Year 8 & 9 Options Booklet
Hello Choosing your options is an important step in your education and we want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way! The Schools Team can provide information on the options available when you leave school and how the courses available to you will link with your chosen subject choices in Year 9. Our team are always on hand to answer any questions you have about your future education. You can easily contact us via email, phone or our new text back service on our website. As you progress to Years 10 and 11 you will see a lot more of our team as we deliver presentations and lunch time drop in sessions offering more detailed information on all 4 routes including - A Levels, Apprenticeships, Vocational Courses & T Levels also check out our sporting academies. Alongside the subjects that you choose, it is also important to think about any extra curricular activities you would like to pursue. Taking part in sporting activities is a great way to meet new people and also gain extra skills that will look great on your future applications. If you see us in your school, come and say hello! We look forward to speaking with you and helping you through your transition over the next few years. See you soon! Schools Team
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Contact us on 01642 333800 or email schoolsteam@mbro.ac.uk
Reasons for studying with us 94% of full-time students secured a positive destination after completing their course We are Ofsted rated Good 2200 Apprentices placed with employers across Teesside and the North East and we are in the top 10% for apprenticeships 7 Sports Academies Outstanding 1 : 1 support for students
Supportive teaching staff with real industry experience State-of-the-art campus facilities including £20m STEM Centre, Mock Fuselage and Health Care Ward Over 50% of A Level students achieved high grades Best student perks in the region 99% overall T Level pass rate
New for 2024 Electric & Hybrid Motor Vehicle Workshop State-of-the-art Clinical & Community Care Simulation Suite for Health & Care programmes Range of interactive Health & Care medical equipment Dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) Centre with Bespoke Sensory Room and Independent Living Flat Specialised Welding equipment to meet industry needs 7 new classrooms and works spaces for Construction, Engineering and TTE
The importance of maths & English As a full-time student at Middlesbrough College, maths and English will be a part of your study programme, where we will support you to gain the skills that are needed by employers and University. If you did not achieve a grade 4 or above in your English and maths at GCSE, you will continue to study these subjects at College. So it is really important you work hard over the next few years, to achieve the highest possible grades before you join us! 3
A Levels at Middlesbrough College A Levels are two year, linear courses which allow you to keep your options open, with focused study of three or four subjects. They are a good option for academic students looking to progress to University study. We have a great selection of A Levels to choose from in our specialist sixth form centre, MC6. Unlike school sixth forms, we offer an independent learning environment which allows you to get set for University life or employment. At MC6 you will have an individually tailored timetable. You will be classroom based with coursework and homework to complete. You will receive five teaching hours for every subject which is more than your typical College or school sixth form. You will also receive tutorials and study support. For every subject you study, you will need to complete at least five hours of additional study outside the classroom. This is to make sure you achieve the best grades possible! We also offer a range of applied A Level courses. These are more vocationally orientated qualifications assessed primarily through coursework. These courses are ideal if you enjoy learning in a practical and work-related way.
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A Level subjects we offer • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computer Science English Language English Literature Environmental Science Film Studies Fine Art Further Mathematics Geography Geology History Law Mathematics Media Studies Photography Physics Politics Psychology Sociology
Take a look inside MC6 A Level students will be based at our dedicated sixth form centre MC6. This modern and vibrant environment promotes independent learning and study. The centre bridges the gap between school and University, with specialist classrooms and laboratories and open plan study and social spaces. Unlike a school sixth form, students can meet other young people from all walks of life and be treated like an adult, with independent study periods and the chance to plan your own learning.
What are the entry requirements? Entry requirements for A Levels are generally 5 GCSEs at grades 5 and above, including English and maths. However, certain subjects may require you to have higher grades. For example, to study English literature at A Level, you would be required to have 5 or more GCSEs, including maths at grade 5 or above and English language at grade 6 or above.
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Mix
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We can offer you the opportunity to study an A Level alongside BTEC vocational qualifications, this combined programme will allow you to keep your options open by gaining additional qualifications and broadening your future career opportunities! Students can study 2 A Levels and 1 Vocational qualification or 1 A Level and 2 Vocational qualifications.
Aspiring to progress onto University? Many of our A Level students choose to progress onto University on completion of their studies and we are highly successful in helping them to secure a place on their chosen degree programme! We offer careers advice and guidance to help you make your decision about University! We also offer guest speakers from Universities across the country and visits to University Open Days, organised and funded by the College. Your personal tutor is central in supporting you with your UCAS application and you will receive dedicated 1:1 time to be supported. Our dedicated Russell Group Cocoordinator provides support with application and interview preparation if you are thinking of progressing to a Russell Group University!
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Taking you around the world As part of your A Level studies, you will get the opportunity to go on a number of heavily subsidised residential trips, hear from guest speakers in a range of industries and go on fully expensed trips to University open days across the year!
