheyrecogniseyouasintelligent,logicalandpractical.
ALevelPhysicsisausefuland,moreoften,anessentialqualificationforanytechnicalorscientificcourseatuniversity,forexamplephysics,engineering(civil,mechanical,electricalorelectronic),architecture,medicineorveterinarymedicine.
Science: (continued)
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World Development Course length: two years
WorlddevelopmentisarelativelynewandrapidlyexpandingALevelcourse.
What’s involved: Itisauniquecross-curricular ALevelthatexploresissuesofglobalsignificance.Theseincludesocialandeconomicinequalitiesandpoverty(bothwithintheUKandinternationally),environmentalsustainabilityandtheresponsestotheseissuesbygovernmentsandorganisations(charities,IMF,UNetc)aroundtheworld.
Thenatureofthesubjectmeansitinvolvesalotofcurrentaffairsandisverytopical.Itcontainselementsofhistory,geography,politics,economicsandsociologyandcombinesverywellwiththeseotherALevels.StudentsmustmeetnormalAlevelentryrequirementsandhaveatleasta CgradeinEnglish.Aninterestincurrentaffairs/newsisessentialtogainingagoodgradeduringthecourse.
Moving on: AgoodgradeinWorldDevelopmentcanhelpstudentsgainentrytouniversityandmanyofourstudentsgoontostudydevelopment-relateddegrees.Internationalpolitics/relations,developmentstudiesandeconomicsarecommondegreesforourstudentstotake.
WorldDevelopmentisalsoarouteintoemploymentwithnon-governmentalorganisationsandcharities,globalorganisationssuchastheWorldBank,IMFandmorelocalandnationalemployerssuchaslocalgovernmentsandcouncils.
Sociology Course length: two years
What’s involved:Sociologyisthestudyofsociety,andthewaythatpeopleorganisethemselveswithinit.
Forexample,whydowehaverules(athome,incollegeandinthelaw)?Whydowomengenerallyplayadifferentrolefrommeni.e.whydotheyusuallydodifferentjobs,dressdifferentlyandactdifferently?Wheredowelearnwhoweareandwhoweareexpectedtobe?Dowebelieveeverythingwehearfromourparents,fromschoolorfromthetelevisionandnewspapers?Howdoesourgender,ethnicity,ageandclassaffectourlifechances?
BgradesinEnglishLanguageandEnglishLiteratureareessentialandCgradeinMathsdesirabletoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on: Asociologystudentwilldeveloptheskillsappropriateforuniversityandalsoforarangeofcareers:
• Socialwork• Police• Teaching• Journalism• Nursing• Workingformajorcharities
MediaMedia Studies Course length: two years
TheWJECMediaStudiesspecificationisdesignedtoallowstudentstodrawontheirexistingexperienceofthemediaandtodeveloptheirabilitiestorespondcriticallytothemedia.
Ideally,studentsshouldhavea BgradeinGCSEEnglishtomeettherequirementsofthecourse.
What’s involved: Thecourseenablesstudentstoexploreawidevarietyofmedia,includingdigitalmediatechnologies,drawingonthefundamentalconceptsinformingthestudyofthemedia:texts,industryandaudiences.Italsoencouragescreativeworktoenablestudentstogainagreaterappreciationofthemediathroughtheirownproductionworkandtodeveloptheirownproductionskills.AtA2,inparticular,studentsaregiventheopportunitytoresearchatopicwhichwillthenformthebasisfortheirproduction,thusencouragingthemtocreateworkinformedbyanawarenessofcontemporarymediaissues.
Moving on: ThisqualificationprovidesasuitablefoundationforthestudyofMediaStudiesorarelatedareathrougharangeofhighereducationdegreecourses;progressiontothenextlevelofappliedqualifications(egsomedegreeandHNDcourses);ordirectentryintoemployment.Inaddition,thespecificationprovidesacoherent,satisfyingandworthwhilecourseofstudyforcandidateswhodonotprogresstofurtherstudyinthissubject.
Aaron Willmott achieved a maximum
120 marks in the January external
A Level Geography exam – he also
studied Biology and Chemistry
and was a member of the Surf
Academy. Aaron is now studying for
a degree in Environmental Earth
Sciences.
32
Performing Arts and MusicFilm Studies Course length: two years
TheAS/ALevelinFilmStudiesisdesignedtodeepenstudents’understanding,appreciationandenjoymentoffilm,themajorartformofthetwentiethcentury,andonedevelopingnewmodesofexpressionandexhibitioninthefirstdecadesofthetwenty-firstcentury.
AgradeBinEnglishGCSEisrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: Thecoursebuildsonthecineliteracylearnershavedevelopedinformallysincechildhood.Theywillstudyfilmderivingfromavarietyofproductioncontextsandexperiencedinavarietyofviewingsituations.Theywillalsoengagewithawiderangeofdifferentkindsoffilms,developingskillsofobservation,criticalanalysisandpersonalreflection,aswellasdevelopingtheircreativityandpracticalskills,eitherinaudio-visualorwrittenform.Avarietyofformsofassessmentareused,withtheintentionofproducingimaginative,activelearners.
Moving on: ThisqualificationprovidesasuitablefoundationforthestudyofFilmStudiesorarelatedareathrougharangeofhighereducationdegreecourses;progressiontothenextlevelofappliedqualifications(egHND);ordirectentryintoemployment.Inaddition,itprovidesacoherent,satisfyingandvaluablecourseofstudyforallcandidates.
Drama Course length: two years
Learnersarerequiredtohaveakeeninterestinperformingandthedevelopmentofdramaticskills.Nopreviousexperienceinthesubjectisnecessary.
What’s involved: Thecourseisdividedintofourunits:
• PerformanceWorkshop(40%oftheASexamination)-practicalperformance.Forthisunityouwillactinagroupinaperformancefromasettextandadevisedpiece.
• Textinperformance(60%oftheASexamination)-twohourwrittenpaper.
• Performanceonasettheme(60%oftheA2)-practicalperformance.
• Textincontext(40%oftheA2)-twoandahalfhourwrittenpaper.
Astudiofeeof£40ischargedasacontributiontowardstheatrevisitsandworkshops.
Moving on: LearnersstudyingALevelDramahaveprogressedontostudyingatleadingdramacollegessuchasRADA,LAMDA,BristolOldVicandTheCentralSchoolofSpeechandDrama.Manylearnersgoontostudydramaatuniversity.
Dance Course length: two years
Theaimofthecourseistogivestudentsexperienceofperformance,choreographyanddanceanalysis.YoudonotneedGCSEDancebutaGCSEprofiletoincludeEnglishatgradeCisrequired.Studentsshoulddisplayaninterestincontemporarydanceandawillingnesstoparticipatefullyinextrarehearsalwork.
What’s involved: Thefocusofthefirstyear(AS)isthedevelopmentandperformanceofyourownchoreographyandperformingaspartofaduo/trio.Youwillhavepracticaltrainingontechniqueandthehealthandsafetyofthedanceranddevelopcriticalskillsinordertoanalysechoreographyandperformance.
Thesecondyear(A2)providestheopportunitytodevelopskillsandextendandapplyknowledgegainedatAS.Thefocusofchoreographyshiftstowardsgroupdance.Youwilldevelopknowledgeandunderstandingofaspecificareaofstudyandperformanceskillswillbedevelopedinrelationtothis.
Astudiofeeof£40ischargedasacontributiontowardstheatrevisitsandworkshops.
Moving on: Highereducationprovisionfordancehasrapidlygrowninthiscountryandcontinuestodevelop.DestinationsinrecentyearshaveincludedBathSpa,LabanandLondonContemporaryDanceSchool.Employmentopportunitiesexistineducation,performance,administrationandchoreography.
Media (continued)
Performing ArtsAcAdemyThePerformingArtsAcademyactivities
givestudentsthe
opportunititytoenhancetheirstandardsofperformance
throughworkingwithspecialiststaffinarangeof
performingartsdisciplines.
•Drama•Dance•Orchestra•
•Singing•ClassicalBallet•JazzDance•AuditionPreparation
Clement Jones receiving the Performing
Arts achievement of the year award
for his work on the A Level Drama
course. He is taking a Gap year and will
then take up one of the five offers he
has received to study for a degree in
Drama.
33
Music Course length: two years
TheALevelMusiccourseatthecollegehaslongenjoyedareputationasbeingoneofthelargestandmostsuccessfulcoursesofitstypeinWales.
What’s involved: Studentswillbeprovidedwithabroad-basedmusicaleducation,coveringtopicssuchasaninvestigationintosignificantmusicaldevelopments(1650–present),astudyofseveralnoted‘setworks’,andthetechniquesassociatedwithsong-writing,filmcomposition,dodecaphonism,minimalismandotherstyles.Significant‘performancesupport’fromourdesignatedperformancecoachisafeatureuniquetoGowerCollegeSwansea.
GCSEMusicgradeAorB,orgradeVTheory(ABRSM),isrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on: Manystudentsprogresstoreadmusicatleadingconservatoires/universitiesthroughouttheUK.Withanever-increasingrangeofmusicalsubjectsbeingintroducedatdegreelevel,theopportunitytofindacoursethatisvirtually‘tailor-made’fortheindividualstudenthasneverbeensobuoyant.
Post-degree,formerstudentshavebeenfortunateenoughtofindgainfulemploymentasperformers,composers,musicjournalists,teachersandrecordingengineers,tonamebutafewpotentialavenuesofexploration.
Music Technology Course length: two years
GCSEMusicisnotneededtoundertakethiscoursebutsometheoreticalknowledgewillbeadvantageousandyoushouldbeabletoplayamusicalinstrument.
What’s involved: Musictechnologyisanexcitingareawherestudentsaregiventheopportunitytostudythecreationandproductionofmusicacrossawidespectrumofpopularculture.
Studentswillstudyhardwareandsoftwaretechniquesofproductionandwillhaveaccesstoawiderangeofstudiorecordingandeditingfacilities.Studentsareencouragedtoexploretheirmusicalityandcreateoriginalmaterialsusingtechnology.Eachofthepracticalmodulesrequiresstudentstoproduceafinishedportfolioofworkcontainingrecordingandsequencingproductions.
Thisisanidealcourseformusicianswhowishtoexploretheircreativitywiththeaidoftechnology.
Moving on: Therearemanyimportantopportunitiesinhighereducationwithawiderangeofcoursesavailable,andmanycareerpossibilitiesforthoseproficientinhandlingmusictechnology.
Withinthemusicindustryitselfstudentsmayembarkuponawidevarietyofprofessions,fromthemoreobviousopportunitiesassoundengineerorrecordproducertothemanyrelatedrolesinthemediaindustryasawhole.
SportPhysical Education Course length: two years
Thiscourseenablesstudentswhoenjoysportandsportingactivitiestodeveloptheirall-roundknowledgeofthesubjectwhilepursuinganacademiccoursetheyenjoyandcanrelateto
What’s involved: Duringthecoursetheywillstudyawideandinterestingrangeofmodules,suchasexploringthecontemporarysociologicalissuesinmodernsportandexaminingtheeffectsofexerciseandtherelationshipsbetweentrainingandperformance.
Thecourseattractsthosewhohavealivelyandenquiringmind,akeeninterestinphysicaleducation(althoughnopriorqualificationisrequired),awillingnesstoexplorenewideasandanabilitytocommunicateideaseffectively.
Moving on: Thiscourseisrelevanttotheneedsofthosewishingtopursueacareerinsportandleisure,particularlyatmanagementlevel,andasaphysicaleducationalist.ALevelPhysicalEducationisalsoarouteforentrytodegreecoursesatuniversitiesorotherhighereducationcourses.
Beth Bingham received the
Sporting Achievement of the
Year award for 2013. As
well as her achievements
in her A Level studies in PE,
Maths and Human Biology,
she was a valuable member
of the Hockey Academy
Beth also played for British
Colleges, Wales U18 and the
Wales Senior team and is
now studying for a degree in
Sport and Exercise Science
at Loughborough University.
The Manic Street Preachers paid a surprise visit to the college as part of a nationwide radio station tour.
Arranged by Swansea Sound and The Wave, students from the college’s music and music technology courses were invited to the recording session where the trio played a track from their new album.
34
From Entry to Level 5Vocational
Youmayalreadyknowwhichcareeryouwanttoprogressto.Ifso,thecollegehasarangeofvocationalcourses,designedtoleadtospecificcareers.
IfyoupreferredthecourseworkelementofGCSEstotheexaminations,thenavocationalcoursemaybethebestchoiceforyou.Coursesareavailableatdifferentlevelsandstudentscanslotintothelevelwhichbestmatchestheirentryqualifications,withtheopportunitytothenprogresstothenextlevel.
Themajorchoicesare:
BTECDiploma/Certificate(Level1) One-yearcourse,equivalenttoGCSEgradesofD-G.
Diploma (Level2) 60credit(sixunit),one-yearcourse,equivalenttofourGCSEs.
90-Credit Diploma (Level3) 90credit,one-yearawardequivalenttooneandahalf ALevels.
Diploma (Level3) 120credit(12unit),two-yearaward,equivalenttotwo ALevels.
Extended Diploma(Level3) 180credit(18unit),two-yearaward,equivalent tothreeALevels.
Foreachofthesecoursesyouwillbeaskedtocompileaportfolioofevidencewhichwillbeinternallyassessed. Somecoursesdohavecertainunitsthatareassessedbyexternaltests.
NVQ NationalVocationalQualifications(NVQs)areachievedthroughassessmentandtraining.Theyarepracticalqualifications,basedonbeingabletodoajob,withfivelevels,rangingfromLevel1toLevel5.
City & GuildsThesehavealsobeendevelopedtoequipstudentswithskillsfortheworkplace.City&Guildsqualificationsarevaluedbyemployersbecausetheyaredevelopedinconjunctionwithkeyindustrybodies,ensuringthattheyarealwaysrelevantandup-to-date.
ContentsArt and Design 36Business, Accountancy and Law 40Catering and Hospitality 46Computing and Technology 50Electrical and Plumbing 52Engineering 58Hair and Beauty 62Health and Childcare 66Independent Living 72Media 76Motor Vehicle 78Performing Arts and Music 82Public Services 86Science 88Sport 90Travel and Tourism 92
35
Vocational ResultsEntry RequirementsThisisaguideonly.Studentswouldnormallybeexpectedtoachievethefollowingminimumentryqualifications:
Entry Level e.g.VocationalAccesscourse-therearenoformalentryrequirements.
Level 1 e.g.Diploma-anumberofGCSEsatD–Ggradesorabove.
Level 2 e.g.Diploma,ExtendedCertificate,Certificate-oneGCSEatgradeC,supportedbyanumberatgradeDorabove.
Level 3 e.g.ExtendedDiploma,Diploma,SubsidiaryDiploma,Certificate-fiveGCSEsatgradeC.
Apprenticeships Ifyouareapplyingforanapprenticeshipyoushoulddemonstrateacommitmenttoacareerinthearea.
Additional Assessments Somecourseswillalsohaveanassessmentaspartoftheinterviewprocesse.g.Level2plumbingcourses.
Progression Through the Levels Inmostinstancesstudentswhoachieveacourseatonelevelcanmoveontothenextlevelinthatsubjectarea.
GCSE re-sitsStudentswillbestronglyencouragedtore-sitGCSEEnglish,Mathematics,ScienceandWelsh(FirstLanguage), whererequired,andprovisionismadeforthesesubjectstobestudiedwithinthefirstyearoftheircourse.
Examinationswillusuallybesatattheendofthefirstyearofstudy.
Subject Level Entries Pass %DiplomainArtandDesign 2 18 78%
DiplomainArtandDesign 3 14 100%
DiplomainFineArt 3 8 100%
FoundationDiplomainArtandDesign 4 28 93%
DiplomainBusinessAdministration 1 14 100%
DiplomainBusiness 2 10 100%
DiplomainBusiness 3 30 100%
DiplomainProfessionalCookery Entry 22 100%
DiplomainProfessionalCookery 1 22 100%
DiplomainProfessionalCookery 2 11 91%
DiplomainHospitality 3 4 100%
DiplomainIT 2 22 77%
DiplomainIT 3 21 100%
DiplomainIT(softwaredevelopment) 3 17 100%
PerformingEngineeringOperations 1 54 100%
PerformingEngineeringOperations 2 26 81%
CertificateinBasicPlumbing 2 36 100%
DiplomainElectrical/ElectronicEngineering 3 9 100%
CertificateinEngineeringandTechnology 1 10 90%
CertificateinElectrotechnicalTechnology 2 35 89%
DiplomainMechanicalEngineering 3 4 100%
DiplomainEngineering 3 21 100%
Hairdressing(NVQ) 1 24 100%
BeautyTherapy 2 42 95%
Hairdressing(NVQ) 2 50 94%
BeautyTherapy 3 23 100%
Hairdressing(NVQ) 3 16 100%
PersonalandSocialDevelopment 1 10 100%
DiplomainChildcare 1 17 100%
PersonalandSocialDevelopment 2 18 90%
FirstDiplomaChildcare 2 21 81%
DiplomainChildcare 3 48 100%
DiplomainHealthandSocialCare 3 66 100%
DiplomainAppliedScience 2 6 100%
DiplomainAppliedScience 3 8 100%
DiplomainCreativeMediaProduction 2 4 100%
DiplomainCreativeMedia 3 27 100%
C&GMotorVehicle 1 30 93%
C&GMotorVehicle(MaintenanceandRepair) 2 13 77%
DiplomainMotorVehicle 3 5 100%
DiplomainPerformingArts 2 16 100%
DiplomainPerformingArts(Acting) 3 10 100%
DiplomainPerformingArts 3 35 100%
DiplomainProductionArts 3 5 100%
DiplomainMusic 3 12 100%
DiplomainMusicTechnology 3 8 100%
DiplomainSport 2 25 92%
DiplomainPublicService 2 18 78%
DiplomainSport 3 49 100%
DiplomaPublicServices 3 56 100%
DiplomainTravelandTourism 2 18 86%
DiplomainTravelandTourism 3 11 100%
36
Art and Design
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
37
Tara Tarapetian left us with a D*D*D* grade in Art & Design Extended Diploma, and went on to study BA Hons Fashion Design at University of South Wales, Cardiff, from where she graduated this year with a 1st class honours degree. Whilst there she won a number of prestigious completions:• 1st Prize Place Winner for Project Peacocks Collection• University of South Wales, Cardiff : Womenswear Collection of the Year 2013• University of South Wales, Cardiff: Outstanding Academic Achievement of the Year 2013 Tara is currently expanding her graduate collection to produce her own luxury high-end fashion brand and also undertakes freelance design work.
Art and Design Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma LlwynyBrynCampus Course length: two years
Buildit,sewit,paintit,printit,shapeit,drawit,loveit!Ifyouwantanexcitingcareerinartanddesignthenhere’stheplacetostart.
What’s involved: Thiscourseoffersarangeofpracticaldisciplineswithinartanddesignincluding:fashion,photography,graphicdesign,fineartand3Dcrafts.Studentswillspecialiseinapathwayaftersamplingallareas.
Workproducedwillcreateaportfolioofexcitingandstimulatingpieces,whichcanbeusedtosecureentrytohigherlevelcourses.Workwillalsobeexhibitedthroughvariousmediumsincludinggalleryspace,installations,digitalportfoliosandfashionshows.
Pleasenotethatthereisastudiofeeof£75forthiscourse.
Moving on: Studentsareabletoprogressontoanumberofhighereducationcoursessuchasdegree,foundationdegreeorHND.SuccessfulstudentshavegoneontovariousdegreecoursesthroughouttheUK,andtoalsowinanumberofprestigiousArt&Designcompetitions
Art and Design Level 2 BTEC Diploma LlwynyBrynCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseoffersasoundintroductiontoarangeofpracticaldisciplineswithinartanddesignsuchasdrawing,painting,ceramics,sculpture,textiles,print-makingandphotography.
GradeCoraboveinGCSEArtandDesignpreferred-equivalentqualifications(Level1vocationalstudieswithartcontent)willbeacceptedpendinginterview.
What’s involved: Studyunitsinclude:•Contextualreferencesinartanddesign•2Dand3Dvisualcommunication•Usingideastoexplore,developandproduceartanddesign•Workingwithvisualartandgraphicsbriefs•Buildinganartanddesignportfolio•Workingintheartanddesignindustry•Essentialskillstohelpwithliteracy,numeracyandITwillbedeliveredbyspecialiststaffaspartofthecoursetimetable
Pleasenotethatthereisastudiofeeof£50forthiscourse.
Moving on: StudentsareabletoprogresstoaLevel3ExtendedDiplomainArtandDesign,withafinalgradeofameritfromtheirLevel2ArtandDesigndiplomacourse.
Matthew Otten, an illustration student at Swansea Metropolitan University, conducted a print workshop for students on the Level 2 Art and Design course.
38
Photography Level 3 BTEC 90 Credit Diploma LlwynyBrynCampus Course length: one year
Thecourseisdirectedtowardslearnerswithexistingexperienceandskillsinphotographicpractice.
What’s involved: Therewillbeastrongemphasisonpracticalworkinginboththestudioandonlocation.Learnerswillexploreavarietyofgenresincludingadvertising,fashion,documentary,travelandmanyotherareasofphotography.Theywillfollowsetbriefsandhavetheopportunitytowritetheirownprofessionalbriefsintheirownspecialistpathways.
LearningwilltakeplaceattheLlwynyBryncampuswhichhasspecialiststudiospace,purpose-builtMacdigitalsuitesandafully-functioningblackandwhitedarkroom.
AnALevelinphotographyorindustrialphotographicexperiencewillberequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
Pleasenotethatthereisastudiofeeof£100forthiscourse.
Moving on: Thecourseisdesignedtosupportstudentsinoneoftwopathways.Emphasiswillbeputonthecreationofastrongportfolioforstudentstothentaketotheworkplaceortohighereducationinterviews.Adiverseskillsbasewillbetaughtsothatstudentswillfeelconfidenttostrivefortheirchosenpathway.Eachlearnerwillalsobedevelopingstronglinkswithindustryandcreatingtheirownwebsitesandpromotionalmaterials.Entrepreneurialsupportlessonswillalsorunthroughouttheyear.
Creative Media Level 1 BTEC Diploma LlwynyBrynCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseformsafoundationinthecreativeindustries.
What’s involved: StudentsstudythemajorcreativesubjectsofartandmediathroughouttheyearalongsideotherimportantlifeskillssuchasICT,literacyandnumeracy.Thiscourseistaughtinaverysupportivemannerandrecognisesthatstudentsoftenflourishinanenvironmentwhichisdifferentfromschool.Studentswilltakepartinmusicvideo,art,andphotographyprojectsdesignedtobuildpersonal,creativeandtechnicalskills.
Moving on: StudentsgenerallychoosetospecialiseinoneofthecreativepathwaysandprogressontoaLevel2Diplomacourseinartormedia.
Art and Design Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma LlwynyBrynCampus Course length: one year
Thefoundationyearprovidesabasisforthestudyofartanddesignandistailoredtohelpstudentsmakeaninformeddecisionabouttheirpreferredrouteintospecialisedstudywithinhighereducation.Itprovidesstudentswithanidealopportunitytocreateordevelopaspecialistportfoliotosecureaplaceonahigherlevelcourse.
EntryontothefoundationcourserequiresonesubjectatALevelinadditiontofivepassesatGCSE,includingEnglishLanguage(orWelsh)atCorabove,orotherqualificationsconsideredtobeequivalent.Thosewhocandemonstrateanaptitudeforartanddesignmaybeconsideredforentrywithoutformalqualifications.
What’s involved: Thisintensiveprogrammeispredominantlypracticalandteachesamatureandsophisticatedunderstandingofconceptandcontexts,enablingstudentstoexplorefresh,stimulatingandinventiveideastodevelopanindividualvoiceandstyle.Itistaughtthroughaseriesofvibrantartist-ledworkshopsandlectures.
Pleasenotethatthereisastudiofeeof£100forthiscourse.
Moving on: Successfulcompletionofthefoundationcourseisavitalrequirementforprogressiontohighereducationandpreparesstudentsforapplicationtoawiderangeofdegreecourseswhichcombinepracticalandtheoreticalstudies.Inpreviousyears,100%ofstudentshavegaineduniversityplacesincludingtheatredesignattheRoyalWelshCollegeofMusicandDrama,photographyatNewport,sculptureattheUniversityoftheArtsLondon,Camberwell,designatCentralSt.Martins,fashiondesignatNottinghamTrentandfineartatLeeds.
Students on the Level 3 Diploma in Photography
course photographed the famous Aberdulais
Falls during a field trip to the area and
were then invited to exhibit their work at the
Aberdulais Visitors Centre.
Dress designed and created by Rhian Beynon who achieved a Distinction on the Foundation course and progressed to a BA(Hons) Surface Pattern course at Bath Spa University.
39
A series of exhibitions of student work will be open to
the public at the Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing
between Tuesday 3 and Friday 27 June 2014.
Checkourwebsiteforin
formationontheseand
other
exhibitionstakingplac
eduringtheyear.
Art Exhibitions
www.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
40
Business,
Accountancy
and Law
41
Accountancy Apprenticeship Level 2/3 SkettyHall Course length: one year
Peoplewhohavealreadygainedrelevantemploymentandliketolearnintheworkplacewillpreferthismethodofstudy.
What’s involved: Theaccountancyareahasaspecifiedframeworkincludingessentialskillsandtechnicalcertificates.
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Foundation (Level 2)
Studyunitsincluderecordingincomeandreceipts.
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Intermediate (Level 3)
Studyunitsincludemaintainingfinancialrecordsandpreparingaccounts.
Moving on: Employmentinthebusiness,financeoraccountancysectorsorprogressiontoAAT4.
Accountancy AAT Level 2 GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
TheAATistheAssociationofAccountingTechnicians,theUK’sleadingprofessionalbodyofferingskills-basedaccountancyandfinancequalifications.
What’s involved: Atthislevelyou’llstarttodevelopyourskillsindoubleentrybook-keepingandgainagraspofmanagementandadministrativeprocesses.You’lllearnbasiccostingprinciples,howtousemanualandcomputerisedaccountingsystemsandhowtoworkwithpurchase,salesandgeneralledgers.
Thisqualificationisaskills-basedqualification,broadlyequivalentinsizetooneASLevel,andwouldnormallybetakenasanASsubjectoralongsidethefirstyearoftheBTECExtendedDiplomainBusiness.AAT2canbetakenalongsideASAccounts-pleaseaskstaffregardingthebestoptionsforyou.
Unitsinclude:• Processingbook-keepingtransactions• Controlaccounts,journalsandthebankingsystem
• Basiccosting• Computerisedaccounting• Workeffectivelyinaccountingandfinance
Moving on: AAT3Diploma.
Accountancy AAT Level 3 GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
TheAATistheAssociationofAccountingTechnicians,theUK’sleadingprofessionalbodyofferingskills-basedaccountancyandfinancequalifications.
What’s involved: Thislevelintroducesmorecomplexaccountingtasks,likepreparingfinalaccountsforsoletradersandpartnerships.Youwillalsolearnhowtomaintaincostaccountingrecordsandpreparationofreportsandreturns.Financialspreadsheets,cashmanagementandprofessionalethicsarealsocovered.
ThisqualificationisbroadlyequivalenttooneALevelandwouldnormallybetakenasanA2subjectoralongsidethesecondyearoftheBTECExtendedDiplomainBusiness-itcanbetakenalongsideA2Accounts.
Unitsinclude:• Accountspreparation• Preparefinalaccountsforsoletradersandpartnerships
• Costsandrevenues• Indirecttax• Professionalethics• Spreadsheets
Moving on: AAT4(parttime),Apprenticeships(pleasespeaktostaffregardingoptions)oruniversity.
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Business Administration Level 1 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
Deliveryofthecourseisundertakenbyhighlyqualifiedlecturerswhostrivetoprovideacoursewhichemulatestherealbusinessworld.Thiscourseisanintroductiontoworkingwithinthebusinessandadministrationsectors.ItpreparesstudentsfortheworldofworkandmayallowprogressiontotheBTECLevel2DiplomainBusiness.
What’s involved: Studyunitsinclude:• Creatingbusinessdocuments• Welcomingvisitors• Workinginbusinessandadministration
• Recordingbusinesstransactions• Preparingforworkplacement• Businessadministrationgroupproject
Inaddition,thiscoursealsoincludestheITUSERSAwardqualification,whichhasbeendevelopedtoincludearangeofICTmodelstohelpenhancethelearnersICTskills.Unitsinclude:ImprovingProductivity,E-mail,PowerPoint,WordandSpreadsheets.
Noformalentryrequirementsforthiscourse.
Moving on: ProgressiontoLevel2Businessoremployment.
Business Level 2 BTEC Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thiscoursefocusesonhowthebusinessworlddevelops,operatesandrespondstochange.Itequipsstudentswiththeknowledgeandunderstandingnecessaryfortheworldofwork.
What’s involved: Thecoursewillincludevocationallyrelevantadditionalstudies,e.g.theInstituteforFinancialServices(IFS)FoundationCertificate,InformationTechnologyortheOCRCertificateinEnterprise.
Thecoursehasbeendevelopedtoincludearangeofbusiness-relatedsubjects,withtheemphasisonpracticalapplicationofrelevanttheory.Thisincludesrunningabusinessaspartoftheyoungenterpriseprogramme.
Studyunitsinclude:• Financialforecastingforbusiness• Promotionandbranding• Startingasmallbusiness
Moving on: EmploymentinthebusinesssectororprogressiontoaLevel3programme,suchasBTECBusinessLevel3(requiresaMeritorDistinctionprofile).
Business Level 2 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
Deliveryofthecoursesisundertakenbyhighlyqualifiedlecturerswhostrivetoprovideacoursewhichemulatestherealbusinessworld.ThiscourseisideallysuitedforthosewhowishtostudyBusiness,FinancialServices,Marketing,CustomerRelationsandBusinessPlanning.
What’s involved: Studyunitsinclude:• FinancialForecastingforBusiness-CustomerRelations
• PromotionandBranding-BusinessOrganisations
• StartingaSmallBusiness-BusinessPurposes
• PeopleinOrganisation-BusinessEthics
ThisqualificationwillalsoincludetheprofessionalqualificationoftheInstituteforFinancialServices(IFS)andITUSERSAward:• TheIFSqualificationgivesanexcellentintroductiontotheareaoffinancialservicesandfinancialadvice.
• TheITUSERSAwardhasbeendevelopedtoincludearangeofICTmodelstohelpenhancethelearnerICTskills.UnitsincludeImprovingProductivity,E-mailandSpreadsheets.
FourGCSEsatgradeDoraboveortheLevel1DiplomaatPasslevelarerequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on: ProgressiontoLevel3Businessoremployment.
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Business Level 3 BTEC Diploma (90 unit Credit) GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Aone-yearassessmentbasedprogrammeenablinglearnerstocompletethenew90UnitCreditDiploma.Thecourseisintendedforalllearnersbutwillparticularlysuitstudentswhoonlywishtostudyforoneyear.FiveGCSEsatgradeCorabove,orequivalent,arerequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
ThereisanoptionattheendofyearonetocontinuewithyourstudiesforonefurtheryeartocompletethefullExtendedDiplomainBusinessManagementprogramme.
What’s involved: Thecourseismadeupofninebusiness-relatedunits:• BusinessEnvironment• BusinessResources• IntroductiontoMarketing• BusinessCommunication• BusinessAccounting• InternetMarketing• MarketResearch• TrainingintheBusinessWorkplace• DevelopingTeamsinBusiness
Moving on: ProgressiontothefullExtendedDiplomainBusinessManagementprogramme,managementandtrainingintheprivateandpublicsector,banksandotherfinancialinstitutionsandopportunitiesforentrepreneurialtalenttobedevelopedinownbusinessventures.
Business Express Level 3 BTEC Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Aone-yearassessmentbasedexpressprogrammetoprovidelearnerswithafast-trackroutetoachievingtheBTECLevel3Diploma.ThecourseisintendedforalllearnersbutwillsuitstudentswhohavepossiblycompletedsomefurtherstudiesoneitherVocationalor ALevelprogrammesandwhonowwishtofollowthevocationalroutetocompletetheirfinalqualifications.
FiveGCSEsatgradeCorabove,orequivalent,requiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: Thecourseismadeupof12relevantbusinessunits:• BusinessEnvironment• BusinessResources• IntroductiontoMarketing• BusinessCommunication• BusinessAccounting• InternetMarketing• MarketResearch• TrainingintheBusinessWorkplace• DevelopingTeamsinBusiness• DevelopmentPlanningforaCareerinBusiness
Moving on: Progressiontohighereducation,managementandtrainingintheprivateandpublicsector,banksandotherfinancialinstitutions,andopportunitiesforentrepreneurialtalenttobedevelopedinownbusinessventures.
