www.kmc.ac.uk

Kingston Maurward College & The Thomas Hardye School “Learning Partnership”

Vocational 6th Form Options

01305 266064 www.thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk

The partnership between The Thomas Hardye School and Kingston Maurward College offers students practical applied alternatives to traditional A Levels, increasing subject choice while retaining the academic emphasis for higher education and employment.

Students will benefit from A Level equivalents supported by the latest in modern facilities and the high quality teaching and learning which are common to both the school and college. In its recent Ofsted inspection, Kingston Maurward was praised for its “outstanding” features. The Thomas Hardye School was described by Ofsted as “among the best schools in the country.”

Students will study at Kingston

Maurward one day a week combining one BTEC Qualification with A Level choices at The Thomas Hardye School. Sixth Formers can adapt learning choices to individual needs – studying for example: Two A-levels at school and a BTEC at college. Courses run for one or two years.

BTEC qualifications earn the same points for university entrance as A Levels. Level 3 qualifications are internationally recognised and highly valued by employers and higher education institutions. They are particularly suited to school leavers and Sixth Form students who want to follow a vocational route but still study ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Level qualifications.

What does the partnership involve?

Vocational Qualification - BTEC Level 3 Certificates/ Subsidiary Diplomas

1. Outdoor Adventure Studies BTEC in Sport

• The Body in Action• Health and Safety in Sport• Training and Fitness for Sport• Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise• Principles and Practices in Outdoor Adventure• Leadership in Sport• Skills for Land-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities• Skills for Water-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities• Outdoor and Adventurous Expeditions.

2. Animal ScienceBTEC in Animal Management

• Animal Health • Animal Anatomy and Physiology • Practical Animal Handling and Husbandry • Animal Nutrition • Animal Behaviour • Animal Welfare and Breed Development.

3. Environmental ScienceBTEC in Environmental Sustainability

• Sustainable Development• Wildlife Populations, Ecology & Conservation • Physical & Biological Environmental Processes• Project in the Environmental Sustainable Sector• Understanding Coastal Management• Scientific Practical Techniques• Principles of Plant and Soil Science

4. Uniformed Public ServicesBTEC in Uniformed Public Services

• Government, Policies and the Public Services • Team Leadership in the Uniformed Public Services • Citizenship, Contemporary Society and the Public Services • Skills for Land-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities • Skills for Water-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities • Outdoor and Adventurous Expeditions.

What are the BTEC Level 3 Certificates and Subsidiary Diplomas?

The BTEC Level 3 Certificates and Subsidiary Diplomas provide you with an understanding of the essential skills needed when looking to build a career in your chosen sector. The qualification will give you insight into the various different occupational routes you can take within the sector, or move on to further study.

The courses can be adapted to meet your abilities and aspirations: they consist of compulsory core units plus specialist units. The structure of the courses let you focus on the areas you are most interested in, such as sports coaching, animal nursing, or countryside tourism. Please note that the units studied may vary to meet local or learner needs.

Kingston Maurward CollegeDorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY01305 215088, www.kmc.ac.uk

How are the courses structured?BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas are equivalent to one GCE A Level. They consist of six units, three delivered in Year 12 and three delivered in Year 13. BTEC Level 3 Certificates are equivalent to one GCE AS Level. They consist of three units which are all delivered in Year 12.

Flexibility – 1 or 2 yearsIf you opt for the BTEC Level 3 Certificate route you may choose to extend your vocational learning by selecting an additional three units that could be studied in Year 13. Similarly, if you choose the two year BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma, and your circumstances change after Year 12, you can claim the BTEC Level 3 Certificate, if you have successfully completed three units.

How are BTECs assessed?

BTECs are not exam-based qualifications. Exams work well for some students but others find them rather daunting and struggle to see how they fit into the real world of work.

Instead, students study real-life, work-based case studies and complete projects and assessments, which contribute to achieving each unit studied. Each BTEC is made up of units. The number of units is dependent on the level and size of BTEC being studied.

In order to complete each unit, students must achieve against a set of outcomes. The assessment criteria address theory with practical exercises. The assessment process is ongoing, so it allows the student to analyse and improve their own performance through their course in much the same way as they would in a real workplace. The projects that students undertake form the basis of their unit results which are graded as a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction.

What are the entry requirements?The entry requirements for BTEC Level 3 Qualifications are set by individual centres. Fundamentally, you should have a broad education including, for example, five GCSEs (graded A* - C) and/or a BTEC First. In addition, you will need an interest in the subject and potential to succeed in achieving the qualification.

How can I find out more?If you want to take advantage of this opportunity contact Kingston Maurward College (01305 215088), The Thomas Hardye School (01305 266064) or Edexcel website: www.edexcel.org.uk/btec

The Thomas Hardye SchoolQueens Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2ET01305 266064www.thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk