Vocational qualifications are work-related qualifications. They are designed to allow students to learn in a way that suits them and equips them with the skills that employers are looking for. Vocational courses also promote entrepreneurship.
Vocational qualifications can help a young person:
- Get the skills they need to start a job
- Make progress in careers
- Go on to further learning
Oldfield Vocational Course
This is an exciting and innovative option at KS4 that is designed to develop life skills and prepare young people to be successful in the world of work or further education. It contains a package of qualifications and awards at Key Stage 4 including Certificate of Personal Effectiveness -Level 2/1 and Bath Education Trust Award.
Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) - Levels 1 or 2
The ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness is a nationally recognised qualification. The qualification offer imaginative ways of accrediting young people's activities. The qualification promotes a wide range of personal qualities, abilities and achievements of young people, as well as introducing them to new activities and challenges.
CoPE Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE Grade B. CoPE Level 1 equivalent to a GCSE Grade E.
In 2015 100% of students achieved CoPE Level 2 (Grade B equivalent.)
The CoPE Student Book comprises 12 modules and students need 12 credits to gain the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness.
The module titles are:
- Citizenship and Community
- Sport and Leisure
- Independent Living
- The Environment
- Vocational and Diploma Preparation
- Health and Fitness
- Work Related Learning and Enterprise
- Science and Technology
- International Links
- Expressive Arts
- Beliefs and Values
By building a Portfolio of Evidence as they complete various challenges, students must demonstrate competence at Level 2 or 1 in the following skills: Introduction to Working with Others, Introduction to Improving own Learning and Performance, Introduction to Problem Solving, Planning and Carrying out a Piece of Research, Communication through Discussion and Planning and Giving an Oral Presentation.
Included in the two year course are:
- British Red Cross - ‘Looking After Other People’s Children’
- British School of Motoring - ‘Ignition’ -Driving in the classroom
- British Safety Council - ‘Workplace Hazard Awareness Course’
- Enterprise Education - ‘Jewellery design and creation’
- St John Ambulance - ‘Young Lifesaver Award’
- An insight into a successful leisure business - ‘Bowling in Business ‘
There are educational visits including a tour of Bath Cats and Dogs Home.
Bath Education Trust (BET) Award
The BET Award is a valuable, certified programme of transferable skills and practical learning opportunities for students aged 14-19. It is designed to enhance students' skills for enterprise and employability. Students complete the award either alongside, or in some cases as part of, their existing school/college curriculum.
The BET Award is focussed on the development of the generic skills and qualities required to do almost any job. They include:
- Communication– reading, writing, speaking and listening
- IT and computer skills
- Problem solving
- Business awareness
- Customer care
The BET Award has four elements:
- A self-assessed skills questionnaire
- Work experience
- Volunteering experience
- Workshops and masterclasses
Students who complete all the elements are awarded a certificate of achievement.