16-18-year-olds
WHERE YOUR FUTURE MATTERS
English & Maths
If you do not achieve a grade 4 or above in your GCSE English and/or maths at school, we can help you achieve it at college with the help of our specialist tutors.
You will be allocated slots in your weekly timetable to study for your GCSE English and/or maths alongside your vocational studies.
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.
ASPIRE
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:
- A bespoke careers programme relevant to the subject you are studying and the level of study
- Equipping you with the skills needed for your next steps in life, work and well-being
- Topics that cover current local and national issues
- Guest speakers to enhance your knowledge and understanding of personal and real life issues.
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.
Enrichment
We provide you with a range of opportunities to enrich your studies, suited to your interests and career goals. You will not only have fun but develop skills which employers are looking for, providing you with an edge when you go onto employment or higher education.
Work Experience
As a student at Warrington & Vale Royal College, 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.
Some of our students also take part in an extended work placement.
All of our students are expected to complete a work placement, which can range from one day per week to a one week block or even longer.
We have a dedicated Work Placement Team on hand to help you when it comes to finding an employer or organising your placement.
Are you aged 17?
The college welcomes applications from 17 year-olds.
If you have spent a year at another college or on an apprenticeship and decided you would like to attend our college full-time, we would love to hear from you.
Look through the subject areas at the range of courses available and click apply!
From September 2023 Warrington & Vale Royal College will be offering T Levels in:
- Construction
- Education childcare
- Digital
- Health
- Engineering (September 2024)
T Levels are new two-year courses, developed in collaboration with employers and providers so that the course meets the needs of the industry and prepares you for the world of work.