Curriculum Plan for Full-Time Learners

THE COLLEGE MERTHYR TYDFIL

CURRICULUM PLAN FOR FULL-TIME LEARNERS

May 2012

THE COLLEGE MERTHYR TYDFIL

VISION STATEMENT

The College Merthyr Tydfil will make a major impact on the economy of the heads of the valley region by increasing the acquisition of basic and higher level skills and qualifications for employment or higher education; and so support the development of healthy and sustainable communities.

The College will be recognised across the region as a centre of excellence for all learners from 16 onwards. The College will provide first class education and training both on campus and in the workplace, making full use of the Welsh Baccalaureate, at level one to three, and foundation degrees at level four and five.

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CONTENTS

Section 1: Introduction 4

1.1Background 4

1.2Key Principles informing the Curriculum Plan 4

Section 2: The College Curriculum: 6

2.1Overview of curriculum options 6

2.2 Level 3 – BTEC/AS/A LEVEL7

2.3 Level 2 12

2.4 Entry Level/Level 116

Section 3: Aim Higher – Programmes for high aspiring learners20

Section 4: Implementing the Curriculum Plan 21

4.1 Links with other Sub Committees 21

APPENDIX 1: OUTCOMES OF CONSULTATION 23

APPENDIX 2: EXAMPLE HE MODULES FOR HIGH ASPIRING LEARNERS 41

APPENDIX 3: ILLUSTRATIVE LEARNER CASE STUDIES 42

APPENDIX 4: OVERVIEW OF FE LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS OFFERED 45

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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

The college curriculum plan is intended to inform key project partners of the curriculum options to be made available at the college and the actions to be undertaken over the next year to implement and deliver these curriculum options from September 2013 onwards. The plan will be supplemented with a ‘Curriculum Prospectus’ which is currently being developed by Merthyr Tydfil College. This prospectus will include all the curriculum to be offered at the college and will be circulated, in the first instance, to Year 9 and Year 10 parents and pupils in February and March 2012.

1.1BACKGROUND

The Curriculum plan for the college has been prepared following detailed research and consultation (please refer to Appendix 1) from a wide range of sources, including:

• Previous curriculum proposals drawn up as part of the college‘hub and spoke’ model by ESIS (the Educational Advisory Service) and OptimaConsultancy.
• Desk based research publications and in particular the Estyn Report on 14-19 Education in Merthyr Tydfil (May 2007)
• Extensive consultation with Headteachers, subject leaders, Heads of Department and learners in the four 11-18 comprehensive schools affected by the college proposals.
• Discussions with other tertiary and sixth form colleges and also Careers Wales. These colleges include Coleg Gwent and Hereford Sixth Form College.
• Internal consultation with curriculum leaders, Heads of Department, tutors and business support staff within Merthyr Tydfil College.