Aaron “The support I’ve had from my tutors here at the College has been great, they’ve given me the guidance I needed to succeed in my A Levels and built my confidence when I was struggling. I’m so pleased with my results and can’t wait to get to Durham University and eventually launch a career in statistics.” Aaron Burton secured A*’s in mathematics and further mathematics and an A in his physics A Levels and progressed to Durham University to study for a degree in mathematics. 7
Vocational Courses Vocational courses have an emphasis on developing your practical skills and knowledge in a specific sector area which can lead you to a job or University. What you learn can be directly linked to real life problems and situations in the workplace. Our Level 3 vocational courses are the equivalent to 3 A Levels. These courses are usually industry based giving you the skills for employment in a specific sector. A vocational course gives you real life, hands-on practical experience, taught by teachers who have worked in industry to give you the best possible skills for future employment. They are perfect if you enjoy practical learning and relate directly to a specific job role. So if you know exactly who you want to be and the career you want, why not become a specialist sooner rather than later? We offer vocational courses in every sector area from hairdressing to engineering. 8
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Vocational courses we offer • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Business Catering & Hospitality Childcare Construction Creative Arts Creative Media Digital Technologies, IT & Computing Games Development Engineering & Welding Fashion Communication Hair & Beauty Health & Social Care Motor Vehicle and Automotive Technology Performance & Theatre Operations Public Services Music Technology & Practice Sport & Leisure Travel, Tourism & Aviation Life Skills, ESOL and Positive Steps
Let us show you around At Middlesbrough College and TTE, you’ll learn in state of the art facilities such as our simulated aircraft cabin and commercial training restaurant, being taught by tutors with industry experience.
New £12 million TTE Centre coming September 2024! Based at our main Middlesbrough College campus will be the best Engineering and Training Centre in the region.
What are the entry requirements? We have levels to suit everyone ranging from Entry Level to Level 3. It is important to study hard at school to get the grades required to start a vocational course at Level 3. However, there are courses, such as construction, that require students to start at Level 1/2 due to the skill specific nature of these programmes. Entry requirements for Level 3 vocational courses are 4 GCSEs at grades 4/5 or above.
Vocational courses at TTE: • • • • • • •
Process Fabrication & Welding Mechanical Engineering Wind Turbine Instrumentation Electrical Engineering Laboratory Technician
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T Levels
T Levels are a new qualification which are an alternative to A Levels. This 2 year qualification will help you to build the future that you want. You’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% of your time in the workplace, putting the skills you’ve learnt into action. Every T Level student will take an industry placement that lasts at least 45 days, helping you to gain valuable experience in the workplace and allowing employers to meet the new talent in their industry. T Levels provide the skills, knowledge and experience you need to open the door to highly skilled employment, University or an apprenticeship. T Levels are assessed through practical employer-set projects, assignments and examinations. You’ll choose 1 T Level that will make up your full study programme. At Middlesbrough College we are offering T Level programmes in a range of sectors. These include: • Business & Law • Childcare • Construction • Digital & Media • Engineering • Health & Social Care • Science • Theatre Operations 10
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Logan
“If anyone is considering applying for a T Level at Middlesbrough College, I’d just say go for it. There’s nothing else like it that gives you the theory as well as that experience in the workplace.” Logan Riley earned himself a Merit on his Design Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level course. He is now starting his apprenticeship at Rainham Industrial Services as a Quantity Surveyor and is looking at doing part time study at Northumbria University to further his qualifications.
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Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to start off your career, combining hands on practical work with the ability to gain qualifications, all whilst earning a wage. Middlesbrough College’s apprenticeship and training company, Northern Skills trains 2,200 apprentices across the region. We also deliver specialist engineering apprenticeships through TTE in a range of technical sectors including manufacturing, renewable energies and process to name a few. Apprenticeships can lead you on many different paths, it can take you straight into employment after your apprenticeship is complete, or alternatively you could progress into higher level apprenticeships and University. 12
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“Since starting my apprenticeship, I have developed a vast array of skills which have benefited me in the workplace. Apprenticeships are a great way to push yourself further into the world of work!” Geordie Devaney Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Appamondo
Geordie
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Charlotte
"An apprenticeship with CPI has given me the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the workplace whilst completing a recognised qualification." Charlotte Frewin Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice at CPI 14
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How to apply You can apply for an apprenticeship vacancy once you’ve reached the end of Year 11 and finished school. Alternatively you can send CV’s and find an employer yourself. We also recommend that you have a plan B and apply to a full-time course related to your chosen industry with us. This means that if you are unable to find a suitable apprenticeship by September, you will have still secured a place for a full time course at College. You can then easily transfer from a vocational course to an apprenticeship midway through your course should you find an employer further down the line.
What are the entry requirements? Entry requirements for apprenticeships are usually 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, but some of the higher level apprenticeships can have higher entry criteria.
Apprenticeship programmes on offer • • • • • •
Business Construction Engineering & Manufacturing Health & Social Care IT, Computing & Digital Technologies Motor Vehicle (Automotive Technology) and many more!
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Ofsted rated ‘Good’
Middlesbrough College Dock Street Middlesbrough TS2 1AD
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Course Information 01642 333333 www.mbro.ac.uk
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this Guide, it is advisable to check information prior to enrolment. The College reserves the right to cancel programmes if there is insufficient enrolment and amend information at any time.