Information for Learners

Qualifications explained

Staying on in full time education after you leave year 11 can be a daunting prospect - the choice you have is huge. At City of Bath College you get to choose from a huge range of courses to use as a stepping stone to Higher Education or employment.

You get the chance to continue with subjects you studied at school or take up something new. We have courses at all levels. It's important that you find the level that is the right starting point for you, then work your way up.

Whilst many of our students come straight from year 11 with a range of GCSEs, there are many students who make a real success of their time at the College who haven't come via this 'traditional' route. You may have:

• come from a school that does not offer GCSEs
• not done as well as you know you could because you felt that school wasn't 'right' for you
• been ill or had difficult situations

Don't worry. If you think you haven't got the entry requirements for our courses - come and talk to us, we have great progression courses that will help you to a bright future.

There are many different qualifications so it can get a bit confusing. But the good news is we have a great range of courses so there's bound to be something just right for you.

  
Pre-entry and Pre-foundation courses

These courses are for those students who may need Life Skills support and who wish to study a varied and interesting course at entry level. You can develop your confidence and progress towards further education, training or employment. The course work is based around real life situations and you are encouraged to develop your ability to work independently, to share experiences and to build on your existing skills and knowledge.

What you will need There are no formal entry requirements. You just need enthusiasm, commitment and a desire to succeed. A course tutor will interview you when you apply for these courses.

NVQ Level 1 and BTEC Introductory Diploma courses

These courses are a great way to get an introduction to the work area you've chosen. You will also be able to develop the skills that employers are looking for called employability skills. These include working in teams and solving problems. You'll also be able to improve you skills with reading, writing, using numbers and information technology.

What you will need. Some of our courses need four E grades at GCSE but don't worry about your grades. We will talk to you at your interview about what you are doing, what your strengths are and together we will make sure that the course suits you.

GCSEs

The full GCSE programme is for students who have narrowly missed getting five GCSE grade Cs and above at school. You can do four or more subjects as a complete programme in one year. There is also a Functional Skills programme linked to this.

Some students may need to do a GCSE retake alongside another course. We can talk about this when you apply to the College.

What you will need. For the full GCSE programme we would expect you to have a minimum of four GCSE grade Ds, normally to include English and Maths.

NVQ Level 2 and BTEC First Diplomas

These are level 2 courses and are designed for those students who have an idea of the area of work they might want in the future. They normally last a year and many students go onto to do the BTEC National Diploma.

What you will need. You normally need 4 GCSE grade Ds or a merit/distinction at foundation level or a pass at foundation level plus a level 1 Functional Skills numeracy and literacy (or equivalent). For some courses you may need a specific GCSE at grade D - ask us if you're not sure.

BTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas and NVQ Level 3

These are level 3 courses and focus on one area of work. These courses are designed to help students continue learning the skills required to get a job in that particular work area. Students who are successful at this course can go on to higher education or get a job in their chosen field. A National Award is equivalent to a full A level (AS and A2) but you have to commit to it for two years and it is normally completed alongside other A levels.

What you will need. You will normally need a minimum of four grade C GCSEs or at least a merit in a 6-unit Level 2 vocational course in an appropriate subject eg BTEC First Diploma. Students will normally have at least a grade C in English, plus you may need particular grades at GCSE in the subject related to the course you've chosen.

AS, A2 Levels

These are level 3 courses and we have a wide range of courses including 18 different A-levels for you to choose from. You can continue with subjects you studied at school or take up something new. Most students take four-five AS subjects in the first year. You may then choose to specialise to three or four A2 subjects in the second year.

What you will need. You will normally need a minimum of four grade B GCSEs or equivalent level and these must normally include English at grade C.

UCAS points explained

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