ParticularlyusefulforstudentshavingcompletedsomefurtherstudieswhowanttobeabletoprogresstoHigherEducationasoriginallyplannedasthecourseoffersamaximumof280UCASpointsthatcanbeachievedinoneyear.
Business Level 3 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: two years
Deliveryofthecoursesisundertakenbyhighlyqualifiedlecturerswhostrivetoprovideacoursewhichemulatestherealbusinessworld.
What’s involved: Thiscourseisideallysuitedforthosewhowishtostudybusiness,financialservices,marketing,businesscommunicationsandbusinessmanagementorsetuptheirownbusiness.FourGCSEsatgradeCorabove,includingEnglish,ortheLevel2DiplomaatMeritlevelorDistinctionrequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
ThisqualificationwillalsoincludetheprofessionalqualificationoftheInstituteforFinancialServices(IFS)andWelshBaccalaureate.
TheIFSqualificationgivesanexcellentintroductiontotheareaoffinancialservicesandfinancialadvice.
Thetwo-yearWelshBaccalaureateisacoreelementoftheprogramme.ThisqualificationhelpsdeveloparangeofemployabilityskillsandwillgivethestudentsagreaterunderstandingofWalesandthewiderworld.
Moving on: Universityoremployment.
Business students visited the Bank of England and Buckingham Palace during a trip to London.
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Criminology Level 3 Certificate (WJEC) GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thisqualificationisdesignedtogivelearnersanintroductiontothetheoryandskillsapplicationofcriminology.
Itisaskills-basedqualification,broadlyequivalentinsizetooneASLevel,andwouldnormallybetakenasanASsubject.ThecriminologyLevel3CertificatecanbetakenalongsideotherASsubjectssuchaslaworpsychology-pleaseaskstaffregardingthebestoptions.
What’s involved: Thefollowingunitsarestudied:•Introduction to Criminological
Theories Thepurposeofthisunitistoenablelearnerstousetheoriesofcriminalitytoanalysecriminalsituationsandmakerecommendationsforpolicy.
•Crime Scene to Courtroom Throughthisunit,learnerswilldeveloptheunderstandingandskillsneededtoexamineinformationtoreviewthejusticeofverdictsincriminalcases.
Moving on: CriminologyLevel3Diploma.
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Level 3 BTEC Diploma DylanThomasCentre Course length: one year
Thisisanexcitingopportunityforlearnerswhichrequiresthemtostartandruntheirownbusiness.Thelearnerswilldeveloparangeoftechniques,personalskillsandattitudesessentialforsuccessfulperformanceinworkinglife.
Thecoursewillbesupportedbyanumberofhighprofileentrepreneurswhowillmentorandworkwiththestudentsinorderthattheyachieve theirgoals.
What’s involved: Thecoursehasbeendevelopedinordertoofferaqualificationthat:• requireslearnerstostartupandrunafullyfunctioninglegalbusinesstodeveloptheirentrepreneurialskills
• requireslearnerstofocusontheirownself-developmentthroughthestart-upprocess
• ensuresthatlearnersinteractwithentrepreneursandbusinesspeoplethroughoutthecourseoftheirstudytoenablethemtolearnfromexperiencedprofessionals
Thiscoursewouldideallysuitstudentswhohaveakeenbusinessbrainandwhoareseekingexperthelpandadviceinsettinguptheirownbusines.Studentsagedbetween18and30willreceiveknowledgeandguidancefromguestspeakersaswellasexperiencingmasterclassesandworkshops,togetherwithmentoringfromsomeofthemostsuccessfulentrepreneursinWales.
ItisequivalenttotwoALevels.
Moving on: Thisuniqueopportunitywillprovidestudentswithanopportunitytodeveloptheiremployabilityskillsandstarttheiremploymentjourney,setuptheirownbusiness,orattenduniversitytobroadentheirknowledgebase.
AcademiEntrepreneuriaeth Cymru
EntrepreneurshipAcademy Wales
Business Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: two years
Deliveryofthecourseisundertakenbyhighlyqualifiedlecturerswithabalanceofexperienceinteachingandindustry,ensuringthatstudentsreceiveacredibleandrelevantbusinesseducation.
What’s involved: TheVirtualBusinessmodelenablesstudentstoparticipateintherunningofarealbusinessandtoparticipateinnationalandinternationalevents.Entrepreneurshipisvigorouslypromoted,providingopportunitiesforstudentstoapplywhattheyarelearninginareal‘handson’environment.
TheoptionalWelshBaccalaureatemoduleisseamlesslycombinedintotheprogramme,broadeningstudents’knowledge,understandingandexperienceofthesocialandeconomicenvironment.
Eachcourseoptionismadeupofasetnumberofunitsincludingbusinessmanagement,marketing,informationtechnology,businessenvironmentandaccountancy.
Moving on: Progressiontohighereducation,managementtrainingintheprivateandpublicsector,banksandotherfinancialinstitutions,opportunitiesforentrepreneurialtalenttobedevelopedinownbusinessventures.
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AcademiEntrepreneuriaeth Cymru
EntrepreneurshipAcademy Wales
:-(Have you got a brigHt idea?
£££ sHave you ever tHougHt about starting your own business?
Delivered by Gower College Swansea
Start your own business with support given by partners such as Chamber of Commerce, local entrepreneurs and business leaders from across Wales who also offer financial support to get your
business off the ground.
www.entrepreneurshipacademywales.co.uk
Rebecca McLelland 0782 533 0655
If you are interested contact:
Looking for something
productive to do on your gap year?
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Catering and Hospitality
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
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Professional Cookery VrQ Level 1 Diploma City & Guilds TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThisCity&Guildsvocationalqualificationisproactiveinaddressingtheneedsoftheindividualandtheindustry.Itofferstheknowledgeandpracticalskillsnecessarytoachieveanindustryrecognisedqualificationandacareerinfoodpreparationandcooking.
What’s involved: Studentswilldeveloptheessentialculinaryskillsassociatedwiththeindustrywhilealsoacquiringtheunderpinningtheoreticalknowledge.Thecoursetimetableincludespracticalsessions,enablingyoutodevelopyourcustomerserviceandfoodserviceskillsintheVanillaPod,ourtrainingrestaurantbasedatTycochcampus.
Moving on: TheLevel1DiplomainProfessionalCookeryisvaluedbyemployersandthereareseveralalternativeroutesforprogression.
Employmentopportunitiesingeneralhospitality,foodpreparationandcookingorfurthereducatione.g.Level2DiplomainProfessionalCookery(applicationandinterviewrequired).
Professional Cookery VrQ Level 2 Diploma City & Guilds TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThequalificationwillensurethatlearnersbuildontheculinaryskillslearnedintheLevel1VRQDiploma.
What’s involved: Studentswilldeveloptheirpracticalskillswhilepreparingarangeofcommodities.Theoreticalunitsprovideabroadunderstandingofcateringandhospitality,essentialforthoseaspiringtoworkintheindustry.
ThecoursetimetableincludespracticalsessionsenablingyoutodevelopyourcustomerserviceandfoodserviceskillsintheVanillaPod,ourtrainingrestaurantbasedatTycochcampus.
Workplacementisalsoincludedaspartofthecoursealongwithdevelopingyourliteracyandnumeracy.
Moving on: TheLevel2DiplomainProfessionalCookeryisvaluedbyemployersandthereareseveralalternativeroutesforprogression.
Employmentopportunitiesingeneralhospitality,foodpreparationandcookingorfurthereducationLevel3inProfessionalCookery(applicationandinterviewrequired).
Introduction to Catering Entry 3 Introduction to Hospitality Industry TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisidealtointroducestudentstothecateringandhospitalityindustrythroughpreparationandcookingofclassicdishes.
What’s involved: Whiledevelopingyourculinaryknowledgeyouwillalsocompleteadditionalqualificationsincludingfoodhygiene,L1AwardinHomeCookingSkills,foodservice,AwardinWorkskillsandtwoessentialskills(literacyandnumeracy).
Moving on: Level1VRQProfessionalCookery,followingsuccessfulinterviewwiththeteam,orrelatedemployment.
Elementsofthiscoursecanbedeliveredthroughthemedium ofWelsh.
Va n i l l a P o da t Gowe r C o l l e g e Swa n s e a
Ty c o c h C ampu s
Swansea’s Premier Training restaurant
Thispopularstudenttrainingfacilitywelcomes allcustomerstosamplefinediningatitsbest.
OpenTuesday,WednesdayandFridayforlunch andalsoThursdayeveningfordinner(termtimeonly).
Alldishesareprepared,cookedandservedbyour fulltimehospitalityandcateringstudents.
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Professional Cookery VrQ Level 3 Diploma City & Guilds TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThecoursewillensurethatlearnersbuildontheknowledgegainedontheLevel2VRQDiplomaanddeveloptheiradvancedculinaryskills.
What’s involved: Theoreticalunitsunderpinthedeliveryandprovideanin-depthunderstandingofthetaughtpracticalelements,essentialforthoseaspiringtoworkintheindustry.
Thecourseallowsstudentstostudyanadditionalqualificationwhichallowsforthedevelopmentofpastryandconfectioneryskills.ThetimetableincludespracticalsessionswhereyouwillpreparefoodforgourmetandthemedeveningsintheVanillaPod,ourtrainingrestaurantbasedatTycochcampus.
Moving on: Supervision/managementNVQcourses.oremploymentopportunitiesingeneralhospitality,foodpreparationandcooking.
Former student, Martin Davies – chef at
the award winning Britannia Inn - returned
to the college to talk to Catering
students about the realities of working
in the industry. He is seen working with
students as they prepared for lunch
service in the Vanilla Pod restaurant.
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Va n i l l a P o da t Gowe r C o l l e g e Swa n s e a
Ty c o c h C ampu s
Open tothe Public
Swansea’s Premier Training restaurant
Thispopularstudenttrainingfacilitywelcomes allcustomerstosamplefinediningatitsbest.
OpenTuesday,WednesdayandFridayforlunch andalsoThursdayeveningfordinner(termtimeonly).
Alldishesareprepared,cookedandservedbyour fulltimehospitalityandcateringstudents.
0 1 7 9 2 2 8 4 2 5 2 / 2 8 4 2 1 8
v a n i l l a p o d@g owe r c o l l e g e swa n s e a . a c . u k
www. g ow e r c o l l e g e swa n s e a . a c . u k
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Computing and Technology
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IT Level 2 BTEC Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThiscoursewillappealtostudentswhowishtodevelopICTskills.Itprovidesspecialistwork-relatedqualificationsintheITsector,givinglearnerstheknowledge,understandingandskillsthattheyneedtoprepareforemploymentintheITindustry.
What’s involved: Itconsistsofelevenmodules,allITspecific.Foreachmodulethestudentwillbeeitherworkingonorwithinacomputer.
Modulesstudiedinclude:• CommunicatingintheITindustry• WorkingintheITindustry• Computersystems• Websitedevelopment• Eventdrivenprogrammingorinstallingsoftware
• Computergraphics• Computeranimation• Databases• Spreadsheets
InadditiontotheITskills,thecoursewillalsodevelopinter-personalandtransferrableskillssuchascommunication,teamworkingandleadershipthatwillassiststudentsseekingemployment.
Moving on: StudentswhohavesuccessfullycompletedthecoursecanprogressintoemploymentorcontinueontotheBTECLevel3ExtendedDiplomainIT.
IT Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: two years
ThiscourseaimstoprovidestudentswithacareerpathwayintoIT,providingyouwiththeskillstohaveafutureasagamesprogrammer,technician,websitedesignerorprojectmanager.
What’s involved: 18modulesarestudied,including:• Computernetworks• ITsystemstrouble-shootingand
repair• Developingcomputergames• Databasedesign• Computersystems• Eventdrivenprogramming• Computeranimation• Websitedesign• Systemsanalysisanddesign• Networksystemssecurity• Communicationtechnologies• CommunicationandemployabilityskillsforIT
• MathematicsforITpractitioners
Moving on: PreviousstudentshavegoneontostudyawiderangeofITorcomputingrelateddegreesinuniversityincluding:computerinformationsystems,computerforensics,computergamesdevelopmentandcomputerscience.Theirchoiceofuniversityhasalsobeenvaried,includingSwansea,Glamorgan,SwanseaMetropolitanandCardiff.
IT Level 1 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThecourseisanintroductiontotherolesthatexistwithintheITindustry.Itpreparesstudentsfortheworldofworkbydevelopingboththetechnicalandinter-personalskillsthatarevaluedbyemployers.
What’s involved: Theprogrammeconsistsof14subjectsandITstudyskillsinclude:• Databases• Spreadsheets• BuildingPCs• Editingphotographsandotherdigitalimages
• Editingaudiofiles• Websites
InadditiontotheITskillsthecoursewillalsodevelopinter-personalandtransferrableskillssuchascommunication,teamworkingandleadershipthatwillassiststudentsseekingemployment.
Moving on: StudentswhohavesuccessfullycompletedthecoursecanprogresstotheLevel2DiplomainIT.
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Electrical and Plumbing
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Electrical Installation Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma 2365 TycochCampus Course length: one year
TheElectricalInstallationsectorcontinuestosufferfromaskillsgapandneedstokeepupwithrapidlydevelopingtechnologies.
ThisqualificationisintendedforthoselearnerswhowanttoworkaselectriciansintheElectricalInstallationsector.Thequalification,alone,doesnotmakecandidatesfully-qualifiedelectriciansbutallowscandidatestolearn,developandpractisetheskillsrequiredforemploymentand/orcareerprogressionintheElectricalInstallationsector.
Entryissubjecttoaninterviewprocessandcandidatesmustmeetcollegerequirements.Acceptanceisontheindividual’sownmeritandbasedpreferablyonfourGCSEgradesA-Dorotherequivalent/relevantqualifications.
Moving on: OnsuccessfulcompletionoftheLevel2,learnerscanprogressontothefollowingqualifications:
VocationalOptions:• City&Guilds2365Level3DiplomainElectricalInstallations
• ElectricalInstallationApprenticeship-Level3DiplomainElectricalInstallation
EngineeringOption:• BTECLevel3DiplomainEngineering
Electrical Installation Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma 2365 TycochCampus Course length: one year
TheElectricalInstallationsectorcontinuestosufferfromaskillsgapandneedstokeepupwithrapidlydevelopingtechnologies.
ThisqualificationisintendedforthoselearnerswhowanttoworkaselectriciansintheElectricalInstallationsector.Thequalification,alone,doesnotmakecandidatesfully-qualifiedelectriciansbutallowscandidatestolearn,developandpractisetheskillsrequiredforemploymentand/orcareerprogressionintheElectricalInstallationsector.
Entryissubjecttoaninterviewprocessandcandidatesmustmeetcollegerequirements.CandidatesshouldalreadyholdtheLevel2DiplomainElectricalInstallations,City&Guilds2365,orEAL6724qualification.Acceptanceisbasedupontheindividual’smeritandabovecriteria.
Moving on: OnsuccessfulcompletionoftheLevel3,learnerscanprogressontothefollowingqualifications:
VocationalOptions:• ElectricalInstallationApprenticeship-Level3DiplomainElectricalInstallation
• Level3CertificateintheRequirementsforElectricalInstallations(BS76712008)
• Level3AwardintheInitialVerificationandCertificationofElectricalInstallations
• Level3AwardinthePeriodicInspection,TestingandCertificationofElectricalInstallations
• Level4AwardintheDesignandVerificationofElectricalInstallations
EngineeringOption:• BTECLevel3ExtendedDiplomainEngineering
• Level4ElectricalEngineering BTECHNC
Electrical Installation Level 1 City & Guilds Diploma 7202 TycochCampus Course length: one year
TheElectricalInstallationsectorcontinuestosufferfromaskillsgapandneedstokeepupwithrapidlydevelopingtechnologies.
Thisqualificationisintendedforlearnerswhowouldliketoprepareforacareerintheelectricalindustry.ItprovidesanentrypointintotheindustryandaidsprogressionontoLevel2courses
Moving on: OnsuccessfulcompletionoftheLevel1,learnerscanprogressontothefollowingqualifications:
VocationalOptions:• City&Guilds2365Level2DiplomainElectricalInstallations
• Level2NVQDiplomainPerformingEngineeringOperations
EngineeringOption:• BTECLevel2DiplomainEngineering
Electrical City & Guilds
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Engineering (Electrical) Level 3 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
TheElectricalEngineeringsectorcontinuestosufferfromaskillsgapandneedstokeepupwithrapidlydevelopingtechnologies.TheseBTECelectricallybiasedqualificationsinengineeringhavebeendesignedtogivenewentrantstotheengineeringsectortheunder-pinningknowledgeandspecificskillsneededtomeettheneedsofmodernengineeringindustries.
Entryissubjecttointerviewprocessandcandidatesmustmeetcollegerequirements,howeveracceptanceisbasedupontheindividual’sownmerit.ItispreferablethatcandidatespossessfourGCSEgradesA-Dorequivalent/relevantqualifications.
Moving on: OnsuccessfulcompletionoftheLevel3,learnerscanprogressontothefollowingqualifications:
• HNDinElectrical/ElectronicEngineering
• Foundationdegree• ElectricalApprenticeship• ElectricalTechnician
Engineering (Electrical) Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: two years
TheBTECLevel3ExtendedDiplomaextendsanddeepensthespecialistwork-relatedfocusfromtheBTECLevel3DiplomaandtheBTECLevel3Diploma.Thereispotentialforthequalificationtopreparelearnersforappropriatedirectemploymentinthevocationalsectoranditissuitableforthosewhohavedecidedthattheyclearlywishtoenteraparticularspecialistareaofwork.ItisbroadlyequivalenttothreeGCEALevels.
Entryissubjecttointerviewprocessandcandidatesmustmeetcollegerequirements,howeveracceptanceisbaseduponindividual’sownmerit.Itis,though,preferablethatcandidatespossessfourGCSEqualificationsgradesA-Dorequivalent/relevantqualifications.
Moving on: OnsuccessfulcompletionoftheExtendedDiploma,learnerscanprogressontothefollowingqualifications:
• HNDinElectrical/ElectronicEngineering
• Foundationdegree• ElectricalApprenticeship• ElectricalTechnician
Engineering (Electrical) Level 2 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
Theengineeringsectorcontinuestosufferfromaskillsgapandneedstokeepupwithrapidlydevelopingtechnologies.
TheBTECLevel2qualificationsinEngineeringhavebeendesignedtogivenewentrantstotheengineeringsectortheunder-pinningknowledgeandspecificskillsneededtomeettheneedsofmodernengineeringindustries.
Entryissubjecttoaninterviewprocessandcandidatesmustmeetthecollege’spre-requisites.Acceptanceisontheindividual’sownmeritandbasedpreferablyonfourGCSEgradesA-Dorotherequivalent/relevantqualifications.
Moving on: OnsuccessfulcompletionoftheLevel2,learnerscanprogressontothefollowingqualifications:
• BTECLevel3DiplomainEngineering• ElectricalApprenticeship• ElectricalTechnician
Electrical BTEC
© Working Word PR
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Plumbing, Heating and Gas Apprenticeship Level 3 NVQ Diploma TycochCampus Course length: two years
Theaimofthisapprenticeshipistoprovideandhelpdevelopregulationknowledge,practicalskillsandthesciencerequiredtoundertakeplumbingorgaswork.
What’s involved: Thetrainingcoversrelevanttheoryandpractical-basedtraining.Thetrainingwillalsoprovideanunderstandingofthehealthandsafetyrequirementsgoverningplumbingandgasprocesses,andknowledgeoftheorganisationandstructureoftheplumbingandgasindustry.
Uponcompletingthiscourse,successfulcandidateswillreceiveaLevel3DiplomainPlumbingandHeating.LearnerswhosuccessfullyachieveatLevel2willbeconsideredforprogressionontothisframework.
Moving on: BuildingServicesBTEC/HNCLevel4(seeourparttimeprospectusorwebsitefordetails).
Plumbing and Heating Foundation Apprenticeship Level 2 NVQ Diploma TycochCampus Course length: two years
Theaimofthisapprenticeshipistoprovideanintroductionintothesector,andstarttodevelopregulationknowledge,practicalskillsandthesciencerequiredtoundertakeplumbingorgaswork.
What’s involved: Thetrainingcoversrelevanttheoryandpractical-basedtraining.Thetrainingwillalsoprovideanunderstandingofthehealthandsafetyrequirementsgoverningplumbingandgasprocesses,andknowledgeoftheorganisationandstructureoftheplumbingandgasindustry.
Moving on: Uponcompletingthiscourse,successfulcandidateswillreceiveaLevel2DiplomainPlumbingandHeating,andessentialskillsatLevel2.
LearnerswhosuccessfullyachieveatLevel2willbeconsideredforprogressionontoaLevel3DiplomainPlumbingandHeating,whichwilltakeafurthertwoyearstocomplete.
Plumbing Apprenticeships
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Plumbing Level 2 Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
PerformingEngineeringOperationsisanidealfoundationqualificationthatsupportsthedeliveryandassessmentofthebasicskillsandknowledgerequiredbyarangeofindustries.
What’s involved: Thiscourseisdesignedtoofferalllearnersanopportunitytopreparethemselvesforentryintotheplumbingindustry.
Eachunithasanemphasistoplumbingandconsistsofthefollowing:• Workingsafelyinanengineering
environment• Workingefficientlyandeffectivelyinengineering
• Usingandcommunicatingtechnicalinformation
• Formingandassemblingpipeworksystems
• Maintainingmechanicaldevicesandequipment
• Preparingandusingmanualflamebrazingandbronzeweldingequipment
Moving on: Successfulstudentscanprogresstoanapprenticeshipinplumbingorgasprovidedtheyhavesecuredaworkplacement.
Plumbing Level 1 Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
PerformingEngineeringOperationsisanidealfoundationqualificationthatsupportsthedeliveryandassessmentofthebasicskillsandknowledgerequiredbyarangeofindustries.
What’s involved: Thiscourseisdesignedtoofferalllearnersanopportunitytopreparethemselvesforentryintotheplumbingindustry.
Eachunithasanemphasistoplumbingandconsistsofthefollowing:• Workingsafelyinanengineering
environment• Workingefficientlyandeffectivelyinengineering
• Usingandcommunicatingtechnicalinformation
• Carryoutpipefittingactivities• Wiringelectricalequipmentandservices
Moving on: SuccessfulstudentscanprogresstoLevel2Diplomaoranapprenticeshipinplumbingorgasprovidedtheyhavesecuredaworkplacement.
PlumbingAccess to Building Services Engineering Levels 1 & 2 City & Guilds TycochCampus Course length: one year
Needsomepracticalexperiencetomakeacareerdecision?Thisoneyearintroductoryqualificationcoversfourareasofbuildingservicesengineeringplumbing,electrotechnical,heatingandventilation,andrefrigerationandairconditioning.
What’s involved: Thisqualificationisdesignedforpeoplethinkingaboutacareerinbuildingservicesengineeringperhapsworkingwithintheairconditioningindustryorasanelectricianoraplumber.Youmightbeayounglearnerinfulltimeeducationoranadult.
Moving on: SuccessfulstudentscanprogresstoLevel2Diplomaoranapprenticeshipinplumbingorgasprovidedtheyhavesecuredaworkplacement.
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01792 284011 [email protected] www.skettyhall.com
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Engineering
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
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Engineering Apprenticeship Level 3 Diploma TycochCampus Course length: four years
Theengineeringsectorcontinuestosufferfromaskillsgapandneedstokeepupwithrapidlydevelopingtechnologies.
What’s involved: Thistraininghasbeendesignedtogivenewentrantstotheengineeringsectortheunder-pinningknowledgeandspecificskillsneededtomeettheneedsofamodernvarietyofengineeringindustries.Awiderangeofunitsallowslearnerstofocusontheirchosencareerorareaofinterestandprogressintoemploymentorhighereducation.Theseincludeelectrical,mechanicalandwelding.
Thetrainingwillincludetaughtsessionscomprisingofseveralcoreunitsthatarecommonacrossdifferentengineeringtitlesandincludehealthandsafety,mathematics,science,communicationsandprojectplanningandimplementationforsuccessinthespecialistunitsandtheengineeringworkplace.Thetrainingwillalsoincludethesuccessfulcompletionofawork-basedNVQLevel3oftheirchosencareer,andessentialskillsatLevel2.LearnerswillbeexpectedtocompleteaPerformingEngineeringOperationsLevel2qualificationinthefirstyearoftraining.Progressionontothefullapprenticeshipwillbereviewedafterthesuccessfulcompletionofthisqualification.
Moving on: Learnerswillhaveprogressionopportunitiestohigherlevelcoursese.g.HNCElectricalEngineering,HNCMechanicalEngineering,FoundationDegreeinElectricalEngineeringorFoundationDegreeinMechanicalEngineering.
Access to Building Services Engineering Level 1 City & Guilds TycochCampus Course length: one year
Needsomepracticalexperiencetomakeacareerdecision?
What’s involved: Theseone-yearintroductoryqualificationscoverfourareasofbuildingservicesengineering:plumbing,electrotechnical,heatingandventilationandrefrigerationandairconditioning.You’llfindoutwhatyouenjoyandgetaheadstartonyournextqualification-helpingyoumoveontoacareer.
Thisqualificationisdesignedforpeoplethinkingaboutacareerinbuildingsservicesengineering-perhapsworkingwithintheairconditioningindustryorasanelectricianoraplumber.Youmightbeayounglearnerinfulltimeeducationoranadult.
Moving on: SuccessfulstudentscanprogresstoLevel2PEOoranapprenticeshipinplumbingorgasprovidedtheyhavesecuredaworkplacement.
Engineering Level 2 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
Theengineeringsectorcontinuestosufferfromaskillsgapandneedstokeepupwithrapidlydevelopingtechnologies.
FourGCSEsatgradeDorabove,includingmathematicsandsciencearerequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: ThisLevel2Diplomahasbeendesignedtogivenewentrantstotheengineeringsectortheunder-pinningknowledgeandspecificskillsneededtomeettheneedsofmodernmechanicalandelectricalengineeringindustries.Thecoursehasbeendesignedwithawiderangeofunitssothatlearnerscanfocusontheirchosencareerorareaofinterest.
ItisbroadlyequivalenttofourGCSEs.
Thequalificationstructureisdesignedtogivelearnerstheopportunitytodeveloparangeofskillsandtechniques,personalskillsandattributesessentialforsuccessfulperformanceinlife.
Moving on: LearnersgainingaLevel2DiplomainEngineeringwillhaveaccesstoawiderangeofcareerandfurthereducationopportunities,includingprogressontotheBTECExtendedDiploma(Level3)inEngineeringortheApprenticeshipFramework.Theskillsandknowledgethelearnerwouldhavegainedareingreatdemandandarerecognisedandhighlyvaluedbyemployersandcolleges.
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Engineering Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: two years
Theengineeringsectorcontinuestosufferfromaskillsgapandneedstokeepupwithrapidlydevelopingtechnologies.Thiscoursehasbeendesignedtogivenewentrantstotheengineeringsectortheunder-pinningknowledgeandspecificskillsneededtomeettheneedsofmodernmechanicalandelectricalengineeringindustries.
What’s involved: Awiderangeofunitsallowslearnerstofocusontheirchosencareerorareaofinterestandprogressintoemploymentorhighereducation.
Severalofthecoreunitsarecommonacrossdifferentengineeringtitlesandincludehealthandsafety,mathematics,science,communicationsandprojectplanningandimplementationforsuccessinthespecialistunitsandtheengineeringworkplace.
Moving on: Learnerswishingtoprogressontoanapprenticeshipand/ordegreecourseshouldseriouslyconsiderthisqualification.Careeropportunitiesexistinelectrical/electronic/mechanicalandothertechnologicalandengineeringsectors.LearnerscompletingthecoursehaveprogressedtoSwanseaUniversity,UniversityofGlamorganandAberdeenUniversitytostudyfortheB.Eng.inMechanicalEngineeringandElectrical/ElectronicEngineeringorsecuredapprenticeshipswithTATASteelandGEAviation.
Fromoneclassgroupof17,sevenachievedthreeoverallstarredDistinctionsin2013.Ninestudentsprogressedtouniversity,withdestinationsincludingBirmingham,Brunel,Plymouth,SwanseaandWestofEngland,andeightgainedapprenticeships.
Digital Technology (Introduction) Level 1 TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thisprogrammeofstudyhasbeendesignedtointroducestudentstotheexcitingworldofdigitaltechnology.
What’s involved: Theywillusetheverylatestindigitaltechnologyequipmentincluding:• InternetProtocolTelevision• 3Dtelevision• Computernetworks• Mobilecommunicationtechnology
Thestudentwillstudyconnectivity,basicsystemdesignandthebasicelectronicunder-pinningknowledgerequiredtoallowthefunctionalityofdigitaltechnologyequipment.
Moving on: SuccessfulstudentswillhavetheopportunitytoprogresstotheLevel2IntermediateDigitalTechnologyTechnician.
Digital Technology Technician (Intermediate) Level 2 PEO/BTEC TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThiscoursedevelopsthestudentintoadigitaltechnologytechniciantoaLevel2standard.
What’s involved: Thecoursewillexploretheverylatesttechnologicaladvancesindigitaltechnology.Thiswillinclude:• Homeintegrationofdigitaltechnology• 3Dtelevision• InternetProtocolTelevision• Mobilecommunication• Computertechnology(hardware)• Industrialdigitaltechnologyapplications
• Digitalelectronics• Analogueelectronics
Moving on: SuccessfulstudentshavetheopportunitytoeitherprogresstotheadvanceddigitaltechnologytechniciancourseortoenteraFoundationApprenticeship.
Digital Technology
Steve Williams, Digital Technology lecturer, won the Outstanding BTEC Teacher/Tutor of the Year Award for 2013. He was presented with the award by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson at the National BTEC Awards ceremony held at the Royal Horticultural Hall in London. Over 700 nominations were received across the 22 award categories.Steve has developed strong links with industry, helping secure his students work placements in holiday periods, successfully bidding for European funding to enable an exchange programme with German students, and arranging guest speakers, many of whom are former students who have gone on to forge successful careers in the industry. He has worked with WISE to encourage more women into engineering and with organisations such as STEM Cymru to promote engineering to young people.Under Steve’s leadership, his students have entered and been highly commended in electronics World Skills events and the prestigious Education Engineering Enterprise Scheme.
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Digital Technology Technician Level 3 Diploma in Electrical/Electronics EAL TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisdesignedtoexploretheworldofdigitaltechnologyincludinganalysingandcreatingsolutionswithrealindustrialpartnerstoreallifeengineeringproblems.
EntrytothisqualificationwillbeaLevel2vocationalelectronicsqualificationorfourGCSEs.
What’s involved: Modulesstudiedwillinclude:• Radioandradar• Audiovisualsolutions• Computersystems• Homedigitalintegration• Industrialelectronics
Moving on: ThiscourseisdesignedtosupportstudentsintothejobmarketviaanAdvancedApprenticeship.Howeveritispossibletoenterhighereducationwiththisqualification.
Digital Technology Technician (Advanced) Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Electrical/Electronic Engineering TycochCampus Course length: two years
Thiscourseisdesignedtosupportthestudenttoachieveauniversityplaceinadigitaltechnology/electronicsdiscipline.
EntryrequirementsareaLevel2vocationalelectronicsqualificationorfourGCSEsatgradeCorabove.
What’s involved: Studentswillstudy:• Mobilecommunication• Systemdesign• Homeintegration• Engineeringmathematics• Analogueelectronics• Digitalelectronics
Modulesstudiedwillinclude:• Radioandradar• Audiovisualsolutions• Computersystems• Homedigitalintegration• Industrialelectronics• Computeraideddesign• Outeressentialskills
Studentswillengagewithlocalemployers,fosteringrelationshipsviaEngineeringEducationSchemeWales,whichprovidesanopportunitytodevelopaprojectthatwillsolveanidentifiedindustrialproblem.
Moving on: Studentsfollowingthisprogrammeofstudycaneitherenterhighereducationorseekemploymentinthedigitaltechnology/electronicsarea.
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Hair and Beauty
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
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Hair and Beauty
Beauty Specialist Techniques (QCF) Level 2 Diploma VTCT Broadway,TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thisdiplomahasbeenspecificallydesignedtodevelopyourpracticalskills.Aspartoftheapplicationprocessyouwillberequiredtocompleteanentrytestandattendaninterview.GCSEorequivalentinEnglish,MathsandSciencedesirable(orcurrentlyworkingtowardsthem).
What’s involved: Throughouttheyearyouwilldevelopyourpracticalskillsandworkonclientsinacommercialsalonenvironment.Withinthequalificationyouwilldevelopasoundknowledgeofhealthandsafety,clientcareandcommunicationandrelatedknowledgeofbeautytherapyatLevel2.
Unitsinclude:• Makeup• Clientcareandcommunication• Lashandbrowtreatments• Healthandsafety• Facialskincare• Contributetotherunningofabusiness
• Waxing,sugaringandthreadingtechniques
• Displaystock• Manicure/pedicure• Reception
Moving on:Thisqualificationmayleaddirectlyintoemploymentinthebeautytherapyindustryasajuniorbeautytherapistinasalonorself-employmentasatherapist.Alternatively,youmaywishtoapplyforLevel3DiplomainBeautyTherapyTreatmentsorLevel3ComplementaryTherapies.
Complementary Therapies Level 3 Diploma VTCT Broadway,TycochCampus Course length: one year
What’s involved: This36-weekfulltimecourseincludesthemajoruseofholistictherapiesforuseingeneralpractice.
Youwillstudy:• Aromatherapy• Reflexology• Swedishmassage• Indianheadmassage• On-sitemassage• Anatomyandphysiology,pathology• Principlesandpracticeofcomplementarytherapies
• Businesspracticeforcomplementarytherapies
• Stonetherapy
Thiscourseissuitableformaturestudentswithagoodgeneraleducation.GCSE(orequivalent)desirableinEnglish,MathandScience.
Moving on: UponsuccessfulcompletionyoucanprogressontoparttimeHNDAdvancedTherapiesandSpaManagement.Employmentopportunitiescanincludehealthspas,salons,cruiseliners,workingabroad,etc.
Beauty Therapy Treatments Level 3 Diploma VTCT (QCF) Broadway,TycochCampus Course length: one year
TheLevel3DiplomainBeautyTherapyTreatmentsisacoursethathasbeenspecificallydesignedtofurtherdevelopyourLevel2practicalbeautytherapyskills.Youattendcollegefor20hoursperweekover36weeks.
What’s involved: Throughouttheyearyouwillworkonclientsinacommercialsalonenvironment.Withinthequalificationyouwilldevelopasoundknowledgeofhealthandsafety,clientcareandcommunication,andrelatedknowledgeofbeautytherapyatLevel3.
Theunitsstudiedinclude:
• Facialandbodyelectrotherapytreatments
• Bodymassageincludingpre-blendedoils• Selftanning• Microdermabrasion• Individualpermanentlashes• Healthandsafety• Anatomyandphysiology• Essentialskills• WorkingintheBeautyIndustry
Moving on:Thisqualificationmayleaddirectlyintoemploymentasabeautytherapistinabeautysalon/spaorself-employment.Alternatively,youmaywishtoapplyforLevel3ComplementaryTherapiesorLevel4/5HNDinSpaManagement.
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Hairdressing NVQ (under 19) Level 1 Certificate Broadway,TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThisprogrammeleadstoasecondyearofstudytogainaLevel2DiplomainHairdressing(NVQ).
What’s involved: Duringtheyearyouwillbegintodevelophairdressingskillsinshampooingandconditioning,blowdryingandsettinghair,cutting,colouringandrelatedareassuchashealthandsafetyandclientcare.
TowardstheendoftheyearyouwillworkonclientsinordertocompleteLevel1assessmentsintheseskills.
AllstudentswillworktowardsachievinganessentialskillsqualificationincommunicationsandIT.
Moving on:NVQLevel2DiplomainHairdressingoremploymentinasalonasanassistant.
Hairdressing NVQ (under 19 or Fast Track – Over 19) Level 2 Diploma VTCT Broadway,TycochCampus/KingswayCentre Course length: one year
ThisprogrammeofstudyfollowsonfromtheLevel1Certificatecourse.Itmayalsobetakenasaone-yearfasttrackprogrammebystudentsovertheageof19whodonothavetheLevel1Certificate,enablingthemtogaintheLevel2Diploma.
What’s involved: Duringthecourseyouwilldevelopyourhairdressingskillsandworkonclientsinasalonenvironment.
Assessmentswillbecompletedinthefollowingareas:• Healthandsafety• Positiveimpressionofyourselfandyourorganisation
• Adviseandconsultwithclients• Shampoo,conditionandtreatthehairandscalp
• Changehaircolour• Styleandfinishhair• Setanddresshair• Cuthair
AllstudentswillworktoachieveacustomerservicequalificationandaLevel1essentialskillsqualificationincommunicationandIT.
Moving on: NVQLevel3DiplomainHairdressingoremploymentinasalonasastylist.
Hairdressing NVQ (Work based) Level 1 Certificate Diploma VTCT (QCF) KingswayCentre Course length: six months
Thisintroductoryprogrammeofstudyisdesignedforschoolleaverswhowishtotrainasahairdresserinasalon.
What’s involved: Youwillbegintodevelophairdressingskillsinshampooingandconditioning,blowdryingandsettinghair,colouringandrelatedareassuchashealthandsafetyandclientcare.
Towardstheendoftheprogrammeyouwillworkonclients,inthesalon,tocompleteassessments.
Youwillattendcollegeonedayperweekwiththerestofyourweek(fourdays)basedinasalon.
Moving on:NVQLevel2DiplomainHairdressing(workbasedorfulltime)oremploymentinasalonasanassistant.
Elementsofthiscoursecanbedeliveredthroughthemedium ofWelsh.
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Hairdressing NVQ (Work Based) Level 2 Diploma KingswayCentre Course length: two years
Thisprogrammeofstudyisforlearnerswhowishtotrainasahairdresserinasalon.SchoolleaverswhohavecompletedtheLevel1SkillBuildProgrammecanprogressontothiscourse-otherlearnerscancomedirectlyontothiscourse.
What’s involved: Duringthecourseyouwilldevelopyourhairdressingskillsandworkonclientsinasalonenvironment.
Assessmentwillbecompletedinthefollowingareas:• Healthandsafety• Positiveimpressionofyourselfandyourorganisation
• Adviseandconsultwithclients• Shampoo,conditionandtreatthehairandscalp
• Changehaircolour• Styleandfinishhair• Setanddresshair• Cuthair• Promoteadditionalservicesorproductstoclients
LearnerswillalsogainessentialskillsqualificationsinIT,communicationsandnumeracy.
Moving on:NVQLevel3Diplomainairdressingoremploymentinasalonasastylist.
Hairdressing NVQ (Work Based) Level 3 Diploma Broadway,TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThisprogrammeofstudyisforlearnerswhowishtobuildupontheLevel2Hairdressingqualification,enablingyoutodevelopandenhanceyourhairdressingskills.Youwillattendcollegeonedayaweek,therestofyourweek(fourdays)willbespentinasalon.
What’s involved: Duringyourstudyyouwilldevelopyournewhairdressingskillsandworkonclientsinabusycommercialsalonenvironmentandcompleteassessmentsinthefollowingareas:• Healthandsafety• Consultation• Creativecutting• Planningpromotionalactivities• Creativecolourtechniques• Styleanddresslonghair• Colourcorrection
AllstudentswillalsoworktocompleteessentialskillsLevel2qualificationsincommunicationsandapplicationofnumber.
YouwillhavetohaveNVQLevel2Hairdressing,withgoodbasichairdressingskillsandagoodunderstandingofLevel2hairdressingtheorytoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on: Employmentopportunitiesincludeworkinginasalonasaseniorstylist,oncruiseshipsorbecomingasalonowner.
Hairdressing NVQ Level 3 Diploma Diploma VTCT (QCF) Broadway/KingswayCentre Course length: one year
Thisone-yearprogrammebuildsupontheLevel2hairdressingqualification,enablingyoutodevelopandenhanceyourhairdressingskills.Youwillattendcollegefor19hoursperweekandyouwillspendyourtimeinthesalonandintheclassroom.
What’s involved: Duringtheyearyouwilldevelopyournewhairdressingskillsandworkonclientsinabusycommercialsalonenvironmentandcompleteassessmentsinthefollowingareas:• Healthandsafety• Consultation• Creativecutting• Planningpromotionalactivities• Creativecolourtechniques• Colourcorrection
Workexperienceisbuiltintothecourseandyouwillattendasalononedayperweekforthedurationofthecourse
Moving on:Employmentopportunitiesincludeworkinginasalonasaseniorstylist,oncruiseshipsorbecomingasalonowner.
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Health and Childcare
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
Children’s Care, Learning and Development Apprenticeship Level 3 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: two years
Thisprogrammeleadstoanationallyrecognisedqualification.Itenablesyoutocontinuetodeveloptheknowledge,skillsandunderstandingrequiredofthoseworkinginthissector.
What’s involved: ThiscourseprovidestheopportunitytofurtherdevelopyouroccupationalcompetenceofworkingintheCCLDsector,throughattendanceandassessmentinthework-place.Youwillneedtobeemployedinarelevantchildcaresettingforaminimumof20hoursperweek.
Thecoursecoverschilddevelopmentfrom0-19years,however,youwillneedtobeworkingwithchildreninthechildcareratherthantheeducationsector.
Moving on: StudentswillbeabletoprogresstotheLevel5DiplomainLeadershipforChildren’sCare,LearningandDevelopment(AdvancedPractice).
Health & Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship (Employer Based) Level 2 Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: 15 months
What’s involved: Thediplomaallowslearnerstobuildontheirwork-basedknowledgeaswellasthetechnical/principles.Itprovidesabroadbaseofunderstanding,whilstallowinglearnerstoalsofocusonthefollowingspecialistareas:
• Employmentrightsandresponsibilities
• Communicationandapplicationofnumberincaresettings
• Healthandwellbeing
Moving on: Thisprogrammegiveslearnersawidechoiceofprogressionoptionsintofurtherstudyortraining.Successfulcompletionequipslearnerstomoveontoadegreecourse,includingnursing.ItwillalsogiveaccesstoHigherNationalDiplomaorQCFcoursesLevels3to5.ProgressiontotheLevel3DiplomainHealthandSocialCare(Apprenticeship)isdependentupontheemployer’sapprovalasthelearnermustbeemployedinaseniorposition.
Children’s Care, Learning and Development Foundation Apprenticeship Level 2 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thisprogrammeleadstoanationallyrecognisedqualification.Itintroducesyoutoanoccupationalarea,enablingyoutodeveloptheknowledge,skillsandunderstandingrequiredofthoseworkinginthissector.
What’s involved: ThiscourseprovidestheopportunitytodevelopoccupationalcompetenceforworkingintheCCLDsector,throughattendanceandassessmentinthework-place.Youwillneedtobeemployedinthechildcaresectorforaminimumof16hoursperweek.
Thecoursecoversdevelopmentfrom0-19years,however,youwillneedtobeworkingwithchildreninthechildcareratherthantheeducationsector.
Moving on:StudentswillbeabletoprogresstotheLevel3DiplomainChildren’sCare,LearningandDevelopmentorthe Level3AdvancedApprenticeship.
Employmentopportunitiesinclude:• Nurserynurse• Nurseryassistant• Playgroupassistant• CylchMeithrinassistant
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WorkplaceassessmentcanbetakenthroughthemediumofWelsh.
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Health & Social Care Apprenticeship (Employer Based) Level 3 Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: 15 months
Thisdiplomaallowslearnerstobuildontheirwork-basedknowledgeaswellasthetechnical/principles.
What’s involved: Itprovidesabroadbaseofunderstanding,whilstallowinglearnerstoalsofocusonthefollowingspecialistareas:• Employmentrightsandresponsibilities
• Communicationandapplicationofnumberincaresettings
• Healthandwellbeing
Moving on:Thisprogrammegiveslearnersawidechoiceofprogressionoptionsintofurtherstudyortraining.Successfulcompletionequipslearnerstomoveontoadegreecourse,includingnursing.ItwillalsogiveaccesstoHigherNationalDiplomaorQCFcoursesLevels3to5.ProgressiontoLevel5isdependentupontheemployer’sapprovalforthelearnertobeemployedasanassistanthomemanagerordeputymanager,orasimilarrole.
Introduction to Health and Social Care and Early Years and Childcare Level 1 BTEC Certificate TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thisqualificationoffersanintroductiontothevocationalsector.Itisdesignedtodeveloptheknowledgeandunderstandingrequiredbythehealthandsocialcare,earlyyearsandchildcaresector.Itgivesthelearnertheopportunitytogainanawarenessofpersonalskillsandattributesthatarerequiredforthoseconsideringworkinginthesesectors.Learnersalsohavetheopportunitytodevelopthepersonalskillsandattributesthatwillformthebasisofsuccessfulstudyathigherlevels.
SomequalificationsatEntryLevel3orlimitedachievementatGCSE,gradesD-G,requiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: Studyunitsinclude:• Understandtherangeofserviceprovisionandroles
• Awarenessofhealthandsafety• Protectionandsafeguardingadultsandchildren
• Awarenessofinclusionanddisability• Communication• Humangrowthanddevelopment• Physicalcareofbabiesandyoungchildren
• Understandingtheimportanceofleisureandsocialactivities
• Promotinghealthyeating
YouwillalsostudyessentialskillsLevel1inliteracyandnumeracyandthePost16Level1DiplomaWelshBaccalaureate.Studentsarealsorequiredtoundertakeworkplacementswhichconsistofresidentialandnursingcare,familycentresandvoluntaryorganisations.
Moving on: ProgressionpossibletoaLevel2course.
Elementsofthiscoursecanbedeliveredthroughthemedium ofWelsh.
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Children’s Care, Learning and Development Level 2 BTEC Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThisisaprofessionalLevel2coursethatcoversworkingwithchildrenandyoungpeoplefrom0to16yearsofage.
What’s involved: Learnerswillstudyanumberofmodulesrelatedtotheessentialknowledgerequiredforworkinginthissector.Theywillalsoundertakecompulsoryworkplacementsforaminimumof300hoursinarangeofsuitablechildcaresettingssuchasdaynurseriesorprimaryschools.
Thecourseaffordslearnerstheopportunitytodevelopthepersonalskillsandattributesthatwillformthebasisofsuccessfulstudyathigherlevels.
StudentsatGorseinonwillbeofferedtheopportunitytostudytheWelshBaccalaureatealongsidethisqualification.
Moving on: StudentswillbeabletoprogresstoBTECLevel3CertificateinChildren’sCare,LearningandDevelopmentorLevel3inHealthandSocialCare.SomestudentsmaytakeupapprenticeshipsorparttimestudyatLevel3inChildren’sCare,LearningandDevelopment.
Children’s Care, Learning and Development Level 3 BTEC Certificate/Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: two years
ThisisaprofessionalLevel3coursethatcoversworkingwithchildrenfrom0to8yearsofage.
What’s involved: Studentswillstudyanumberofmodulesrelatedtotheessentialknowledgerequiredforworkinginthissector.Studentswillundertakecompulsoryworkplacement(minimumof800hours)inarangeofchildcaresettingssuchasdaynurseriesorprimaryschools.
BTEC CertificateLearnerswillbegiventheopportunitytodevelopthepersonalskillsandattributesthatwillformthebasisofsuccessfulstudyathigherlevels.
StudentsatTycochwillbeofferedtheopportunitytostudytheWelshBaccalaureatealongsidethisqualification.
BTEC DiplomaLearnerswillhavetheopportunitytodevelopthepersonalskillsandattributesthatwillformthebasisofsuccessfulstudyathigherlevels.
Moving on:Studentswillbeabletoprogresstohighereducationorentertheworldofwork.
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Health and Social Care Level 2 BTEC Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thisprogrammeleadstoanationallyrecognisedvocationalqualification,broadlyequivalenttofourGCSEs,andprovidesyouwithaninsightintothediversenatureofthissector.
What’s involved: Youwilldeveloparangeofskillsandtechniques,personalskillsandattributesessentialforsuccessfulperformanceinworkinglife.Arangeofhealthandsocialcarerelatedunitsisstudiedwhichintroducesyoutothisoccupationalarea.
Asthecourseisdesignedtopreparestudentstoworkinhealth/socialcarerelatedcareers,vocationalpracticeis animportantandcompulsoryfeatureanditisrecommendedthatyouundertake60hoursofworkplacement.Studentscanchoosefromavarietyofwork-placesettings.
TheWelshBaccalaureateIntermediateLevel2isrunalongsidethiscourseandwillhelptobroadenknowledgeandskills.
Youwillspendatleastfourdaysincollegeeachweek,andattendablockplacementeachterm.
TwoGCSEsubjectsgradeCoraboveisrequiredforthecourseandyouwillneedtodemonstrateagenuineinterestinpeople.Studentsneedtobereliable,honest,trustworthy,wellmotivatedandselfreliant.