1.2 KEY PRINCIPLES INFORMING THE COLLEGE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

• The Curriculum will provide for all learners a broad range of learning opportunities leading to further study, employment and entry into higher education.
• The curriculum will be underpinned by high quality careers advice and guidance and opportunities for all full-time learners to undertake work related education and training, including, access to work based learning programmes for those seeking taster Skillbuild/Level One and Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeship programmes with the facility to transfer to/from Further Education as appropriate.
• All full-time learners will be required to follow an essential skills programme of literacy, numeracy and information technology as part of the learning programme. In many cases, this programme will be linked to the WBQ. Enterprise educationand employability will be embedded via the tutorial entitlement into all programmes.
• The faith dimension will be developed using the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification, AS Philosophy and Ethics and AS/A2 Religious Education. The opportunity for students to visit their previous school for faith celebrations will be encouraged.
• A tailored programme will be developed for high aspiring learners that will draw on Level 4 Higher Education Modules (including the Open University YASS Scheme) with a suite of UHOVI modules currently in development and the opportunity to study essential skills at Level 4.
• The curriculum will provide where appropriate additional support for learners with additional learning needs.
• The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification (WBQ) will underpin all A/AS and BTEC programmes at levels 1, 2 and 3.
• BTEC Level 3 learners will be able to study for the 3 ‘A’ Level equivalent Extended BTEC Diploma. BTEC Level 3and A/AS candidates will have the opportunity to mix and match qualifications.
• A weekly tutorial programme will be developed for all full-time learners to monitor academic progress through the use of electronic individual learning plans. These plans will be used to prepare reports for parents/guardians on a twice yearly basis and will inform discussion at annual parents’ evenings to be held in January of each year.
• Tutorials will also, where appropriate, be used to develop the faith dimension through the use of guest speakers.
• There will be strong links with all partner 11-16 and 11-18 schools in Merthyr Tydfil in order to inform learner and parental choice. This process will begin inYear 9 with an annual parents/learners evening to be held in each school in the Spring Term. To compliment this process, taster activities/evenings will be held for all learners in year 9 in each school in the Autumn Term.
• All learners will have the opportunity to undertake a wide range of enrichment opportunities on a Wednesday afternoon. This enrichment programme will include a range of team sports linked to Sporting Academies and a range of Music, Drama and language modules. The Duke of Edinburgh programme will also be offered to learners as well as the peripatetic music service.These programmes will not be compulsory.
• The curriculum will be underpinned by GCSE English and Mathematics and programmes of adult literacy and numeracy will be available where GCSE study in the first instance is inappropriate. Resit GCSEs in English and Mathematics will be available for the November sitting for D grade candidates.

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SECTION 2: THE COLLEGE CURRICULUM PLAN

2.1 OVERVIEW OF CURRICULUM OPTIONS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The College Curriculum plan will provide a wide range of courses, ranging from Entry Level/level 1 through to Higher Education study at Level 4. The following table provides an overview of the further education qualifications available[1] at each of these FE levels and the general entry requirements. These will be discussed in detail during the application process.

Level / Examples of Qualifications / Entry Criteria
Level 3 /

• BTEC Level 3 Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma and Extended Diploma
• AS and A Levels
• NVQ Level 3
• Access Courses
• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
• Advanced Awards
• City and Guilds Level 3

/ 5 GCSE Grade C or above
Level 2 /

• BTEC Level 2 Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma
• GCSEs
• NVQ Level 2
• Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate
• Intermediate Awards
• City and Guilds Level 2

/ 4 GCSE’s Grade D or above
Level 1 /

• BTEC Level 1 Certificates and Awards
• NVQ Level 1
• Foundation Awards
• City & Guilds Level 1
• Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation

/ 4 GCSEs at Grade D-G or above
Entry Level /

• BTEC Entry Level Certificates and Awards
• Vocational Access
• OCN Entry Level Units

/ No formal entry requirements

2.2LEVEL 3 CURRICULUM OPTIONS

• There will be an extensive range of choices available at Level 3, including Awards, Diplomas and Extended Diplomas together with AS/A Level Programmes. These are outlined on pages 9 and 10.
• All learners on these programmes will follow the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification with GCSE English/Mathematics available for those who have not achieved a ‘.C’ grade. November re-sit opportunities will also be available for ‘D’ grade candidates.
• Learners will be able to follow a number of options, which may include:

1. 4 AS levels and WBQ (20 hours per week)
2. Extended Diploma and WBQ (20 hours per week)
3. Diploma (2 A Level Equivalent) AS and WBQ (20 hours per week)
4. 2/3 AS and Award and WBQ (16 hours per week)
5. 3AS and WBQ (16 hours per week)
6. Diploma, Award and WBQ (20 hours per week)
7. Full-time Level 3 Vocational programmes will be offered on 18 hrs per week (including Essential Skills) or 19 hrs with the WBQ qualification.

• In the second year of study, learners may change their option choice subject to advice and guidance from their personal tutor and careers adviser in consultation with parents/guardians.
• The tutorial programme offered to Level 3 learners will have strong links to HE and employability with the co-ordination of UCAS applications undertaken in conjunction with parents/guardians, the careers service, personal tutor and the Assistant Principal for Advanced Level programmes.
• The programme for high aspiring learners will be offered in Block F and on a Wednesday afternoon. (Please refer to Appendix 2 for more information on the types of HE modules to be offered).

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The College Merthyr Tydfil

Level 3 - Timetable Model

Duration / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
2hrs / A / F / C / F / B
2hrs / B / E / A / WBQ
Advanced / C
2hrs / WBQ
Advanced / D / Sport/
Extra Curricular / E / D

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Level 3 (Year 1)

A / B / C / D / E / F
AS Level
AS Government & Politics*
AS Art – Photo (1)
-Fine Art (1)
-Graphics (1)
AS History (2)
AS English (1)
AS Media Studies
AS Physical Education (1)
AS Health & Social Care (1)
AS Design Technology
AS Chemistry (1)
AS Maths (4)
AS Spanish*
AS Geography (3)
AS Philosophy and Ethics *
BTEC
Sport (3)
Business (3)
Built Environment (2)
/ AS Level
AS Economics
AS Drama/Theatre Studies
AS Welsh (1)
AS Chemistry (2)
AS ICT (1)
AS Computer Studies (1)
AS Geology *
AS Psychology (2)
AS Maths (3)
AS RE (3)
AS Biology (3)
AS Health & Care(2)
AS German *
AS English (3)
BTEC
Performing Arts (3)
Creative Media
Public Services (2)
ICT (3)
Engineering / AS Level
AS Business Studies
AS Geography (1)
AS RE (1) AS French
AS Law
AS Physics (1)
AS Art –
-Photography (2)
-Fine Art (2)
-Graphics (2)
AS English literature
AS Applied Science (2)
AS Chemistry (4)
AS Mathematics (5)
AS Health and Care (4)
BTEC
Performing Arts (3)
Art &Design (2)
Sport (3)
Business (3)
Engineering
ICT (3) / AS Level
AS Music AS Psychology (1)
AS RE (2)
AS Applied Science(1) AS Maths (1)
AS Biology (1)
AS History (1)
AS Film Studies*
AS Chemistry (3)
AS Physics (2)
AS Dance *
AS Health and Care (3)
AS English (4)
BTEC
Health & Social Care Travel & Tourism
Applied Science
Built Environment
Art &Design
Outdoor Education / AS Level
AS Sociology
AS Geography
AS Polish *
AS Portuguese *
AS Biology (2)
AS Maths (2)
AS English (2)
AS Art –
-Photography (3)
-Fine Art (3)
-Graphics (3)
AS Applied Science (3)
AS Welsh (2)
BTEC
Health & Care
Travel & Tourism
Applied Science
Creative Media
Public Services
Outdoor Education / High Aspiring learners Block
BTEC
Sport (3)
Business (3)
Art &Design (2)
Performing Arts(3)
Creative Media
Public Services (2)
ICT (3)
Engineering
Applied Science
Travel and Tourism
Built Environment
Outdoor Education
Health and Care

Level 3 (Year 2)

