1. Options and Career Pathways

2. Raising of participation age (RPA)
The Government has increased the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training; since 2015 all young people have been expected to remain in some form of education and training until they are 18 years old.
This means that students will able to choose one of the following options post-16:
full-time education, such as school or college
an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship
part-time education or training if you are employed, self-employed or volunteering full-time (which is defined as 20 hours or more a week).
Training, which also includes The Army or other forces.
An education to employment scheme such as a traineeship.
Taken from

3. Similar age range of 16-19 years old
6th form
Smaller classes
Similar age range of years old
Familiar environment
Not always able to offer as many practical courses.
College
Wider age range- can include adults, over 19’s, evening classes and overseas students all under one roof.
Wider variety of subjects
Larger environment
Apprenticeships
Earn whilst you learn
Day release to college or training centre
Can be in the field of work you want to do.
Training
Including the army.
Helps to get certificates and qualifications ready to go onto to college or into work.
Smaller environments
Similar age ranges
Employment
Start earning money
Can be difficult to get jobs with few qualifications
Education is free until your are 19
At 16 young people can take up part time work that doesn’t interfere with studies.
Post 16 the main options are- 6th form, college, apprenticeships, training or employment (although this will change after the current year 11’s leave-as discussed with RPA). Here are the main differences between all the possibilities.
The biggest difference between college and 6th form is their size and what can be offered. Some like a fresh start or want to do something practical and others prefer familiarity. It is a completely personal choice.

4. APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships offer structured training in the workplace
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
Intermediate : Level 2 (5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C)
Advanced : Level 3 (2 A level passes)
Higher : Levels 4,5,6 and 7 (Foundation degree and above)
Degree : Level 6 and 7 (Bachelor’s or master’s degree)
Assessed by preparing a portfolio of evidence of work
All include key skills, such as communication, numeracy and IT.
If your Apprenticeship includes a technical certificate, there may also be some exams which are mainly multiple choice
Most Apprenticeships are ‘employer-led’,
you have to find a job with an employer although there are some local and national training providers who will match potential apprentices to vacancies.
Available to year olds (there are now also adult apprenticeships)
Some will still ask for GCSE’s and especially in English, Maths and Science at grade C/D.
Mixture of work placement and college/training provider
Apprenticeships are great but they aren’t for everyone and certainly shouldn’t be seen as an easy route. They are tougher than just doing a course or working full time. I try to explain that whilst their friends may be at college only 3 days a week the will be working full time and going to college 1 day a week so is not something to be entered into lightly. I also explain about what they are asking from an employer- wages, training and a day off a week which is why salaries aren’t always great initially but this is training them for a career.

5. 3 LEVELS AVAILABLE- INTRODUCTORY, FIRST AND NATIONAL
BTEC’S
3 LEVELS AVAILABLE- INTRODUCTORY, FIRST AND NATIONAL
MORE PRACTICAL, COURSEWORK BASED AND ASSESSMENT AS YOU GO ALONG. NORMALLY WILL STUDY BTEC ON ITS OWN.
CAN STILL GO TO UNIVERSITY BUT WOULD NEED TO CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICULAR DEGREES AND WOULD NEED DISTINCTION/MERIT FOR POINTS. WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE A DEGREE IN A RELATED AREA E.G BTEC ENGINEERING TO DEGREE IN ENGINEERING.
AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF SUBJECTS- PERFORMING ARTS, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, ART AND DESIGN, PUBLIC SERVICES….
WOULD NEED TO KNOW THAT IT WAS AN AREA YOU DEFINITELY SAW YOURSELF GOING IN TO.
BTEC’s post 16 have 3 different levels. The National diploma is a level 3 course and equivalent to 2 A levels. At college you would study the BTEC normally on its own. In some 6th forms they will offer the level 3 btec and 1 A level subject.
BTEC’s re often seen as a lesser qualification than A levels but this depends on the path the young person wants to take. Entry requirements for level 3 are not too dissimilar to A levels so I think it is more a historical view that sometimes makes young people think they are not as good. I always give the scenario that with BTEC you need to know that is your are of interest as if you did a level 3 btec in engineering but then wanted to go to uni to study law, then they wont match but btec engineering and degree in engineering will give them a better chance as they are related. Most uni’s not validate BTEC’s but usually would need to get distinction or merit to receive enough points for degree courses. If young people have particular uni’s in mind it is useful to research this before taking a btec in case they wont acknowledge it.

6. Y9 Options
Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups

7. Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups
Letter to parents in January 2019

8. Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups
Letter to parents in January 2019
Y9 Parents Evening: Thursday

9. Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups
Letter to parents in January 2019
Y9 Parents Evening: Thursday
Parents Options Evening: Thursday

10. Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups
Letter to parents in January 2019
Y9 Parents Evening: Thursday
Parents Options Evening: Thursday
Option Form returned to Mr Newton – early March

11. Y9 Options Students seen by Careers Advisor in small groups
Letter to parents in January 2019
Y9 Parents Evening: Thursday
Parents Options Evening: Thursday
Option Form returned to Mr Newton – early March
Options Outcomes to parents: June/July