College courses while still at
Pupils in Stirling and Clackmannanshire are getting the chance to start a college education while still attending school.
An extensive range of school partnership courses at varying levels of study, are now available at Forth Valley College.
School pupils moving into S4, S5 and S6 in August 2018 can sign up for wide range of vocational courses as one of their subject options, alongside their schoolbased National and Higher qualifications.
Pupils entering S5 in August and planning to continue in school in S6 can sign up to study a Higher National Certificate (HNC) over the two years. HNCs are available in computing, engineering, sport, police studies and civil engineering.
They are at the same level as an Advanced Higher and on completion can lead directly to year two of a Higher National Diploma (HND) at the college, or even directly into year two of some degree courses at university.
The college can also offer pupils entering S5 a choice of 10 new Foundation Apprenticeship courses, developed by Skills Development Scotland in conjunction with industry bodies. The same level as a Higher, they are studied over two years and involve learning in the workplace with a local employer, as well as studying at college.
Successful completion of most FAs gives a guaranteed place on an HNC at the college, or a head start with a Modern Apprenticeship.
The qualifications are also accepted by most Scottish universities as equivalent to a Higher. FAs are available in accountancy, business skills, civil engineering, engineering, creative digital media, computing, scientific technologies, food and drink operations, Social Services Healthcare and Working with Children and Young People.
Vice principal Fiona Brown said: “These qualifications give school pupils skills that are highly valued by employers and will give them an excellent head start and help them to stand out from the crowd, whether they plan to progress to