These are some of the questions frequently asked together with the answers.
If you are unable to find an answer to your query please e-mail
Childrens.Services@bury.gov.uk your question and a reply will be sent to you in due course. Alternatively please write to:
14-19 Support Services
Irwell Street
Bury BL9 0HZ
What Types of Qualification are available?
Schools will provide for pupils a range of qualifications at Key stage 4. These will include a range of GCSEs that have traditionally been on offer for many years now. Some subjects will be mandatory and others will be optional. More and more schools are now offering more flexible routes and pathways for pupils which enable pupils to select from applied vocational options. What ever programme of study is chosen, it is important to discuss with the school your son/daughter's preferred style of learning, any skills talents and abilities, they have and indeed any career aspirations, as these will all help to determine the most appropriate options to choose.
What is an NVQ?
National Vocational Qualifications are available at a number of different levels. They are nationally recognised by employers. They are designed around the skills people use at work and cover all types and levels of work. The NVQ option or units towards NVQs will appeal strongly to students who:
- Have a good idea of the area of work which they wish to pursue.
- Want to develop skills that are directly related in the work place.
- Are keen to understand the background knowledge that underpins the practical skills.
- Are keen to be assessed at their own pace.
- Are directly interested in Administration, Beauty Therapy, Business Information Systems, Catering or Engineering.
Currently in Bury, schools who are in collaboration with Bury College the following vocational areas are available to choose from:
- Catering
- Performing Engineering Operations
- Business and Information Systems
- Hairdressing
What are GCSE's worth?
Entry requirements to advanced level courses are based upon performance in Key stage 4. The Cas follows:
What are GCSE's worth?
| Grade |
Full GCSE |
Short Course GCSE |
| A* |
8 |
4 |
| A |
7 |
3.5 |
| B |
6 |
3 |
| C |
5 |
2.5 |
| D |
4 |
2 |
| E |
3 |
1.5 |
| F |
2 |
1 |
| G |
1 |
0.5 |
Remember a dual award GCSE is worth double points e.g. AA = 14, CC = 10
What is an Applied GCSE?
An applied GCSE is related to a particular vocational area of work. Currently there are applied GCSEs available in the following areas:
- Health and Social Care
- Business
- Leisure and tourism
- Engineering
- Art and Design
Remember a dual award Applied GCSE is worth double points e.g. CC=10 points!
Where will a vocational qualification lead?
Any applied GCSE will be considered in the same way as any other GCSE, however the bonus is that if your son or daughter is focused on a particular vocational area this will allow them to investigate the area and gain valuable experience helping them to make a more informed decision at 16yrs. It is the "added value" of the qualification that at this level students are still in a position to change direction if necessary.
How are vocational qualifications different?
One of the most essentials differences is that they are outward looking and focused on what is going on in industry. Course work forms a large component of the assessment and is around detailed investigation of work in a specific industry. Students learn new skills and skills which can be used in employment and/or in Further and Higher Education.
How do students learn on vocational courses?
In many different ways, for example, investigation, discussion, research, problem solving, practical simulation, case study work etc. In other words pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning developing independent study habits. Exposure to these different learning environments prepares pupils enormously for higher level study. Self confidence is an important bi product of a vocational pathway. Many Universities comment that students who have followed a vocational route at advanced level study are often better prepared for independent study at University.
Where will Students study?
They may well be studying in their own school, a neighbouring school or at the local college. Schools will make clear to parents details of programmes delivery models and venues.
When studying at a local college how will pupils get there?
It depends - some students may have assistance with travel costs. All students will use public transport, helping them to develop skills for independence. Classes will be scheduled to allow time for travel.
Who do I talk to if I am concerned about study?
First point of contact is your school, usually the form tutor or another named person.
What are the times and hours of study?
These will vary but will have been discussed and agreed in advance with the school and notified to parents. Some college classes may finish at 5pm (once a week) and pupils may start school later to compensate.
How do I know hoe well they are doing?
Schools are regularly informed of progress and parents will receive reviews and be invited to discuss at a parent's evening each year.
Is there regular contact between school and college?
Each school has a coordinator who visits the students in class regularly at the college. There is also a named senior manager at each school who maintains regular contact through meetings and by telephone.
Who is responsible for the student's safety?
Schools continue to have a legal responsibility for their pupils, wherever they are studying. Colleges have a duty of care for all their students including 14-16 year olds.
Are there any additional costs?
On occasion students may need to contribute to the cost of study visits to support course work. Some courses may require students to purchase specific items of equipment, for example steel toe-capped boots for engineering; salon gowns for hairdressing.
How do I know that my child is attending regularly?
Schools are informed of all absences and of any issues regarding punctuality, on a daily basis. Schools will contact parents whenever there is a cause for concern.
