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This study programme is designed for 16 to 19 year olds (aged 19 to 24 for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan).

All courses take place on our Sixth Form Campus, therefore any applicants aged 25+ or over who do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan may be required to complete a DBS check as part of the conditional offer to West Suffolk College. The cost to the applicant for a DBS is £30.00 and the DBS check can be completed through the college.

Please visit our Adult EducationDegrees and Employer section for alternative courses.

About the course

This is a vocational course aiming to introduce learners to the key areas relating to the uniformed public services at level two. The course covers a variety of public service skills and learners will have the opportunity to develop their fitness levels that are required to work within the sector.

Entry requirements

Four GCSE passes to Grade 3 (to include mathematics and English) or an equivalent qualification, plus an interest in public services and the motivation to succeed. However, this course offers flexibility on the outcome of a personal interview and selection process with the curriculum staff. Students who do not have GCSE grade 4 in English and Maths will be required to continue with a course of study throughout their time at college.

Qualifications

The College offers a wide menu of Level 2 Diplomas. We will work with all learners in their first six weeks at College to place them on the appropriate Diploma programme that best meets their individual needs and best ensures their success. Within this course, learners will have the opportunity to take a NCFE Level 2 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services.

What you'll learn (core modules)

The course is run by an inspiring team of highly qualified lecturers with public services experience, and has been planned to allow all learners to have a good understanding of public services and to develop their own skills within an active and challenging environment. Learners are expected to be in College for three days per week. Timetables run between 9.15am and 5.00pm on each of these days. The course will require additional study time at home and this will include a minimum of ten hours of private study a week.

 

The qualification aims to provide learners with an understanding of the uniformed public services including the personal commitment and fitness requirements needed to be employed in the uniformed services. The course will give them the opportunity to investigate career and prepare for recruitment interviews. They will also complete a variety of volunteer work and investigate the transferable skills volunteering can provide. They will also develop skills and qualities needed for the uniformed public services, including, teamwork, communication, problem solving navigational and drill.

 

Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE 9 to 4 or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.

Benefits, skills and character strengths

Students will develop are variety of skills including communication, independent learning and problem solving, teamwork, fitness, along with the college character strengths which are a focus of the classroom teaching sessions.  Student will also have an appreciation for appropriate behaviour and interpersonal skills.  Students will also be required to take part in a minimum of 40 hrs volunteer work to help develop skills, working with the local community. 

How will I be assessed?

Work is all internally assessed by a variety of methods, including practical and physical tasks, written assessments and reports, verbal presentations, and self-evaluation.  Each unit has 3-4 assessments and work is submitted via Microsoft Teams. 

Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)

6th Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds

Where will the course take me?

The course is well suited to learners who would like to progress to level three learning including the Diploma qualifications for entry to the uniformed services. Learners may also choose to enter employment in any of the following areas: Police (including police community support officer), Fire Service, Royal Air Force, Army, Royal Navy, Prison service and border agency.

 

Of the students who completed this course last year 59% continued with Further Education and 35% secured employment.

Will I need any materials or equipment?

All students will be require to wear a college issued uniform, cost about £60.00, and have sports kit suitable for use in the gym and running outside.

How much will it cost?

This study programme is fully funded for 16 to 19-year-olds.

I'm interested. What should I do now?

Please make an application and we will be in touch to arrange a time for you to come to college to meet the team and discuss your application further. 

Days & times

Starting September 2023


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