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Technical Author
Technical and academic learning pathways
Technical and academic learning pathways
Recent government reviews of technical and post-18 education have led to the creation of new technical education pathways and an increase in the number and range of apprenticeships.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are 8 qualification levels (1 - 8). Generally, the higher the level, the more difficult the qualification is. Levels 1-3 are typically taught in schools and colleges.
This useful graphic, created by theparentsguideto.co.uk, provides a summary of what the levels mean, highlighting academic, vocational and work-based routes to higher education.
For more details on the pathways and qualification levels most relevant to our students, see below.
T Levels: what are they?
T Levels are new courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. These 2-year courses, which launched in September 2020, have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study.
T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience, during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days).
The Tiffin Girls' School Sixth Form does not offer a T-levels provision. Full details of the range of subjects available and providers in your local area go to https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students
Apprenticeships: what are they?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.
Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
An apprenticeship includes:
paid employment with holiday leave
hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
at least 20% off-the-job training
formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification
There are no student loan or tuition fees for an apprenticeship because it is funded by the government and the employer.
For more information on apprenticeships, including links to degree apprenticeships opportunities, click here
UTCs: what are they?
UTCs (University Technical Colleges) and studio schools are government-funded schools with a STEM focus. Established by companies and universities in areas of high demand, they provide technical qualifications at KS3 & KS4, alongside national curriculum subjects at GCSE and A level.
They benefit from industry-standard equipment and specialist staff to develop the skills valued by employers.
Further details can be found here
Your Options_FINAL VERSION.pdf220705 Aspire Guide IG.pdfThe Careers and Enterprise Company has produced a useful guide (left) to the various technical pathways available to students and a brief video, below, outlining the options for students following GCSEs.
Global Academy's unique FREE industry-focused programme, in partnership with Disruptive Talent Group, for 18+ students, has been designed to kickstart your career in the creative media industry.
University isn’t for everyone. If you’re 18 or older and keen on launching your freelance media venture or nurturing your creative side, Global Academy’s collaboration with the Disruptive Talent Group could be your game-changer.
Their free one-year course helps you expand your network, build entrepreneurial skills, and kickstart your own creative business. Partnering with industry leaders, we offer real-world experiences and tailored training to prep young creatives.
If you want to skip the traditional university path or put your gap year to good use, this could be a good way to jumpstart your creative career.
Details here
Local & alternative post-16 providers
Local & alternative post-16 providers
A new, comprehensive online platform designed to support students and parents in exploring Post-16 education and training opportunities across London.
The platform is a free, easy-to-use directory that includes listings for colleges, sixth forms, training providers, and schools in every London borough.
Access the listing here
A wide range of A level options
A diverse learning community
Offers A Levels, Vocational and Technical courses and Apprenticeships
Brand new campus with excellent facilities
The Fashion Retail Academy is a unique, industry-led college. Founded by fashion and retail giants, they offer a range of specialist fashion courses with unparalleled industry involvement.
The group consists of South Thames College, Carshalton College,
Merton College and Kingston College. They offer a range of A level and vocational courses.
ELAM is the industry Academy for 16-19-year-olds passionate about Music, Film or Games Design.
The BRIT School in Croydon is the UK's leading Performing and Creative Arts School and is free to attend.
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