Technical courses are a great way of gaining a qualification if you prefer a practical, hands-on approach to learning. They are perfect if you are looking to develop skills employers are looking for, so you have the option to go straight into employment, or progress onto university or an apprenticeship.
A new choice - T Levels are a brand-new qualification designed to give you a head start towards the future you want. These two year courses follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A Levels, combining academic classroom-based learning with a meaningful industry placement. They provide a good alternative to A Levels or BTEC and technical courses.
Apprenticeships allow you to work and study at the same time. You will combine practical training in your workplace with studying at college so that you can earn while you learn. We like to call it the best of both worlds! Warrington & Vale Royal College is the Top 10 College for Apprenticeship Training in the UK, Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) General Further Education Providers. With courses ranging from level 2 to level 5, you can choose from trade apprenticeships, including plumbing and electrical installation, to hairdressing, customer service and many more.
Are you thinking about what to do when you finish your level 3 course, but you’re unsure whether to study at college or university? Consider staying with us! We offer a large range of higher education courses and professional qualifications designed to help you progress to your chosen career.
If you do not achieve a grade 4 or above in your GCSE English and/or maths at school, our specialist tutors will help you achieve these essential qualifications here at college.
In adherence with government legislation, students who do not have a grade 4 in GCSE English and/or maths will be allocated slots in their weekly timetable to study for these alongside their core subject.
These essential qualifications really open up so many more opportunities for you in further education and employment.
GCSE English
GCSE English is assessed with two exams at the end of the year.
The two exams consist of:
Paper 1: 20th century reading and creative writing
Paper 2: 19th and 21st century non-fiction reading and transactional/ persuasive writing
Both exams assess reading and writing skills.
GCSE Maths
GCSE Maths is assessed with three exams at the end of the year.
Paper 1: Non-calculator
Paper 2: Calculator
Paper 3: Calculator
Modules covered include: number, ratio, proportion and rates of change, algebra, geometry and measures, probability and statistics.
Functional skills
Functional Skills is an alternative to GCSE English and maths.
Functional Skills English
The course focuses on the functional elements of reading, writing, speaking and listening. It prepares you for the world of work, exploring transactional writing, reading for purpose and information, and communicating effectively with others.
Functional Skills Maths
The studies concentrate on the functional elements of number, shape and space and data handling. The course really helps prepare you for work and the mathematical tasks you’re likely to face, including things like budgeting and problem solving.
We are passionate about making sure you are industry ready when you leave us.
As a student at Warrington & Vale Royal College, industry experience is an important part of your studies and will help you stand out from the crowd when you are applying for university, an apprenticeship or a job.
Therefore, you won’t just spend your time in the classroom; you will be given the opportunity to work alongside high-profile employers, gaining valuable work experience. This is a brilliant way to experience industry first-hand, and some students have even secured jobs through their work placements.
All of our students are expected to complete an industry placement, which can range from one day per week to a one week block or even longer.
We have a dedicated Industry Placement Team on hand to help you when it comes to finding an employer or organising your placement.
Our tutorial programme for 16-18 year olds is called ASPIRE.
Each week you will have group tutorials and regular 1:1s with your Progress Coach.
Our ASPIRE programme is career and destination-focused, helping to prepare you for future success in your chosen subject. The programme will allow you to take part in valuable career workshops during your tutorial lessons.
At college we are committed to providing high quality personal and social development for all our students. Through the ASPIRE programme, you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to prepare you for future life and work. You will also be offered a ‘career led’ curriculum which responds to local economic and labour market intelligence and community needs:
You will have the opportunity to complete a bespoke Flight Path which will guide you through your studies and be focused on equipping you fully to reach your destination. Your Flight Path will track progress of your qualification but it will also have a focus on developing your skills through work experience and participating in competitions and enrichment.
The goal of your Flight Path is to ensure you reach your destination and this will be completed by your Progress Coach through your tutorials and monitored twice a year.
We also have the Honours Programme.
Our Honours Programme identifies high-achieving and talented students and enables them to access events which will help prepare them for higher education.
Focusing on Russell Group universities, Conservatories and higher apprenticeships, the Honours Programme ensures our aspirational students are fully equipped to further their education at a prestigious university.
It's not all work and no play!
There is so much to discover in addition to your exciting new course. Taking part in enrichment opportunities and events adds an extra dimension to your college experience, allowing you to make friends and enjoy new experiences.
Getting involved with college life can even help you gain a new qualification and provide you with impressive skills to include on your CV or UCAS application.