A / B / C / D / E / F
A Level
Sociology
Geography
Polish *
Portuguese *
Biology (2)
Maths (2)
English (2)
Art –
-Photography (3)
-Fine Art (3)
-Graphics (3)
BTEC
Health & Care
Travel & Tourism
Applied Science
Creative Media
Public Services
Outdoor Education / A Level
Government & Politics *
Art – Photo (1)
-Fine Art (1)
-Graphics (1)
History (2)
English (1)
Media Studies
Physical Education (1)
Health & Social Care (1)
Design Technology
Chemistry (1)
Maths (4)
Spanish *
BTEC
Sport (2)
Business (2)
Built Environment (2) / A Level
Economics
History (1)
Drama/Theatre Studies
Welsh
Chemistry (2)
ICT (1)
Computer Studies (1)
Geology*
Psychology (2)
Maths (3)
RE (3)
Biology (2)
Health & Care(2)
German *
English (3)
BTEC
Performing Arts (3)
Creative Media
Public Services (2)
ICT (4)
Engineering / A Level
Business Studies
Geography
RE (1) French
Law
Physics (1)
Art (2)
English literature*
Applied Science (2)
BTEC
Performing Arts (3)
Art &Design (2)
Sport (3)
Business (3)
Engineering
ICT (3) / A Level
Music
RE (2)
Applied Science(1) Maths (1)
History (1)
Film Studies*
Chemistry (3)
Dance *
Health and Care (3)
BTEC
Health & Social Care Travel & Tourism
Applied Science
Built Environment
Art &Design
Outdoor Education / High Aspiring learners block
BTEC
Sport (3)
Business (3)
Art &Design (2)
Performing Arts(3)
Creative Media
Public Services (2)
ICT (3)
Engineering
Applied Science
Travel and Tourism
Built Environment
Outdoor Education
Health and Care

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Engineering

IMIAL L3 Expended Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance & Repair FT

Business and IT

OCR NVQ Diploma L3 Business and Administration

Child and Social Care

CACHE L3 Diploma in Child Care and Education Yr1

CACHE L3 Diploma in Child Care and Education Yr2

Access Courses

Access Diploma to HE Nursing

Access Diploma to HE Humanities/ITT

Hair and Beauty

VTCT L3 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing

VTCT L3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments

VTCT L3 Diploma Complementary Therapies

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2.3LEVEL 2 CURRICULUM OPTIONS

• The learner choice for the college Level 2 curriculum is highlighted on page 13.
• All learners who have achieved GCSE Grade D will be offered the opportunity to study GCSE English and Mathematics inNovember. Those with lower grades will be offered a one year English/Mathematics re-sit programme or an appropriate programme of numeracy and literacy leading to GCSE study in the following academic year
• Learners will not be offered a full GCSE re-sit programme – a range of GCSEs, will be offered to compliment theirchosen programme of study.
• Learners following a BTEC programme will be required to follow the WBQ intermediate qualification at Level 2.
• Learners may follow, for example:
• A vocational diploma (equivalent to four GCSE’s at Grade A-C), the WBQ and GCSE English/Mathematics re-sit (Minimum study 19 hours)
• A vocational Diploma, Award and the WBQ (Minimum study 20 hrs) including English/Mathematics
• A vocationally related programme e.g. Hairdressing, Motor Vehicle Studies (18 hours per week including essential skills or 19 hours with WBQ).

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The College Merthyr Tydfil

Level 2timetable Model

Duration / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
2hrs / A / WBQ Intermediate / C / WBQ Intermediate / B
2hrs / B / E / A / D / C
2hrs / F / D / Sport/
Extra Curricular / E / F

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Level 2

A / B / C / D / E / F
English (3 hrs)
Mathematics (3 hrs)
Adult Literacy (3 hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3 hrs)
BTEC
Built Environment
Health & Social Care
Childcare
Music Technology
Performing Arts
Technical Theatre
Travel & Tourism
Outdoor Education / English (3 hrs)
Maths (3 hrs)
Adult Literacy (3 hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3hrs)
BTEC
Applied Science
Health & Social Care
Sport (x2)
Art and Design
Performing Arts
Technical Theatre
Travel & Tourism
Outdoor Education
GCSE
Psychology / English (3 hrs)
Maths (3 hrs)
Adult Literacy (3 hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3hrs)
BTEC
Applied Science
Built Environment
Childcare
Sport (2)
Art and Design
Music Technology
GCSE
Biology / English (3 hrs)
Maths (3 hrs)
Adult Literacy (3 hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3hrs)
BTEC
ICT (x2)
Business
Public Services
Creative Media
Engineering
Teaching Assistant(1)
GCSE
Sociology
Polish
Spanish
French
Portuguese / English (3 hrs)
Maths (3 hrs)
Adult Numeracy (2hrs)
Adult Literacy (3 hrs)
BTEC
Engineering
ICT
Business
Public Services
Creative Media
Teaching Assistant (2)
GCSE
Welsh
Spanish
Dance / BTEC
Built Environment
Health, Social Care
Childcare
Music Technology
Performing Arts
Technical Theatre
Applied Science
Engineering
ICT (2)
Art and Design
Business
Public Services
Creative Media
Travel and Tourism
Sport (2)
Outdoor Education

