Entry Level
Entry Level qualifications are available to young people who may not have achieved GCSE passes and are not quite ready to tackle a Level 1 qualification. Entry Level gives you additional communication, numeracy and study skills to help you to progress to a Level 1 mainstream course.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ)
NVQ’s are offered at all Further Education levels and relate to specific jobs, such as, Accounting, Electrical Installation or Painting and Decorating. Most NVQ’s involve a significant amount of work experience, where you might be at college for just one day a week and work the rest. Apprenticeships are most often NVQ’s or Diplomas (combining work and study).
BTEC Diplomas
There are three levels of Diploma – Foundation, Higher and Advanced, which can be studied at any age. Diplomas focus on practical learning and develop the skills that you need for your chosen subject area. Diplomas will help you to gain a good standard in English, maths and ICT skills needed for everyday life. The skills you learn will be useful for university or college and the workplace, as there is a real emphasis on learning by doing.
BTEC First and BTEC National Award/Certificate
In some areas BTEC offers First (Level 2) and National (Level 3) qualifications. Level 3 programmes provide opportunities for students to go onto Higher Education or employment.
Functional Skills
Every student who is aged between 14 and 19 is required to do Functional Skills. These qualifications will be offered to you at the College and at workplaces throughout England. They help you to improve your English and maths skills, ready for the world of work.
Access to Higher Education
This is a well-established route to Higher Education for adult learners over the age of 19. There are two pathways – Humanities and Social Science and Health and Nursing. They are accredited by the Kent and Medway Open College Network.
Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas/Certificates
These are our highest level courses and are equivalent to year one and two of a university education. On completion, students have the option to top-up their qualification to a full degree at university. However, both Business and Photography can be studied to Degree level at the College.
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
We have ESOL courses are for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced. They are based at the Gravesend campus and are 15 hours per week (two and a half days). The courses follow the DfES ESOL Curriculum. Exams are accredited by Trinity College London.
The courses include Citizenship studies, enabling those wishing to become eligible for British Citizenship to obtain a certificate of completion. In addition, students have the support of several teachers, and have access to careers and guidance staff for future progression.