FAQ
AM I GUARANTEED A PLACE?
Having the correct criteria is not the only requirements for acceptance onto a course. Students will also need to be successful at their interview and references will be taken up.
Due to the large number of applicants each year courses may become oversubscribed and places may not be available on your first choice course. We may have to place you on a waiting list. This does not, however, guarantee a place so you are advised to look at alternative courses at this time. We make every effort to place applicants on the course of their choice – so long as it is appropriate to their skills and ability. Occasionally courses may have to be cancelled and the college will do its best to suggest suitable alternatives.
CAN I HAVE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT?
The College places a strong emphasis on support for learning. All new full-time students have an initial screening assessment, which helps gauge if learning support is required. We can then work with the student and their tutors to devise a programme that is tailor-made to each student’s needs.
Our support can be provided in various ways. It can be done one to one, in class or via small groups. If specific support has already been identified by an outside agency we would normally try and ensure that it can be continued in much the same way. Learning support is normally available at every level of study.
CAN I STUDY FOR A DEGREE?
Yes, over 100 students are currently working towards or studying on in-house degree programmes at Highlands.
Since 2004 Highlands College has been officially recognised as a Partner College of the University of Plymouth, giving us official status within the university with our own Board of Studies.
We currently offer the Plymouth validated Access to Higher Education Certificate for adults who need a qualification to enter higher education. This can lead to Plymouth or other universities in the UK or Open University qualifications on Island.
We also offer the BSc Honours degree in Combined Social Science, the Foundation Degree in Financial Services and the Certificate in Foundation Studies in Art and Design as full-time programmes. The latest addition to our degree provision is the Foundation Degree in Information Technology for Business, which will be offered as a full-time programme for the first time in September 2009. On a part-time basis we offer the Foundation Degree in Art and Design, BSc (Hons) in Construction Management and BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology.
The mission of the University of Plymouth Partner Colleges is to provide “a degree on your doorstep” and at Highlands College we have worked hard to make this a reality.
HOW IMPORTANT IS ENGLISH AND MATHS?
Low levels of literacy and numeracy have a profound effect on individuals, their families, on the economy and on society.
The College offers supports to its students to enable them to develop their literacy and numeracy skills so that their everyday use of language and numeracy is a source of pride and not one of embarrassment.
Every student will be enrolled on a GCSE or a programme of Adult Literacy and Numeracy qualifications if they have not already gained a C grade at GCSE.
WHAT ARE BTEC QUALIFICATIONS?
BTEC qualifications are suitable for a wide range of learners. They encourage and recognise achievement in learners, some of whom may not be getting the most out of “traditional” academic study. Those who enjoy hands-on, practical work with plenty of real-life situations tend to find stimulation and success through BTEC qualifications.
|
Qualification |
Units |
Equivalent to |
|
Introductory Certificate |
4 |
2 GCSEs D - G |
|
Introductory Diploma |
8 |
4 GCSEs D - G |
|
First Certificate |
3 |
2 GCSEs A* - C |
|
First Diploma |
6 |
4 GCSEs A* - C |
|
National Award ** |
6 |
1 Advanced GCE |
|
National Certificate ** |
12 |
2 Advanced GCEs |
|
National Diploma ** |
18 |
3 Advanced GCEs |
** BTEC National qualifications now qualify for UCAS points
WHAT IS A VOCATIONAL COURSE?
In vocational courses everything you learn is directly related to your chosen career. The course, which may include work experience, will give you the opportunity to work on tasks as a member of a team. Your results are based much more on your coursework than on any examinations that you take. Employers, colleges and universities recognise vocational courses to be equivalent to academic courses.
Will a vocational course suit you?
-
Yes, if one or more of the following statements apply to you:
-
You are reasonably certain of the career area that you wish to enter
-
You enjoy applying your knowledge and solving problems
-
You prefer coursework to examinations
-
You want to concentrate on your favourite subject area
-
You want some work experience in your course
-
You enjoy working as part of a team
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
If you are interested in finding out more about any of our courses, or you would like an application form, please contact our Student Services office on 608654, or if you are at school, speak to your Careers Teacher.