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Business – BTEC First Certificate (Level 2)

Qualifications to start the course

General entry requirements for all Level 2 vocational courses are mainly D grades (grade 3/4) for at least 5 GCSE subjects.

Description of the subject

This is a vocationally related qualification. It provides knowledge of business activity and helps develop skills commonly required in business organisations.

This course suits young enthusiastic entrepreneurs that dream of setting up their own business: Equally this course suits mature thinking students who want to take a step closer to their career. Students will complete computer generated business reports, so many lessons will also be computer based. However, occassional role play and mock interviews also feature during the course.

Ultimately, this course is an exploration of how businesses work, particularly in finances and marketing; how you can set up a business; the importance of customer service; branding and sales. It also offers an inside track on how businesses recruit the best staff.

What you will do

Students will complete six units in one year (all units are 100% coursework which have to be both internally and externally assessed) and two online exams. The marking system comprises pass, merit or distinction. This is equivalent to 2 GCSEs at A* – C.

The 8 areas of study are:

  • Enterprise in the Business world
  • Finance for Business (online exam – maximum of three attempts with the best grade being accepted)
  • Principles of customer service
  • Recruitment, selection and employment
  • Promoting a brand
  • Principles of marketing (exam – maximum of two attempts)
  • Sales and personal selling
  • Introducing retail business

Future prospects

Careers in business, management and the ability to set up your own small private enterprise.

Health and Social Care – Cambridge Technical (Level 2)

Qualifications to start the course

General entry requirements for all Level 2 vocational courses are mainly D grades (grade 3/4) for at least 5 GCSE subjects.

Description of the subject

The course covers caring for service users in a range of care settings and includes areas such as equality, effective communication, health and safety and cultural diversity. Students will be expected to complete assignments based on care settings and the workplace.

Health & Social Care looks at a wide range of care settings; residential homes, hospitals, nurseries and schools, and how to care for and treat people in these settings. This will allow students to develop the necessary skills for career progression in the health and social care sector.

What you will do

The course consists of eight units to be studied over one year, including four core units and four specialist units.

The core units include:

  • Communication in Health and Social Care
  • Individual Rights in Health and Social Care
  • Individual Needs in Health and Social Care
  • Ensuring Safe Environments in Health and Social care

All units are assessed through externally set assignments and coursework. There are no set external examinations.

Future prospects

Achievement of a Distinction or above allows students to progress onto Level 3 courses where applicable. Students may also choose to take up employment or further training to work in areas such as: Child Care, Care Assistant, Care Worker, and Education.

English Language – GCSE Mature

Qualifications to start the course

General entry requirements for all Level 2 vocational courses are mainly ‘D’ grades (grade 3/4) for at least 5 GCSE subjects.

Description of the subject

We have a proven track record of helping students achieve a ‘C’ (Grade 5) and above in English at Sir John Cass.

The aim of the course is to develop the students’ understanding of English Language. Students cover a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, as well as experiencing a range of teaching styles to help their understanding.

The course is specifically designed for students who have previously achieved a D (Grade 3) or equivalent and we have an experienced team dedicated to help students make the most of their potential.

Students taking the GCSE English Language Mature will have additional classes after school for at least one hour a week to develop their exam skills.

What you will do

  • Develop your writing skills to ensure you can express yourself fluently for a range of purposes.
  • Complete written assessments throughout the course to assess your progress.
  • Complete two official examinations at the end of the one year course.
  • Three speaking and listening assessments.

Future prospects

English Language at grade C (4 or above) is essential for gaining access to all courses in higher education.

Additional information

We currently use the AQA exam board and students will sit the English Language examination (New specification 2015 onwards).

Students sitting examinations in 2017 and beyond will achieve a Grade 1 to 9 (with 9 being the top) Students aim to achieve at least a Grade 4 and above in their English Language exam to be considered for most level 3 courses.

Mathematics – GCSE Mature

Qualifications to start the course

General entry requirements for all Level 2 vocational courses are mainly ‘D’ grades (grade 3/4) for at least 5 GCSE subjects.

What you will do

  • The GCSE Mathematics Resit course will follow the new Edexcel specification for Mathematics GCSE.

    The new specification involves functional mathematics, problem solving and mathematical reasoning.

    Topics include algebra, trigonometry, graphs, transformation, probability and statistics.

Future prospects

Mathematics at grade C (5) or above is essential for gaining access to all courses in higher education.