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Level 2 – Vocational Pathway (offered across the grid)

Business and IT

OCR NVQ Diploma L2 Business and Administration

Child and Social Care

CACHE L2 Diploma in Child Care and Education

General Education and Access

OCN L2 Learning for Progression

Hair and Beauty

VTCT L2 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing

VTCT L2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques

Construction Trades

CSkills L2 Diploma in Brickwork

CSkills L2 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery

EAL L2 NVQ Diploma PEO Plumbing

Engineering

CG NVQ L2 Performing Engineering Operations

'IMIAL L2 Extended Diploma Automotive Maintenance & Repair

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2.4ENTRY/LEVEL 1 CURRICULUM OPTIONS

• The curriculum is designed for learners who have been less successful at GCSE study and accommodates entry and level 1 study. It is designed for learners to specialise or taste a range of vocational programmes.
• These learner groups, where appropriate, will be combined with learners following a programme of literacy and numeracy to support their core learning programme.
• A programme of essential skills will be offered to learners in the following entry/Level 1 programmes;
• Hair and Beauty
• Childhood Studies
• Motor Vehicle/Engineering
• Construction Skills
• Business Administration
• Computing
• Information Technology.
• All BTEC learners will follow the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification at Level 1
• An entry level WBQ will be offered once this programme has been developed by the WJEC.
• Learners will follow for example:
• A BTEC Introductory Certificate, WBQ and a programme of basic skills (Minimum study 19 hrs)
• A BTEC Introductory Certificate, BTEC Award, WBQ and a programme of basic skills (Minimum study 24 hrs)
• Vocationally related programmes – (18 hrs, including essential skills or 19 hrs with WBQ).

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The College Merthyr Tydfil

Entry / Level 1 timetable Model

Duration / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
2hrs / A / F / C / F / B
2hrs / B / E / WBQ
Foundation / Entry / D / C
2hrs / WBQ
Foundation/
Entry / D / Sport/
Extra Curricular / E / A

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Entry/Level 1

A / B / C / D / E / F
English (3 hrs)
Maths (3hrs)
Adult Literacy (3 hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3hrs)
BTEC
Construction
Health & Care
Childcare
Performing Arts
Travel and Tourism
Public Services / English (3hrs)
Maths (3 hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3hrs)
Adult Literacy (3hrs)
BTEC
Applied Science
Health & Care
Sport
Art & Design
Performing Arts
Travel and Tourism
Business / English (3 hrs)
Maths (3hrs)
Adult Literacy (3hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3hrs)
BTEC
Applied Science
Construction
Childcare
Sport
Art & Design
ICT / English (3 hrs)
Maths (3 hrs)
Adult Literacy (3hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3hrs)
BTEC
ICT
Business
Public Services / English (3hrs)
Maths (3 hrs)
Adult Literacy (3hrs)
Adult Numeracy (3hrs) / Btec Introductory (2hrs only in this block)
BTEC
Construction
Health & Care
Childcare
Performing Arts
Travel and Tourism
Applied Science
Sport
Art and Design
Business
ICT
Public Services

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Entry / Level 1 Vocational Pathways (offered across the grid)

Construction Trades

Construction Skills Diploma in Bricklaying

Construction Skills Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery

Diploma in Painting

Diploma in Plastering

NVQ Certificate in PEO Plumbing

Engineering

IMI L1 Diploma Vehicle Maintenance FT Grp A

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy