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QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers.
Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career.
A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
LATEST NEWS
Mind Matters is a weekly informal session highlighting the importance of looking after your mental health.
We are providing advice on anything from low mood to anxiety. They are run by the specialist mental health team here at the College and are for any students looking for support about an issue either inside or outside of the College, ask for advice or questions, or just to pick up some information.
You can also self-refer for support here as well as sign up for or forthcoming sessions on self esteem and anxiety, or to be a Time to Change Ambassador.
Mondays 9.30am to 11.30am
Knightstone Campus LibraryPlus
Loxton Campus Bistro
A Level Law students at Weston College’s Sixth Form were recently visited by a top law firm to learn about how to get into a legal career.
Representatives from Womble Bond Dickison, who have offices across the UK and US, came to the College’s Loxton Campus to give an informative session to year one and two law students.
28 students attended, and were given practical advice about the different aspects of law, including information about the support service roles that law firms also need, such as IT, HR, finance and management.
They discussed related career options, including being a barrister, solicitor, legal executive and paralegal. They also told students how, when a firm such as themselves recruit, personal statements were key along with their grades at A Level.
Liz Painter, Development Manager for the Law and Professional Service Academy at Weston College, said: “The students were really engaged and interest to hear directly from an international law firm how they recruit and the different routes that are now available in the legal profession. This impartial advice and guidance is vital for students to be able to make informed career choices.”
Weston College celebrated the successes of its apprentices, trainees, work experience students, and their employers at the annual Weston College Business Awards at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, Weston-super-Mare.
The Awards, sponsored by Honeyfield Property Services Ltd, brought together key figures in the regional business community to reward the outstanding achievements of the College’s learners, as well as the business partners that work with the College to support their success. Ben Smith, Founder and Creator of the 401 Challenge, delivered the keynote speech and handed out trophies and certificates to the winners.
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said: “The Business Awards was a fantastic celebration of the outstanding efforts of our students and the employers that work with the College to enable their learning.
“It was great to see the diverse range of businesses that the College works with come together to recognise apprentices for the hard work that they do. These apprentices haven’t just succeeded – they have excelled and progressed into permanent employment, management and key positions in their businesses.”
Ben Mager, a College student who recently visited Buckingham Palace with Dr Phillips to receive the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, took home the awards for Childcare Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year.
Ben was born eight weeks prematurely and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. He started studying at Weston College in 2011 as part of the School Link Programme and then followed a progression path through the College’s Faculty of Inclusive Practice. He realised his potential and started to believe in himself while taking part in the College’s Into Work supported internship programme, where he discovered his passion for working with children.
Last year he started an apprenticeship in Children and Young People’s Workforce at Castle Kids, where he has become popular with the children and introduced successful activities to them.
Ben said: “This award shows how far I’ve come, that I’ve worked so hard, and that the College has recognised me for who I am, what I’ve done and what I’ve achieved.
“My aim is to work with children with additional needs and disabilities. I want to give back to them the support I’ve received as a disabled person myself.”
As part of his prize, Ben Mager received a cheque for £150 from event sponsors Honeyfield Property Services Ltd.
Weston College’s Business Awards is open to businesses that work with the College to offer apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience opportunities to its students. There were 30 award winners, ranging from small and medium employers to large international companies such as GKN Aerospace.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
