Get ahead of the game before leaving school with a School Partnership Course at Forth Valley College

Forth Valley College is offering pupils the chance to study with them while still at school, and is hoping teachers and parents will help sign them up. The College offers a range of exciting school partnership courses, including Foundation Apprenticeships, Higher National Certificates, National Progression Awards and Skills for Work Programmes. These courses are for school pupils moving into S4, S5 and S6 in August 2023, depending on the programme, who can join their vocational courses as one of their subject options, alongside their school-based national and higher qualifications.

Everyone has heard the phrase ‘school’s not for everyone’, but even if it was, FVC’S school partnership courses can enhance, improve and develop on what senior school pupils are learning at secondary. Another advantage is that the award-winning Forth Valley College is one of Scotland’s best, with an innovative curriculum and boasting industry experts across all teaching departments.

It is a real win-win situation as the courses give pupils a taste of what to expect in further or higher education and takes the anxiety away from them when they eventually leave school and make their next step in education or the world of work.

Their time at college will also encourage more independence, responsibility and maturity and allows them to experience a whole range of leisure activities and social networks.

Higher National Certificates

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 currently available in Applied Biological Sciences, Police Studies and Sports Coaching and Developing. They are at the same level as an Advanced Higher and on completion can lead on to some HND courses, or even directly into year two of some degree courses at University.

Foundation Apprenticeships

The College can also offer pupils entering S5 a choice of 7 Foundation Apprenticeship courses, developed by Skills Development Scotland, in conjunction with industry bodies.

Foundation Apprenticeships are at the same level as a Higher, and are also studied over two years and involve learning in the workplace with a local employer, as well as studying at college. Successful completion of most Foundation Apprenticeships 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. Foundation Apprenticeships are available in Business Skills, Computing, Construction, Creative Industries, Engineering, Hospitality, Media, and Social Services: Children and Young People.

Other Courses

National Progression Awards (NPA) are also available for school pupils in Business Skills, Construction, Film and Media, Scientific Technology, Cyber Security, Events, Exercise and Fitness Leadership, Social Services: Children and Young People, and Sport and Fitness: Team Sports (Football), Sound Production.

Skills for Work (SFW) is another option for school pupils to consider and subjects include Creative Industries, Early Education and Childcare, Healthcare, Uniformed and Emergency Services and Renewables. An Introduction to Hair and Beauty, a school link course in Higher Psychology might also spark an interest in senior phase pupils.

It’s a great opportunity to get ahead of the game before leaving school – so go on and help them make their next move! Pupils interested in these courses should talk to their support teacher. For more information, visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk/schools