Vocational Education
Vocational qualifications are work-related qualifications. They are designed to allow students to learn in a way that suits them, and give them the skills that employers are looking for.
Vocational qualifications can help you:
- Get the skills you need to start a job
- Progress in your career
- Go on to further learning
Teaching and Learning
At Key Stage 4 students follow:
Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) - Levels 1 & 2
The Certificate of Personal Effectiveness is a nationally recognised qualification outcome of the ASDAN programmes. The qualifications offer imaginative ways of accrediting young people's activities. They promote, and allow centres to record, a wide range of personal qualities, abilities and achievements of young people, as well as introducing them to new activities and challenges.
Structure
The CoPE Student Book comprises 12 modules, each of which is divided into three sections. Each section should take 10 hours, which is worth one credit. Students will need 12 credits to gain the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness. For CoPE Level 1, challenges can come from Section A, B or C; for CoPE Level 2, at least six of the credits must be chosen from the longer challenges of Sections B and C.
The module titles are:
- Communication
- Citizenship and Community
- Sport and Leisure
- Independent Living
- The Environment
- Vocational and Diploma Preparation
- Health and Fitness
- Work Related Learning and Enterprise
- Science and Technology
- International Links
- Expressive Arts
- Beliefs and Values
By building a Portfolio of Evidence as they complete various challenges, students must demonstrate competence at Level 1 or 2 in the following skills: Introduction to Working with Others, Introduction to Improving own Learning and Performance, Introduction to Problem Solving, Planning and Carrying out a Piece of Research, Communication through Discussion and Planning and Giving an Oral Presentation.
Status
CoPE has been allocated attainment table points - Level 2 is worth 46 points (equivalent to a GCSE Grade B). Level 1 is worth 25 points (equivalent to a GCSE Grade E/F).
Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) – Level 3
CoPE – Level 3 is being introduced into the curriculum in September 2012. CoPE at Level 3 has recognition from UCAS and is worth 70 UCAS points (roughly equivalent to an A grade at AS Level).
Oldfield Vocational Course
This is an exciting and innovative course that compliments Certificate of Personal Effectiveness -Level 2/1. It contains a package of qualifications and courses alongside work experience. The course is designed to develop life skills and prepare young people to be successful in the world of work or further education.
Included in the two year course are:
- British Red Cross - ‘Looking after other people’s children’
- British School of Motoring - ‘Ignition’ -Driving in the classroom
- British Safety Council - ‘Workplace Hazard Awareness Course – Entry Level qualification
- Enterprise Education - Jewellery creation and design
- St Johns Ambulance - ‘Young Lifesaver Award’
- Pet First Aid - with Lucas Veterinary Surgery
There are educational visits and visitors from outside agencies deliver some aspects.
The Department
Mrs N Turner - Vocational Coordinator