Moving on: Studentswillbeabletoprogresstoemploymentinthesector,inasupervisedrole.Progressioncouldalsobetofurtherstudy,suchastheBTECLevel3DiplomainHealthandSocialCareorChildren’sCare,LearningandDevelopment.
Health and Social Care Level 3 BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: two years
Thecourseisdesignedtopreparestudentstoworkinhealth/socialcarerelatedcareersinaprofessionalcapacityandarangeofhealthandsocialcarerelatedunitsarestudied.Thecourseexaminesawidevarietyofcurrentandtopicalissueswithinitsstructurewhichdemonstratethediversenatureofthesector.
What’s involved: Asthecourseisdesignedtopreparestudentstoworkinhealth/socialcarerelatedcareers,vocationalpracticeisanimportantandcompulsoryfeature.
Studentswillneedagenuineinterestinpeopleandshoulddemonstratecommitmentandenthusiasm.Studentsneedtobereliable,honest,trustworthy,well-motivatedandself-reliant.
BTEC DiplomaThisprogrammeleadstoanationallyrecognisedvocationalqualificationequivalenttotwoALevels.
Moving on:StudentsmaywishtogainthequalificationinordertoenteraspecialistareaofemploymentortoprogresstohighereducationtostudyforafoundationdegreeortheHNDHealthandSocialCare.
BTEC Extended DiplomaThisprogrammeleadstoanationallyrecognisedvocationalqualificationequivalenttothreeALevels.
TheWelshBaccalaureateAdvancedLevel3isofferedalongsidethiscourseatGorseinon.
Moving on: Health/socialcarerelateddegreesin,forexample,socialwork,occupationaltherapy,nursing,midwifery,radiography,criminology,environmentalhealthandprobationorHNDHealthandSocialCare.
Health and Social Care Level 2 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThecourseisdesignedtopreparestudentstoworkinaHealth/SocialCaresettingandleadstoanationallyrecognisedvocationalqualification.ToundertakethiscoursestudentswillneedatleasttwoGCSEsatCgradeoraboveplusaportfolioofDgrades(EnglishLanguagepreferredatCgrade)orachievementatLevel1with90%attendanceandsupportedbyplacementandtutorreports.
What’s involved: ArangeofHealthandSocialCarerelatedunitsarestudiedwhichintroduceyoutothisoccupationalareaandgiveyouaninsightintothediversenatureofthissector.Youwilldevelopskillsandextendyourknowledgeandunderstanding,whichwillenableyoutoworkinHealthandSocialCare.
Studyunitsinclude:• CommunicationinHealthand SocialCare
• IndividualRightsinHealthand SocialCare
• IndividualNeedsinHealthand SocialCare
• EnsuringSafeEnvironmentsin HealthandSocialCare
• VocationalExperienceinHealthandSocialCare
• AnatomyandPhysiologyinHealth andSocialCare
• HumanLifespanDevelopment• TheImpactofDietonHealth
YouwillalsostudyliteracyandnumeracymoduleswhichwillincludeEssentialSkillsWalesLevel2andotherrelatedqualifications.Studentsarealsorequiredtoundertakeworkplacementswhichconsistofresidentialandnursingcare,familycentresandvoluntaryorganisations.
Moving on:StudentswillbeabletoprogressontothetwoyearLevel3DiplomainHealthandSocialCareorChildren’sCare,LearningandDevelopment.
Elementsofthiscoursecanbedeliveredthroughthemedium ofWelsh.
Elementsofthiscoursecanbedeliveredthroughthemedium ofWelsh.
Elementsofthiscoursecanbedeliveredthroughthemedium ofWelsh.
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Health and Social Care Level 3 BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma TycochCampus Course length: two years
Thesecoursesaredesignedtopreparestudentstoworkinhealth/socialcarerelatedcareersinaprofessionalcapacity.Thecoursesexamineawidevarietyofcurrentandtopicalissueswithintheirstructurewhichdemonstratethediversenatureofthesector.
What’s involved: Arangeofhealthandsocialcarerelatedunitsarestudied.YouwillalsostudyliteracyandnumeracymoduleswhichwillincludeEssentialSkillsWaleslevel3andotherrelatedqualifications.Studentsarealsorequiredtoundertakeworkplacements.Placementsconsistofresidentialandnursingcare,familycentresandvoluntaryorganisations.
BTEC DiplomaAtleastfourGCSEsatCgradeorabove,includingEnglishLanguage,oraMerit/DistinctionprofileatLevel2willberequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
StudentswillalsocompletetheAdvancedDiplomaWelshBaccalaureate.
Moving on:StudentsmaywishtogainthequalificationinordertoenteraspecialistareaofemploymentortoprogresstohighereducationtostudyforafoundationdegreeortheHNDHealthandSocialCare.
BTEC Extended DiplomaThisprogrammeleadstoanationallyrecognisedvocationalqualificationequivalentto360UCASpoints.Studentswillneedatleast5GCSEsatCgradeorabove,includingEnglish,MathematicsandScience,inordertoundertakethiscourse.
Moving on:Health/socialcarerelateddegreesin,forexample,socialwork,occupationaltherapy,nursing,midwifery,radiography,criminology,environmentalhealthandprobationorHNDHealthandSocialCare.
Elementsofthiscoursecanbedeliveredthroughthemedium ofWelsh.
Alex Atkins received the Outstanding Vocational Student
of the Year – Services to Industry and People award for
her work and commitment while on the Diploma in Health
and Social Care course, while also volunteering for
several local organisations. Alex was invited to address
an audience at an International Women’s Day event and
to speak on behalf of Welsh young carers at the highest
levels, including the Welsh Government. She has now gone
on to higher education to gain a qualification in Youth &
Community Work.
In recognition of her extraordinary achievements and
contribution to society, Alex also received the overall
award for the Inspirational Student of the Year 2013.
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Independent
Living
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
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Pathways Entry 3 Diploma ASDAN Life Skills TycochCampus Course length: one year
ThePathwayscourseisruninconjunctionwiththeCoastalprojectinFforestfach,wherelearnershavetheopportunitytoexploresupportedworkoptions,suchasworkinginVictoriaParkKiosk.
What’s involved: Thiscourseofferstheopportunitytocontinuetodeveloppersonal,socialandindependentlivingskillsthroughtheEntryLevelDiplomainASDANLifeSkills.Learnerswillalsodeveloptheircommunication,literacy,numeracyandICT,aswellasachievingareallifeexperienceofworkinginaretailenvironment.Inadditiontothis,learnerswillhavetheopportunitytoparticipateinasupportedtravelprogramme.
Therearenoformalentryrequirements,howeveraninformalinterviewwillbeheld.LearnerswillhavecompletedtheASDANLifeSkillsatEntryLevel2.
Moving on: Therearetwooptionsavailable:• Parttimeprovision-uptotwodays,wherethelearnerscanchoosetheiroptionsfromanumberofASDANorOCNunits
• WorkdevelopmentinFforestfach-supportedemployment
Contact:MandyHeskins01792284311
Life and Independent Skills (IFE) Entry Level OCr Diploma Life and Living Skills TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseoffersanintroductiontocollegeatpre-entryandentrylevels.
What’s involved: Learnersareencouragedtodevelopindependentskillsandcontinuetodeveloptheirlearninginarangeoftasksincludingcookery,artanddesign,engineering,personalpresentationandsport.
Thecourseoffersstudentsanopportunitytoexperiencecollegelifebeforemovingontoanappropriateprogressionroute.Therearenoformalentryrequirements,howeveraninformalinterviewwillbeheld.
Moving on: Year1-IntroductiontoFurtherEducation(IFE).
Subsequentyearswilldependuponeachlearner’sindividualneeds-opportunitiesincludeprogressingontoWorkSkillsorLifeSkillscourses.
Contact:MandyHeskins01792284311
Skills for Adulthood (SA) Pre Entry - Entry 2 ASDAN Life Skills and Personal Progress TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseofferstheopportunitytocontinuetodeveloppersonal,socialandindependentlivingskillsthroughtheEntrylevelDiplomainASDANLifeSkills.
What’s involved: Learnerswillalsodeveloptheircommunication,literacy,numeracyandICT,aswellasachievingareallifeexperienceofworkinginaretailenvironment.Inadditiontothis,learnerswillhavetheopportunitytoparticipateinasupportedtravelprogramme.
Therearenoformalentryrequirements,howeveraninformalinterviewwillbeheld.
Moving on:Therearethreeoptionsavailable:• Parttimeprovision-uptotwodays,wherethelearnerscanchoosetheiroptionsfromanumberofASDANorOCNunits
• Entry3Pathwayscourse-fourdaysaweekwithonedayontheNEETprogramme
• SocialandWorkDevelopmentinFforestfach
Contact:MandyHeskins01792284311
Independent Living Skills students have opened
their own general store - Bits and Bobs - at
the Tycoch campus. The shop is run by
the students as a business and they are
responsible for handling money, ordering goods,
stocktaking and pricing, There are all kinds
of goods on sale, including coffee and tea,
washing up liquid, books, DVDs and stationery.
Students also make seasonal items to sell,
such as Christmas cards.
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Work Skills (STTEP – Students Transition Towards Employment Progression)Entry 3 Progression course TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseofferslearnersopportunitiestoidentifyskillsneededtoworkinthelocalcommunityandimplementtheseskillsinarealworksetting.
What’s involved: LearnerswillhavetheopportunitytodevelopnecessaryworkskillsthroughexternalworkplacementsinplacessuchasASDA,LlysNini,Tesco,SwanseaUniversityandTheDragonHotel.TheywillbeworkingtowardsgainingEmployability,Literacy,NumeracyandITqualificationsandalsohaveopportunitiesinsport,catering,engineeringandpersonalpresentationastheycouldfindthistobeapathwayintoaLevel1course.
LearnerswillhaveprogressedfromtheEntry1andEntry2courseswithintheILSarea.
Moving on: Itisintendedthatlearnerswillhaveworkedtowardsgainingsuccessfulemploymentoropportunitiescanbeexploredinsupportedworkplacements.WehavegainedstronglinkswiththeDisabilityEmploymentAdviserintheJobCentreandagenciessuchasTheShawTrust.
Contact:TomSnelgrove01792284215
Vocational and Pre Foundation (VAC and PF) Entry 3 City & Guilds Personal and Social Development TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thecourseofferslearnersanintroductiontocollegeandopportunitiestosamplevariousvocationalareas,fromwhichlearnerswillbeabletomakeaninformeddecisiononfutureprogressionroutes.
What’s involved: Learnerswillfurtherdevelopessentialskills,communication,numberandIT,andalsoworktowardsgainingaCity&GuildsEntry3qualificationinEmployabilityandPersonalDevelopment.
Therearenoformalentryrequirementsforthesecourseshoweveracceptanceonthecourseisdependentonsuccessfulinterview.
Moving on: Onsuccessfulcompletion,learnerswillhavetheopportunitytoapplytoprogressontoLevel1provisiononasuitablechosenpathway.
Whereappropriate,suitableemploymentwillbesoughtwithsupportfromspecialistcareersadvisersandoutsideagencies.
Contact:TomSnelgrove01792284215
Work Skills (Work Preparation) Entry 2 and 3 TycochCampus Course length: one or two years
Thiscourseofferslearnersopportunitiestoidentifyskillsneededtoworkinthelocalcommunity.
What’s involved: LearnersdevelopnecessaryworkskillsthroughgroupworkandinternalworkplacementsandwillbeworkingtowardsgainingEmployability,Literacy,NumeracyandITqualifications.Theymayhaveopportunitiesinsport,catering,engineeringandpersonalpresentationwhilecontinuingtodevelopindependentlivingskills,e.g.travellingindependentlyandpersonallivingskills.
LearnerswillhaveprogressedfromtheLifeandIndependenceE1(IFE)coursesandshownacompetencyinLiteracyandNumeracy.
Moving on:Itisintendedthatlearnerswillhaveworkedtowardsgainingsuccessfulemploymentoropportunitiescanbeexploredinsupportedworkplacements.
Contact:TomSnelgrove01792284215
Part Time CoursesThere are also a number of part time Independent
Living Courses for adults with learning disabilities.
Courses are delivered at the Tycoch campus and at
day centres across Swansea.
For further details call Helen Fencott 01792 284116 or
look at our website www.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
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Broadway
qSpoil yourSelf not your bank balance!
01792284049www.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
Hair, beauty & HoliSticS centre
q
q
Hairdressing
q
Beautyq
Holistic tHerapies
and Spa Treatments
• Cutting and Styling• Colouring• Special Occasion Hair• Barbering
open to tHe public
• Facials• Oxygen Therapy• Microdermabrasions• CACI Facial Toning• Hair Removal• Lash and Brow Treatments• Manicures and Pedicures• Corrective Body Treatments• St Tropez Spray Tanning• Botox
• Crystal Therapy• Hopi Ear Candling• Ayurvedic Treatment• Hydrotherapy Mineral Bath• Massage Therapies• Reiki• Dry Floatation Therapy• Sauna• Steam Room
www.facebook.com/BroadwayHairBeautyandHolisticCentre
As part of Gower College Swansea, all our treatments are carried out by students and supervised by professional practitioners.
Therapists are either first year students studying at Level 2 or second year students on Level 3 courses.
Because we are a teaching centre, we are only open during term time and some treatments are only available at certain times of the year due to the nature of the courses. Appointments need to be booked in advance so please ring ahead to check that the treatment you want is available.
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Media
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Creative Media Production Level 2 BTEC Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisdesignedtointroducestudentstothetechnological,creativeandpersonalskillsinvolvedinworkinginthemediaindustries.
What’s involved: Studentswilldevelopknowledgeandskillsformediacareersandworktowardstheproductionofexamplesofarangeofmediaproductssuchasvideo,audioandanimation.
Youwillgraduallybuilduparangeofgradesfromassignmentsthatyoucomplete,manyofwhicharepractical,hands-onformsofassessment,andaredesignedtoreplicateworkingpracticesinsectorsofthemediaindustry.
Moving on: AmajorityofstudentsprogresstoLevel3coursesinMedia-relatedsubjects,suchastheExtendedDiplomainCreativeMediaProduction.
Creative Media Production Level 3 BTEC GorseinonCampus Course length: two years
BTEC DiplomaThequalificationisequivalenttotwoALevelsandallowsstudentstheopportunitytostudy12units.Studentsalsohavetheopportunitytostudyadditionalsubjectsalongside.
BTEC Extended DiplomaThequalificationisequivalenttothreeALevels.Itallowsstudentstheopportunitytostudy18units.
What’s involved: Studentsproduceawidevarietyofcreativeoutcomes,developingtheirunderstandingofphotography,graphics,video,animation,soundandspecialeffectsviadigitalandtraditionallybasedworkshopsessions,seminars,lecturesandindividualresearchtasks.
StudentswillstudyanadditionalqualificationinimagecaptureandalsohavetheoptiontobecomeanAdobeCertifiedAssociate(PhotoshopCS5).
Moving on: StudentswhosuccessfullycompletethequalificationwillbewellequippedtomoveontoBA(Hons)orBTECHigherNationalDiplomacourseprogrammes,ortoprogresstoLevel4and5BTECqualificationsandotherhighereducationqualifications.
Thequalificationalsooffersprogressionopportunitiesinemploymentwithintherapidlyexpandingcreativemediasector:advertising,TV/film,animation,computergamesdesign,multimediadesign,photography,recordingindustry.
Creative Media Level 1 BTEC Diploma LlwynyBrynCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseformsafoundationinthecreativeindustries.
What’s involved: StudentsstudythemajorcreativesubjectsofartandmediathroughouttheyearalongsideotherimportantlifeskillssuchasICT,literacyandnumeracy.
Thiscourseistaughtinaverysupportivemannerandrecognisesthatstudentsoftenflourishinanenvironmentwhichisdifferentfromschool.Studentswilltakepartinmusicvideos,artandphotographyprojectsdesignedtobuildpersonal,creativeandtechnicalskills.
Moving on:StudentsgenerallychoosetospecialiseinoneofthecreativepathwaysandprogressontoaLevel2Diplomacourseinartormedia.
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Motor Vehicle
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
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Motor Vehicle Maintenance and repair Apprenticeships Level 3 VrQ 4290 Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Anadvancedlevelcourseinmotorvehiclemaintenanceandrepair,inwhichstudentswillstudythemorecomplexprinciplesofmechanicalandelectronicsystemsusedinmotorvehicletechnologywhilstundertakingmanydiagnosticandrepairtasks.
What’s involved: Thecourseisdesignedtosupportlearnerswhohaveprogressedtoamoretechnicallevelinthemotorvehiclemaintenanceandrepairindustryandoffersastandardisedapproachforthedeliveryandassessmentoftheknowledgeandskillsrequirements.ItalsoprovidestheknowledgerequirementsforitsrelatedVCQandformstheknowledgecomponentoftheIMISSCMaintenanceandRepairApprenticeshipFramework(forLightVehicle).
Moving on: SuccessfullearnerswhoarealsofollowinganapprenticeshipprogrammewillhavesecuredthenecessaryunderpinningknowledgeneededtofurthercompletetheassociatedVCQ.Opportunitiesforprogressionintoassociatedhighereducationprogrammeswillalsobeavailableatthenominateduniversities’discretion.
Introduction to Vehicle Systems Maintenance Level 1 Foundation TycochCampus Course length: one year
Studentswillstudythebasicprinciplesofmechanicalandelectricalsystemsusedinmotorvehicletechnologywhilstdevelopingtheircorehandskills.
What’s involved: Thecourseisdesignedtogivelearnersaninsightintoacareerinthemotorvehicleserviceandrepairindustryandencourageslearnerstoundertakemanymaintenanceandrepairtasks.StudentswillalsostudyforaqualificationinPerformingEngineeringOperations(PEO).
Thecourseisdeliveredthroughpracticaldemonstrationswhicharesupportedwithrealisticworkingtasks.
Applicantswillneedtodemonstratethattheyhaveakeeninterestinthesubjectandhavefollowedastructurededucationalprogramme.Alternatively,applicantsmayberequiredtoundertakeanaptitudetestpriortoentry.
Moving on: SuccessfullearnersmayhavetheopportunitytofurthertheirstudiesandprogressontotheLevel2VRQ4290-11programme.
Motor Vehicle Maintenance and repair Foundation Apprenticeships Level 2 VrQ 4290 Diploma TycochCampus Course length: two years
Anintermediatelevelcourseinmotorvehiclemaintenanceandrepair,inwhichlearnerswillstudytheprinciplesofmechanicalandelectronicsystemsusedinmotorvehicletechnologywhilstundertakingmanyrepairtasks.
What’s involved: Thecourseisdesignedtopreparelearnersforacareerinthemotorvehicleserviceandrepairindustryandoffersastandardisedapproachforthedeliveryandassessmentoftheknowledgeandskillsrequirements.ItalsoprovidestheknowledgerequirementsforitsrelatedVCQandformstheknowledgecomponentoftheIMISSCMaintenanceandRepairApprenticeshipFramework(forLightVehicle).
Moving on:SuccessfullearnerswhoarealsofollowinganapprenticeshipprogrammeorsecuredthenecessaryworkexperiencemayhavetheopportunitytoprogressontotheVRQLevel3inMotorVehicleMaintenanceandRepair.
Apprenticeships
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Motor Vehicle Maintenance and repair Level 1 & 2 VrQ 4290 Diploma TycochCampus Course length: two years
TheLevel1/2Diplomacoursehasbeendesignedtogivestudentsanunderstandingoftheelectricalandmechanicalsystemsthatareusedonamotorvehicleintermsofoperation,designandmaintenance.
What’s involved: Thecoursehasbeendesignedtogivethelearneraninsightintothemotorindustrybycompletinganumberofsettasks,alongwithmulti-choiceexaminationstotestknowledge.
Duringworkshopsessionsdiagnosticequipmentisincludedintotheassessmentprocess.Embeddedintotheprogrammeareessentialskillsthatwilldevelopthestudents’numeracy,communicationandITskillstobuildconfidencebothintheclassroomandworkshop.
Anumberofsupplementarytasksarealsoincludedwhichenhancethestudents’learning.ThesequalificationsweredevelopedincollaborationwiththeInstituteoftheMotorIndustry(IMI),theSectorSkillsCouncilfortheAutomotiveRetailIndustry.
AppropriateGCSEsatgradeDoraboverequiredtoundertakethiscourseandaformalinterviewisalsoessentialtoreviewexperiences.
Moving on: SuccessfullearnersmayhavetheopportunitytofurthertheirstudiesandprogressontotheLevel3VRQ4290programmeortransferontotheFoundationModernApprenticeshiptostudyfortheVCQ4270Level2.
Alternatively,withtheadditionoftherequiredmathematics,learnershavetheopportunitytoprogressontotheLevel3BTECDiplomainVehicleTechnologytoaccrueUCASapplicationpoints.
Vehicle Maintenance and repair Level 2 4290 12 Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thiscoursehasbeendesignedtogivestudentsanunderstandingoftheelectricalandmechanicalsystemsusedonamotorvehicleintermsofoperation,designandmaintenance.
What’s involved: Thelearnerwillgainaninsightintothemotorindustrybycompletinganumberofsettasks,designedbytheawardingbody,alongwithmulti-choiceexaminationstotestknowledge.
Workshopdiagnosticequipmentisincludedintheassessmentprocess.Anumberofsupplementarytaskshavebeenembeddedintotheprogrammetoenhancestudents’learning.ThesequalificationsweredevelopedincollaborationwiththeInstituteoftheMotorIndustry(IMI),theSectorSkillsCouncilfortheAutomotiveRetailIndustry.
Moving on: SuccessfullearnersmayhavetheopportunitytofurthertheirstudiesandprogressontotheLevel3VRQ4290programmeortransferontotheFoundationApprenticeshiptostudyfortheVCQ4270Level2.
Vehicle Maintenance and repair Level 1 4290 11 Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thecoursehasbeendesignedtogivestudentsanunderstandingoftheelectricalandmechanicalsystemsthatareusedonamotorvehicleintermsofoperation,designandmaintenance.
What’s involved: Thelearnerwillgainaninsightintothemotorindustrybycompletinganumberofsettasks,designedbytheawardingbody,alongwithmulti-choiceexaminationstotestknowledge.Anumberofsupplementarytaskshavebeenembeddedintotheprogrammetoenhancestudents’learningintheworkshop.ThesequalificationsweredevelopedincollaborationwiththeInstituteoftheMotorIndustry(IMI),theSectorSkillsCouncilfortheAutomotiveRetailIndustry.
Moving on:SuccessfullearnersmayhavetheopportunitytofurthertheirstudiesandprogressontotheLevel2VRQ429012programme.
Elementsofthiscoursecanbedeliveredthroughthemedium ofWelsh.
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Vehicle Technology Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one or two years
Thiscourseisdesignedtogivelearnersasoundtechnicalandacademicbackgroundwhichwouldgivethemaccesstoawiderangeofcareersassociatedwiththeroadtransportandautomobileengineeringindustry.
What’s involved: Withinthisadvancedlevelcourseinmotorvehicleengineering,learnerswillstudythemorecomplexprinciplesofengineeringsystemsusedinmotorvehicletechnologyandcarryoutrepairanddiagnosticactivitiesontheassociatedsystems.Althoughprimarilydesignedasadevelopmentprogrammetoprovideprogressionopportunitieswithinthesamecognateorrelatedareasofstudywithinuniversitiesandotherinstitutions,theyalsogivelearnerstheknowledge,understandingandskillsneededtoprepareforemployment.
Moving on: Progressionfromtheprogrammecouldbeintoemployment,wherelearnerswilltaketheopportunitytocompletetheassociatedVCQbeforeprogressingontotheLevel3SSCframeworkviaadayreleaseprogramme.AlternativelylearnersmaywishtousethequalificationandtheassociatedUCASpointstocontinuetheirstudiesonhighereducationprogrammesinthesameorarelatedsector.
Vehicle Maintenance and repair Level 3 4290 13 Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thiscoursehasbeendesignedtogivestudentsanunderstandingoftheelectricalandmechanicalsystemsusedonamotorvehicleintermsofoperation,designandmaintenance.
What’s involved: Thelearnerwillgainaninsightintothemotorindustrybycompletinganumberofsettasks,designedbytheawardingbody,alongwithmulti-choiceexaminationstotestknowledge.
Anumberofsupplementarytaskshavebeenembeddedintotheprogrammetoenhancestudents’learningintheworkshop.ThesequalificationsweredevelopedincollaborationwiththeInstituteoftheMotorIndustry(IMI),theSectorSkillsCouncilfortheAutomotiveRetailIndustry,andotherawardingorganisations.
Moving on:SuccessfullearnerswillhavetheopportunitytotransferontotheLevel3VCQprogramme(4270)apprenticeshiproute,seekemploymentorstudyforaHNDatSwanseaMetropolitanUniversity.
Anthony Nkwazi achieved exceptionally high grades
on the BTEC Level 3 in Vehicle Technology
course, aspiring to submit levels of presentation
worthy of any publication, and received the
International Student of the Year award 2013.
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Performing Arts and Music
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Music Performance Level 3 BTEC BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma LlwynyBrynCampus Course length: two years
Diploma: Thefirstyearofthecourseisavailableasastand-aloneDiplomaqualification.Itisdesignedtobeaspracticalaspossible,whilstalsoachievinganacademicqualificationequivalenttotwoALevels.Entrytothecourseisbyinterviewandaudition.GCSEMusicwouldbeanadvantageandstudentswhohaveexperienceofliveperformancewouldbewellplacedtoapply.
What’s involved: TheDiplomacoursegivesstudentsafoundationinallaspectsofmusicperformanceandproduction.Studentswillspendthemajorityoftheirtimeworkingonsoloinstrumental/vocaltechniques,developinganunderstandingofensembleworkandliveperformance,andstudyingmusicfromthelast100years.ThecourseprovidesanunderstandingofLiveSound,eventsmanagement,studiorecordingtechnologies,computer-basedmusicsequencingandcomposition.
Extended Diploma: ThesecondyearofthecoursedevelopstheskillscoveredintheDiplomawithmoredetailedandacademicbasedunits.TheExtendedDiplomaisequivalentto3ALevels.
What’s involved: Studentswillspendthemajorityoftheirtimedevelopingthetechnicalskillsandrepertoireforamajormusicevent.Theywillorganiseandmanagetheevent,developingeventmanagementskillsandprovidingtechnicalsupport.Studentswillalsodevelopacomprehensiveunderstandingofthemusicindustry.
Astudiofeeof£50willbepaidinthefirstyear.
Moving on: StudentswhosuccessfullycompletetheoneyearDiplomawillbeofferedaplaceontheExtendedDiploma.ThecollegehasforgedstronglinkswithhighereducationprovidersandprogressionratesareveryhighontocoursessuchasBAMusic/BScMusicTechnology.Paststudentsareworkinginavarietyofrolessuchasstudioengineering,musicjournalismandprofessionalmusicians.
Performing Arts Level 2 BTEC Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentsaged16pluswhohaveaninterestintheperformingarts.Entrytothecourseisbyinterviewandyoumaybeaskedtotakepartinanaudition.
GCSEexperienceindance,dramaormusicwouldbeanadvantage.Studentswhohavetakenpartinschoolproductionsorlocaldance/dramagroupswouldbewellplacedtoapply.
What’s involved: Thecourseisdesignedtodevelopknowledgeandskillsinarangeofsubjectsincludingdance,dramaandsinging.Studentswillalsolearnaboutthevarietyofjobsavailableintheindustry.
Thecoursehasapracticalfocusandstudentswilltakepartinavarietyofperformanceprojects.InthepasttheworkhasincludedOurDayOut,Two,AChild’sChristmasinWales,LordoftheFliesandvariousdanceperformances.Studentsalsotouraproductiontothelocalcommunityaspartoftheirfinalproject.
Coursefeesof£75covertheatretripsandworkshops.
Moving on: ThecourseisequivalenttofourGCSEsgradesAC.
StudentswhosuccessfullycompletethecoursewillbeinapositiontoprogresstotheBTECExtendedDiplomainPerformingArts.Alternatively,studentscouldaccessarangeofcoursesat Level3.
Music Level 2 BTEC Diploma LlwynyBrynCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentsaged16pluswhohaveaninterestinmusic.Entrytothecourseisbyinterviewandyouwillbeaskedtotakepartinanaudition
GCSEexperienceinmusicwouldbeanadvantage.Studentswhohavesomeperformingskill,eitherasasoloartistoraspartofaband,wouldbewellplacedtoapply.
What’s involved: Thiscourseisdesignedtodevelopknowledgeandpracticalskillsinmusicperformanceandmusicproduction.
Theskillsgainedinthiscoursecoverallareasofmusic,fromcompositionusingmusicsoftware,recordingtechnologies,liveperformancetechnologies,soloandensembleperformances,throughtoanunderstandingofthemusicindustryandthevariousjobsonofferinthisever-expandingindustry.
Aswithallvocationalcourses,Level2Musichasaverypracticalfocusandstudentswilltakepartinavarietyofperformanceswithincollege,culminatinginamajorperformanceatalocalmusicvenue.
Studiofeesof£25willbechargedforthiscourse.
Moving on:ThequalificationisequivalenttofourGCSEsatgradesA-C.
StudentswhosuccessfullycompletethiscoursehaveaveryhighrateofprogressionontotheBTECDiploma/ExtendedDiplomainMusic.Alternatively,studentscouldaccessarangeofcoursesatLevel3.Studentsmayalsoseekemploymentinavarietyofrolesfromproductionassistanttomediarunnersandvenuesupport.
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Performing Arts (Acting) Level 3 BTEC Diploma (90 Credit) GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentsaged18pluswhohavecompletedathreeALevelprogramme,whichincludesDrama,oranExtendedDiplomainPerformingArts.Studentsacceptedonthiscourseshouldbeaimingtoapplytospecialistdramacollegesoruniversity.Entrytothecourseisbyinterviewandanaudition.
What’s involved: Studentsonthisintensivecoursewill:• furtherdeveloparangeofacting,voiceandmovementskills
• beassistedintheirpreparationforauditions
• engageinavarietyofperformanceprojectsinprofessionalvenues
• workwithprofessionaltheatredirectors
• attendarangeoftheatreperformances
RecentproductionshaveincludedSmileAsylum,CaucasianChalkCircle,RoadandHamlet.
Coursefeesof£100coverworkshopsandmasterclasseswithindustryprofessionals.
Moving on: GraduatesofthiscoursehaveprogressedtoanumberofnationallyacclaimedcollegesanduniversitiesincludingArts.Ed.,BristolOldVic,RoyalWelshCollegeofMusicandDrama,RADA,E15,LAMDA,Mountview,ExeterUniversity,aswellasprogressingtoprofessionaltheatreandtelevisionwork.
Performing Arts (Dance) Level 3 BTEC Diploma (90 Credit) GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentsaged18pluswhohavecompletedathreeALevelprogramme,whichincludesDance,oranExtendedDiplomainPerformingArts.Studentsacceptedonthiscourseshouldbeaimingtoapplytospecialistdancecollegesoruniversity.Entrytothecourseisbyinterviewandanaudition.
What’s involved: Studentsonthisintensivecoursewill:• furtherdeveloparangeofActing,VoiceandMovementskills
• beassistedintheirpreparationforauditionsforspecialistDanceorMusicTheatrecolleges
• performinarangeofprofessionalvenues.
• workwithprofessionaldancersandchoreographers
• attendarangeofperformances,bothregionallyandnationally
Coursefeesof£200coverworkshops,visitsandmasterclasseswithindustryprofessionals.
Moving on: Studentswhohavesuccessfullycompletedsimilartrainingatthecollegehaveprogressedto:TrinityLabanConservatoireofMusic&Dance,LondonContemporaryDanceSchool,ArtsEd,LaineTheatreArts,TheUrdangAcademy,BathSpaUniversity,ChichesterUniversityandUniversityofRoehampton.
Performing Arts Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: two years
Thisisanexcitingandverypopularcourse,designedtoprovidestudentswitharealisticanddemandingtraininginallfacetsofperformance.
What’s involved: Studentswillbeguidedintostudypathwaysinwhichcollegestafffeeltheindividualwillexceland,asaconsequence,bepreparedfortheirchosencareerintheverycompetitiveworldofperformingarts.Performancetechniquesinacting,singingandmovementwillbedeveloped.Althoughthecourseislargelypractical,mostunitshaveawrittenelement.
Entrytothecourseisbyinterviewandyoumaybeaskedtotakepartinanaudition.Qualificationsindrama,danceandmusicaredesirable-wherestudentshavefollowedaLevel2PerformingArtscourse,adistinctionprofilewillbeexpected.Aproveninterestandexperienceintheperformingartsisrequiredandmembershipofanon-school-basedperformancegroupisrecommended.
Visitingspeakersandworkshopleadersfurtherenhancethisnationallyacclaimedcourse.
Coursefeesof£75covertheatretripsandworkshops.
Moving on:Studentshavebeenhighlysuccessfulinsecuringplacesatuniversityandinspecialistdrama,danceandmusicaltheatrecolleges-theseinclude:RADA,ArtsEd.,LondonContemporaryDanceSchool,Guildhall,LAMDA,RWCMD,GSA,LabanCentre.
Manystudentsprogresstononperformance-basedcareersinteachingandartsadministration. Performing Arts
AcAdemyThePerformingArtsAcademyactivities
givestudentsthe
opportunititytoenhancetheirstandardsofperformance
throughworkingwithspecialiststaffinarangeof
performingartsdisciplines.
•Drama•Dance•Orchestra•
•Singing•ClassicalBallet•JazzDance•AuditionPreparation
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Technical Theatre Level 3 BTEC Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Leadingtowardsaqualificationinproductionarts,thisone-yearcourseisdesignedforstudentsaged18pluswhowishtospendayearofintensivetraininginallaspectsofproduction.
What’s involved: ThecoursefollowsasimilarpathtotheExtendedDiploma,providingavarietyofpractical‘hands-on’experiences.
Previousstudentshaveusedtheexperiencetodevelopaportfolioofevidenceusedwhilstapplyingtospecialistcolleges.
Coursefeesof£75covertheatretripsandworkshops.
Moving on: Studentswhohavecompletedthevocationalcourseintechnicaltheatrehavebeenhighlysuccessfulinsecuringplacesinspecialistdramacolleges.Manyhavegoneontoworkprofessionallyasstagemanagers,costumedesigners,lighting/sounddesigners.Somehavemovedstraightintotheindustry,findingemploymentinprofessionalvenuesastechnicians.
Technical Theatre Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: two years
Leadingtoaqualificationinproductionarts,thiscourseisaimedatprovidingstudentswithrealisticyetdemandingtraininginallareasofproductionfortheatre.
Someexperienceinbackstageworkisrequiredandmembershipofayouththeatregroupisstronglyrecommended.
What’s involved: Studentsfollowagenericcoursethatlooksatlighting,sound,stagemanagementanddesign.Unitsalsocoverartsadministrationandatheoreticalstudyoftheperformingarts.Thecourseoffersarangeofperformanceprojectwork,bothatcollegeandinoutsidevenues.RecentperformancesincludeMollFlanders,GrimmTales,MurderintheCathedralandSideBySide.
Studentsneedtoexhibitaproveninterestinthissubjectareathroughinvolvementinschoolproductionsand/orotherperformingartsbasedactivities.
Coursefeesof£75covertheatretripsandworkshops.
Moving on: Studentswhohavecompletedthevocationalcourseintechnicaltheatrehavebeenhighlysuccessfulinsecuringplacesinspecialistdramacolleges,includingGuildfordSchoolofActingandRADA.
Manyhavegoneontoworkprofessionallyasstagemanagers,costumedesignersandlighting/sounddesignersinsuchplacesastheRSCandTheNationalTheatre.Somehavemovedstraightintotheindustry,findingemploymentinprofessionalvenuesastechnicians.
Technical Theatre Level 2 BTEC Diploma GorseinonCampus Course length: one year
Studyingtowardsaqualificationinproductionarts,thisoneyearcourseisaimedatprovidingstudentswithagroundinginproductionfortheatre.StudentswouldnormallybeexpectedtohaveoneGCSEatgradeC,supportedbyanumberatgradeDorabove.
What’s involved: Studentsfollowagenericcoursethatlooksatthetechnical,stagemanagementanddesignaspectsofthebackstageworld.Unitsalsocoverthetheoreticalstudyoftheperformingarts.
Coursefeesof£75covertheatretripsandworkshops.
Moving on:ThecourseisequivalenttofourGCSEgradesA-C.
StudentswhosuccessfullycompletethecoursewillbeabletoprogressontotheBTECExtendedDiplomainTechnicalTheatreoranotherLevel3course.
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Public Services
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
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Public Services (uniformed) Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: two years
Thiscoursepreparesstudentsforacareerwithinapublicserviceorganisation,suchasPolice,Fire,AmbulanceandArmedForces.
What’s involved: Itwillprovideinformationaboutwhatjobsareavailablewithintheseservices,aswellaspreparingstudentsfortheirentryprocedures.Forstudentswhowishtodelaytheirentry,orwhochangetheircareerchoice,thecoursewillalsoallowprogressontoasuitablehighereducationprogramme,includingdegreecourses.
Studentswillneedtoachieve180creditsovertwoyearswith18studyunitscoveringawiderangeoftopics.
Visitingspeakersandeducationalvisitsfeatureregularlyonthecourse.Studentshavetheopportunitytoattendsucheventsasoutdoorpursuitandteambuildingcourses.
Moving on: StudentsachievingsuccessontheExtendedDiplomacoursecanprogresstohighereducationtostudyanHNDordegreecourseinarangeofsubjects.Alternatively,studentscanapplytojoinapublicserviceorganisationfollowingcompletionofthecourse.
Armed Forces Preparation Course Level 1 Traineeship TycochCampus Course length: 13 weeks (follows 5 week Engage taster programme)
ThiscoursewillhelpprepareyoungpersonsconsideringacareerintheArmedForces.Itwillprovideanintroductiontotheentryrequirementsandgiveaninsightintomilitarylifeandexpectations.
What’s involved: Thecourseaimsto:• provideathoroughintroductiontotheentryrequirementsandinductionprocessfortheArmedForces
• overcomethebarrierstoentryexperiencedbysomepotentialrecruitsduetoalackofbasicskillsandphysicalfitness
• enableyoungpeopletoworktowardstheskillsandabilitiesthatwillassistinenlistingandenhancingpromotionandcareerprospectsintheArmedForces
Moving on: ItisanticipatedthatmostyoungpersonscompletingtheprogrammewillwishtojointheArmedForces.Forthosewhodon’t,arangeofalternativesexistssuchasPublicServices,employmentorfurthereducationcourses,includingBTECPublicServicesatLevel2orLevel3.
Public Services Level 2 BTEC Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thisone-yearcourseisdesignedtoequiplearnerswiththeknowledge,understandingandskillsrequiredforsuccesswhenmovingtowardsacareerinthepublicservices,forexample,Police,FireService,ArmedServicesorthePrisonService.
What’s involved: Learnerswillfindoutaboutthedifferentpublicservicesandhowtheyworkindividuallyandinteractwitheachother.Theywillalsohavetheopportunitytodiscoverthelevelsoffitnessrequiredforthepublicservicesandhowtoimprovetheirhealthandfitness.Regularoutdoorpursuitsandadventurousactivitiesarealsopartofthecourse,aswellastakingpartinatleastonevolunteeringactivity.
MoststudentsjoiningthecoursewillpossessoneGCSEatgradeC,supportedbyanumberofothersatDorbelow.Otherqualificationsandexperiencewillalsobeconsidered.
Moving on:TheBTECLevel2DiplomaisequivalenttofourGCSEsatGradeCorabove.StudentswhoachieveatleastaMeritforeachunitoftheLevel2coursecanprogresstotheBTECLevel3ExtendedDiplomainPublicServices(Uniformed).OtherLevel3coursesmayalsobeconsidered.
Alternatively,studentscanapplytojoinapublicservice,butwillneedtosatisfytheirentryrequirementsandpasstheselectionprocess.
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Science
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Forensic/Medical Science Level 3 BTEC TycochCampus Course length: one or two years
GCSEgradeCinscienceisrequired-equivalentqualifications,suchasBTECLevel2,willalsobeconsidered.
What’s involved: Eachunitistaughtbyaspecialistlecturer.Assignmentsaresetregularlyandmarksarepostedonline.Students’progressisoverseenbytheirpersonaltutorandbythecourseteamasawhole.
BTEC Certificate Course length: one year
TheLevel3Certificatehasthreeunits.ProgressiontotheSubsidiaryDiploma(equivalenttoanALevel)ispossible.
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Course length: one or two years
TheLevel3SubsidiaryDiplomahassixunits.Thecoursetakestwoyearsbutcanbe‘fasttracked’tocompleteitinoneyear.
BTEC Diploma Course length: two years
TheLevel3Diplomahastwelveunits.Specialistforensicscienceormedicalscienceunitsaretakeninyear2.
BTEC Extended Diploma Course length: two years
TheLevel3ExtendedDiplomahaseighteenunits.Specialistforensicscienceormedicalscienceunitsaretakeninyear2.
Moving on: Anidealcourseforprogressiontohighereducation.Paststudentsarestudyingfordegreesinmedicalgenetics,biology,paramedictraining,forensicscience,dentaltechnology,criminologyandbiochemistry.
Applied Science Pre Entry - Entry 2 Level 2 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
What’s involved: Thiscourseenableslearnerstoacquireknowledgeoffundamentalscience.Theywillstudyunitsin:• Chemistryandourearth• Energyandouruniverse• Biologyandourenvironment• Applicationsofphysicalscience• Healthapplicationsoflifescience• Practicalscientificproject• Thelivingbody• Usingmathematicaltoolsinscience• Designingandmakingusefuldevicesinscience
• Chemicalanalysisanddetection
Moving on:Studentsusuallyprogressontothe Level3BTECExtendedDiplomainScience.
Deborah Pye receiving the Outstanding
Vocational Student of the Year – Arts &
Sciences award 2013 – she has now progressed
to the second year of the Level 3 Extended
Diploma in Applied Science.
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Sport
ThereareWelshspeakingstaffinthisarea.
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Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness) Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: two years
Thiscoursehasafocusonthestudyofthehumanbodyinsport,coachingskillsandfitnessinstruction.Thereisalsoanemphasisonimprovinganddevelopingsportwithinsociety.
What’s involved: Studentswhochoosethispathwayshouldhaveawiderangeofsportinginterestsandenjoytakingpartinallactivities.Asmanycourseunitsarerelatedtoleadershipandcoaching,studentsshouldalsobeconfidenttoworkwithpeersandyoungchildren inschools.
Therearecloselinkswiththecommunity,withstudentsoftengainingexperiencesawayfromthecollegeenvironment.
Moving on: Thisqualificationisvaluedbyemployerswithinthesportandleisureindustryandhighereducationproviders.
CommonuniversitycoursesincludesportandPE,leisuremanagementstudies,sportscoaching,sportingdevelopmentandteachingPE.Otherstudentsmayfollowinprofessionaltrainingingym/personalinstruction.Thiscourseissuitableforstudentslookingtoenteracareerintheuniformedservices.
Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Gorseinon/TycochCampus Course length: two years
Onthissportandexercisecoursestudentsstudytheapplicationofscientificprinciplesandtechniqueswiththeaimofimprovingsportingperformance.
What’s involved: Topicscoveredwillincorporateareasofphysiology,psychology,biomechanics,nutrition,researchandsportsinjuries.
Moving on: ThisqualificationcanleadtoaHNDordegreeinsportsscience,sportscoaching,sportsdevelopment,sport andphysicaleducation,teachertrainingorsportstherapy.
Sportsrelatedemploymentwithagenciessuchasgoverningbodies,localauthoritiesandsportsclubsinthecommunity.
Sport Level 2 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thiscoursewillhelpstudentsdevelopskillsthatareusefulwithinthesportsandfitnessindustry.Itcontainspracticalandtheoreticalmodulesthatarecontinuallyassessedthroughouttheyearbycoursework.Studentswillalsogettheopportunitytogainextrasportscoachingqualifications.
What’s involved: Thereispotentialforthequalificationtopreparelearnersforemploymentintheappropriatevocationalsectoranditissuitableforthosewhohavedecidedthattheywishtoenteraparticularareaofwork.ItisbroadlyequivalenttofourGCSEs.
Studyunitsincludepracticalsport,outdoorpursuits,instructingexercise,bodyinsport,trainingandfitness,healthandsafetyinsport,planningandleadingsport,preparationforsportandteaching/assessment.
Moving on:Successfulcompletionmayleadtoemploymentinthesports/leisureindustryorprogressionontoaLevel3 courseinSportorarelatedsubjectarea.
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Travel and Tourism
Travel and tourism students
are flying high thanks to a
simulated aircraft cabin.
The cabin, which comes
complete with rows of seating
for passengers and overhead
baggage compartments, will be
used by students for simulation
and role play activities.
Students are able to interact
with each other within a real
working environment.
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Travel and Tourism Level 3 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: two years
Thiscoursepreparesstudentswiththeskillsandknowledgenecessaryforprogressionintothetravelandtourismindustryorhighereducationintravelandtourismmanagement.FiveGCSEsubjectsatgradeCorabove,toincludeEnglish,oraMeritinaLevel2Diplomainarelatedsubjectwillberequiredtoundertakethiscourse.
What’s involved: Learnerswillcomplete120credits- 60creditsinYear1and60creditsinYear2.
Workskills,essentialskillsandalanguageareoftenstudiedtosupportandenhancetheprogrammealongwithan‘AirCabinCrew’and‘ResortRepresentatives’qualification.
Duringthesecondyearofthecourseyouwillhavetoundertakeamandatoryresidentialstudyvisit.
Moving on: TheBTECDiplomainTravelandTourismisvaluedbyemployersandhighereducationprovidersandthereareseveralalternativeroutesforprogression.
Employmentopportunitiesexistinattractionmanagement,touristboardmarketing,children’srep,aircabincrew,airportcustomerservicesandeventsmanagement.
HighereducationatuniversityorcollegetotakeadegreeorHNDinsubjectssuchashospitalitymanagement,leisurevenuemanagement,tourismmanagement,internationaltourismmanagementorairtravelmanagement.
Travel and Tourism Level 2 BTEC Diploma TycochCampus Course length: one year
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentstodevelopskillsandknowledgeoftravelandtourism.ItwillenablethemtoprogressontotheDiplomainTravelandTourism,enhancingstudents’prospectsofgainingemploymentinthetravelindustry
What’s involved: Thecoursecoversarangeofunits,allofwhichrelatetothevastindustryoftravelandtourism.
Additionalqualificationsenhancetheprogrammee.g.eventplanning(NCFEqualifications)andworkskills.
Moving on:SuccessonthecoursecanleadtoprogressiontotheDiplomainTravelandTourismoremploymentinthetravelandtourismindustry.
Mock Cabin
Destination UnknownStudents can perfect their skills in a ‘virtual’ travel office at the college.‘Destination Unknown’ plays a crucial role in the students’ development as it gives them the opportunity to practise their customer service skills and expand their knowledge via live role-play.
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School Holiday Activities*
Facilities:
You don’t need to be a membertouseourfacilities,althoughtherearearangeofmembershipoptionstosuit yourrequirements.
Sportshallhire
Squashcourts
Gym
Open to the public
Fitnesstesting
Badmintoncourts
We are open 7 days a week,throughouttheyear,earlymorningtilllateevening.
The Sports Centre, situated at the Tycoch Campus, has a fully equipped conditioning studio, free weights room, and a multipurpose sports hall and squash courts.Joinusinourfriendlyandrelaxedatmosphereandseewhatwehavetooffer.Ourdedicatedteamofprofessionalandqualified
staffarelookingforwardtohelpingyouachieveyourpersonalhealthandfitnessgoals.Wehaveasportshallavailableforteamgamesortraininghire,suchas5-a-sidefootballorbasketball.
Children’s Parties*
Exercise ClassesWeofferarangeofexerciseclassesthatarefunandenergetic,whichcaterforalllevelsoffitness.
Active fun for active kids Schoolholidayactivitiesrunforchildrenbetweentheagesof4-7and8-12yearolds.Sessionsincludemultigameactivities,awiifitconsoleanda25ftbouncycastle.
*All sessions are run by a minimum of two trained members of staff.
Let the Sports Centre offer you the perfect party venue for your children.
OurmultipurposesportshallisavailableforhireonSaturdayandSundayplusMondaytoFridayafternoonsduringschoolholidays(excludingbankholidays).
Ourpartiescanincludeanygamessuchasfootball, basketball,rounders,miniOlympics,multigameactivities anda25ftbouncycastle.
Tycoch Sports CentreGower College Swansea
25ft Bouncy
Castle
www.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
GowerCollegeSwanseaSportsCentre,TycochSA29EBsportscentre@gowercollegeswansea.ac.ukwww.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk01792284088www.facebook.com/sportscentre
StudentMembership
ONLY £30 a year