Students at New River College have access to a range of vocational options at Key Stage 4 to suit their interests, ambitions, and intended pathways to make their transition from us. They choose these options during induction week or at the end of Year 9. Options can last for one year but there is the opportunity for students to choose new options in Year 11.
GCSEs are Level 2 qualifications that develop academic skills and knowledge in subject areas. They tend to be assessed through exams, with some coursework elements, and learning is predominantly classroom-based.
Vocational qualifications are subjects that involve more practical activities and learning through work experience and projects linked to employers. They are also more likely to have a bigger coursework element. They are graded as Pass (P), Merit (M) and Distinction (D).
Some vocational qualifications will offer both Level 1 or Level 2 qualifications, while others only offer Level 1. Level 2 courses are equivalent to a GCSE grade 4+, while Level 1 courses are equivalent to GCSE grades 1-3. Students will be able to achieve a Level 1 at higher standards as they do more coursework. They will begin at an Award (2 units) and can go all the way to achieve a Diploma (10 units) if they study the course for two years.
Whether students take Level 1 or Level 2 courses will have some impact on their college applications and transitions to other schools. Form tutors or mentors will suggest options that are suited to students and will help them achieve their progression goals during and after New River College.
Click on the links below to read about the vocational courses on offer: