Professional Pathway

Agriculture

Level 2 Subsidiary Diploma City and Guilds

Qualification Overview

Throughout this course you will cover the key principles, knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the agricultural industry. Learners will study a range of subjects including livestock husbandry, plant science and estate skills. This will include some trips and visits to other commercial farms, working around the school site assisting with maintenance projects and working closely with the large animals on Bredon’s farm.

Approach to Learning

The units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction for the Level 2 award. This is based on meeting certain criteria throughout the coursework. There is no formal exam for this subject. Because the course is 100% coursework a degree of written and independent learning is required, as well as skillful undertaking of evidenced practical’s. You should enjoy working closely with animals, being outdoors in all weathers and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. You will receive three lessons a week but will be expected to complete extra duties on the farm within some break times.

A Closer Look

The modules we complete within the course include:

> Introduction to Farm Animal Production

> Introduction to Animal and Plant husbandry

> Participate in providing Estate Maintenance

Progression

Further study in Agriculture at Level 3 is possible.

Animal Care

Level 2 extended certificate

City and Guilds

Qualification Overview

Throughout this course you will cover the key principles, knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the animal care industry. Learners will study animal handling, animal behavior and welfare and animal housing and accommodation. This includes working closely with the large animals on the farm as well as small domesticated animals such as dogs, guinea pigs, gerbils and reptiles.

Approach to Learning

The units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction for the Level 2 award. This is based on meeting certain criteria throughout the coursework. Because the course is completely coursework based, a degree of written and independent learning is required, as well as skillful undertaking of evidenced practical’s. Pupils should enjoy working closely with animals and be confident when handling both small animals, reptiles and farm animals.Pupils will receive three lessons a week but will be expected to complete extra duties with the animals in some breaks.

A Closer Look

The modules we complete within the course include:

> Introduction to the practices and principles of animal behavior and handling

> Undertake practical Animal feeding

> Maintain Animal accommodation

> Maintain Animal health and welfare

> Care of Farm Livestock

Progression

Further study in Animal Care at Level 3 is possible

Business Studies

BTEC First Award in Business

Level 2

Edexcel

Qualification Overview

This course allows you to study the world of business, giving you the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. You will examine the roles and responsibilities of setting up a new business and its financial management. You will also develop key skills, such as analysis and review of key financial statements.

Approach to Learning

Pupils will carry out tasks and assignments throughout the course, which will be marked internally. One unit is assessed by an external test and pupils are coached in effective examination techniques.

A Closer Look

The modules within this course include three mandatory units which cover key aspects that underpin all business and the development of business models:

> Introduction to Business

> Finance for Business (External)

> Enterprise in the Business World (Synoptic)

Pupils will choose a further unit from three optional units, covering marketing, customer services, and business recruitment:

> Promoting a Brand

> Principles of Customer Service

> Recruitment, Selection and Employment.

Progression

This qualification is designed to be taken as part of a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4. It can be complementary learning for a wide range of subjects. You can take this qualification alongside GCSEs in EBacc subjects (such as Mathematics), practical subjects (such as Computer Science, Design & Technology, PE) and/or another level 2 vocational qualification (for example, Digital Media Production) to provide both curriculum breadth and the skills you need to make informed choices about study post-16.

Certificate/Diploma in ICT Systems Support

Level 2 City and Guilds

Qualification Overview

Please note that this course is a double option group. Thus 6 periods per week. Students must select ICT System Support in both option groups

The qualification addresses a wide range of topics that introduce learners to the fundamental knowledge and skills of an entry-level IT professional including networking, security, virtualisation and desktop imaging and deployment. These include the ability to assemble components based on customer requirements, install, configure and maintain devices, PCs and software for end users and the ability to safely diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues. Learners will also develop the skills needed to provide appropriate customer support.

Approach to Learning

This course is very much “hands-on” as it has a large practical component. The course is based on a Pass/Fail system. Pupils need to gain seventy percent for both Theory and Practical final exams to pass the courses.

To gain success will require consistent hard work and a real “time” commitment to address the course material. Having an independent work ethic will help pupils gain success. All the work is broken up into little bits and pupils are encouraged to do a bit every day. The Cisco courses are available online through Cisco Netacad from anywhere in the world.

A Closer Look

A minimum of twenty-seven credits are required for the Certificate and thirty-seven credits for the Diploma

To gain the Certificate students will do the following units:

> Customer Support Provision (Mandatory) [nine credits]

> Cisco IT Essentials [twenty credits]

To gain the Diploma students complete an additional unit:

> Install and Configure ICT equipment and operating systems [nine credits]

Progression

Pupils usually continue to Sixth Form where they do the Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems Support. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course is included in this diploma. After Sixth Form pupils usually move on to either University to do a BSc in Networking and Cybersecurity or follow a degree level Apprenticeship program. There are many options for a future career within the IT Sector.

Personal and Social Development Level Entry Level 3 to Level 1

ASDAN

Qualification Overview

This Personal and Social Development course will inspire self-confidence and equip pupils with the skills and qualities for future learning and work. The course focuses on the development of pupil communication skills, emotional intelligence, problem solving and working effectively with others. Pupils will build on their current knowledge through meaningful and relevant learning experiences.

Approach to Learning

The approach to learning involves engaging practical activities. These have previously included environmental projects - creating a butterfly garden, building and placing bird and bat boxes.

Other activities are focused around personal safety around the home and community, including personal transport, first aid and independent living skills. Pupils set targets around leisure activities and measure their progress.

There are many different units to choose from, each are chosen based on each pupil’s strengths and areas for maximum personal benefit. Regular support and feedback is provided to support the learning process.

A Closer Look

The qualification is 100% coursework. Pupils are required to build up a portfolio of evidence ranging from small pieces of written work to photographs and witness statements. The course is delivered through a series of challenges, which accrue credits. Challenges include Environmental Awareness, Health Lifestyles and Preparation for Work.

Six credits are required for the Award and thirteen credits for the full Certificate. Each credit represents at least ten hours of study.

Progression

This qualification can lead onto Personal and Social Effectiveness Level 2, enrollment into Sixth Form and employment.

Uniformed Protective Services

Level 2

NCFE

Qualification Overview

This qualification is designed for pupils with an interest in the uniformed protective services. It will inform and prepare learners as a potential recruit for a variety of uniformed protective services such as the:

> Army

> Navy

> RAF

> Prison Service

> Fire and Rescue

> Police

Approach to Learning

This is a coursework based subject with pupils completing graded tasks throughout the duration of the course. Much of these tasks are practical in nature and pupils are assessed on their ability to demonstrate a range of skills associated with Uniformed Protective Services. They will also be required to demonstrate their ability to physically prepare for a career in the Uniformed Protective Services.

A Closer Look

This qualification comprises two different units of work, both are equally weighted.

Unit 1 Introduction to Uniformed Protective Services Skills. In this unit pupils will develop their understanding of the effective use of different types of communication systems. They will engage in workshops that provide them with an immersive experience of Crime Scene Investigation skills. They will also develop their knowledge of the purpose of performing foot drill and marching.

Unit 2 Physical Preparation for the Uniformed Protective Services. In this unit pupils will explore the different fitness tests used and they will learn how to produce personal fitness training plans to better their current level of fitness. Pupils will also explore different skills needed for a range of land and water-based outdoor activities. They will be required to engage in the expeditions associated with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The navigation and expedition skills they develop here will be directly assessed for their UPS qualification.

Progression

Within our Sixth form we offer a Level 3 Certificate in Sport and Outdoor Education. This course has UCAS points associated with it .