It’s the big one! You’re finally leaving secondary school and the road ahead forks in so many directions. Whatever path you take it’s almost certain that furthering your skills and qualifications, whether through full-time education or training, is the best way to get a well-paid and secure job. But figuring out where to go and what courses to take is best done with as much advice as possible. Below is some guidance on the different pathways you could take.
Academic Pathway
These qualifications are highly valued by universities and employers, so will be useful whatever you are planning to do afterwards. They are the tried and tested route to university. There are now many other qualification routes to university but academic qualifications are the safest if you want a place at a competitive university.
A Levels
A Levels are made up of the AS Level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A Level grade. You can follow A levels in a very wide range of subjects. Make sure you choose those that are of most interest to you – and to the university or employer you want to move onto.
AS Level
The AS Level can be either a free standing qualification; or be valued as the first half of the full A Level. At the end of the AS year you can take the AS Level qualification only or continue to the second year and go for the full A Level.
Year two: The A2
In year two of a full A Level, you take the A2 – this is not a separate qualification, but rather the second half of the A Level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge you gained during the AS Level.
The International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum, aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognised by the world’s leading universities.
The IB Diploma Programme curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core. Students study one subject selected from each of the subject groups. Subjects range from English, Modern Foreign Languages, History, Geography, Economics, Mathematics, Experimental Sciences, to the Arts.. In addition, the compulsory core of the Diploma Programme includes an Extended Essay, the study of the Theory of Knowledge and a Creativity, Action and Service programme. These are compulsory and central to the IB philosophy.
Students not wishing to pursue the full Diploma Programme can study individual IB subjects and/ or A Levels. The above subjects can be taken as part of the Diploma Programme of Study (six subjects) or as individual standalone subjects, equivalent to A Levels.
Vocational Pathway
If you want to learn more about a particular career or area of work, there are many vocational qualifications to choose from. Examples include BTECs and Diplomas. These are work-related qualifications available in a wide range of sectors. Many have been designed in collaboration with industry, so they can equip you with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. These qualifications also lead to university – only half of university entrants in 2009 had A levels alone.
Is the vocational pathway for me?
The vocational pathway will suit you if:
- you want a full time learning programme at 16+
- you’re looking for a mix of classroom learning and practical experience
- you’re keen to learn in new ways and in new places
- you can be creative, like solving problems and teamwork
- you want a real challenge.
What’s on offer in Tower Hamlets?
You can choose from qualifications in
- Business Administration and Finance
- Construction and Engineering
- Creative and Media
- Environment and Land-Based Studies
- Hair and Beauty Studies
- Health and Social Care
- Hospitality
- Information Technology
- Public Services
- Retail Business
- Sport and Leisure
Apprenticeship
An Apprenticeship allows you to learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. You work towards a job related qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other nationally recognised qualifications. Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that you’ve been trained in the skills they need.
What will I study?
All Apprenticeships include the following elements:
- An appropriate work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either Level 2 or 3
- Key skills in Application of Number and Communication at Levels 1, 2 or 3
- A Technical Certificate and/or Employment Rights and Responsibilities relevant to the specific Apprenticeship Framework
- Other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular sector skills council.
What will I earn?
- Depending on the employer, you can earn between £500-£1000 per month
- Towards the end of the Apprenticeship there will be opportunities to apply for other jobs and as your skills develop your pay can increase accordingly
- As an apprentice, you will receive the same benefits as other employees such as annual leave and pension.
What can I do after my Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships can be demanding but they are very rewarding. Because Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in the career you can pursue. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to college or university.
