Health, Social Care & Early Years - Initial Access

Health, Social Care & Early Years - Initial Access

Course ID:
PC01980

Academy:
Health, Social Care & Early Years

Introduction:
This pre-Entry Level course is for learners who have attended special schools and require time to develop skills and independence. It provides underpinning knowledge and enhances independent living skills, whilst improving basic skills in Maths, English and Information Technology.

Study Mode & Location:
This course will last between one and two years. It will be held at Preston College, Fulwood Campus, St Vincent`s Road, Preston, PR2 8UR.

Course Content:
On this course, learners will study Maths, English, Multi-media and choose to study a vocational option from:

• Catering.
• Child Care.
• Drama.
• IT
• Motor Vehicle Studies.

The course is taught in a small group, to enable each learner to have more individual attention and to adjust to College life.

There will be a support worker in all sessions to support both individual and group requirements. Learners can receive support at breaks and lunchtimes if necessary. Independent travel programmes can be discussed with the College`s Additional Support Team. Learners support requirements will be assessed either prior to enrolment or on the course.

Assessment:
Learners will be assessed during practical workshops by an assessor. On occassions they may be asked some questions. Some part of the work will be assessed by other means and all the assessments will be carried out during the course. A personal folder of work will need to be compiled to show learner achievements.

The assessor will watch you working and assess your performance. You may be asked to undertake particular activities often in the College`s own work related environment.

Careers & Progression Opportunities:
Learners may progress to a higher level courses such as Pathways Diploma courses in the work related area of their choice. Guidance about the most appropriate pathway for future careers will be given.

How To Apply
To apply for a course at Preston College you will need to complete and return a College application form. Application Forms are available in our school leaver prospectuses or we can send one out to you.

Work Out Your Point Score
You will need to let us know on your application form your predicted exam grades and your point score. To work out your point score, you must use the grades that you get for GCSE Maths and English Language, and then your next best 5 grades. At Preston College, the level of course you start on will depend upon your point score. Your grades are worth the following points:

GCSE Grades

• A* = 8 points
• A = 7 points
• B = 6 points
• C = 5 points
• D = 4 points
• E = 3 points
• F = 2 points
• G = 1 point

(GCSE short courses are worth half the score of a full GCSE. Applied GCSEs are equivalent to two single GCSEs, eg an Applied GCSE at Grade C is worth 10 GCSE points).

GNVQ Foundation Part 1 (Equivalent to two GCSEs)

• Distinction = 8 points
• Merit = 6 points
• Pass = 4 points

GNVQ Intermediate Part 1 (Equivalent to two GCSEs)

• Distinction = 14 points
• Merit = 12 points
• Pass = 10 points

Full GNVQ Intermediate (Equivalent to four GCSEs)

• Distinction = 28 points
• Merit = 24 points
• Pass = 20 points

NVQs
NVQ Level 1 = 8 points. (NVQ Level 1 courses are equivalent to two GCSEs at Grade D and guarantee progression to NVQ Level 2 courses in the same subject area).

Certificates of Achievement
Up to 22 points will be awarded to students with Certificates of Achievement, for example AQA units, Compact 2000 and NPRA units. The Schools` Recruitment Team will inform you if you qualify.