Each A level is split into two parts - the AS level and the A2 level. You study for one year to reach AS standard and two years for a full A level. Whilst both halves cover approximately the same amount of material, the harder elements will nearly always be found in the A2. Generally, each half of the A level will be split into two or three units. Each unit matches a corresponding exam. Examinations are normally in June, although you may be able to arrange to sit some parts of the A level in January.

To study for A levels you will need:5 GCSEs at grade C or above.

All students who do not have GCSE English Language at grade C or above will be expected to take this in their first year.

as level & a level

Entry Requirements

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open days11th Nov 200821st Jan 200923rd April 20095.00pm-8.00pm

phone 01905 743456for more info

Not sure which is the best course

??????????????

call Career advisor01905 725538

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CONTENTShow to apply and student information pg1 - 15

A & AS Levels pg16

Access to Higher Education pg30

Apprenticeships pg32

Art, Design & Media pg35

Beauty, Holistics & Hairdressing pg38

Business, Retail & Administration pg41

Computing & IT pg44

Construction pg48

Engineering pg52

GCSEs pg13

Health & Community Education pg57

Hospitality & Catering pg62

Music Technology & Performing Arts pg67

Public Services pg74

Science pg76

Skills for Life pg78

Travel & Tourism pg82

Worcester Sports Academy pg84

campus,travel information & index pg88-91

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Welcome to Worcester College of Technology. Our reputation for achievement,

encouragement and support attracts thousands of students every year. We put

an emphasis on excellence and encouraging ambition, which is why we have an

exceptional record of student success. Our exam pass rates and course success rates increase

year on year and our courses secure excellent university places and jobs for most of our

students. The College has invested millions of pounds over the last few years to ensure the

facilities are up-to-date and meet industry standards and we are continuously expanding and

changing our courses to make them relevant for today’s students. There are over 70 full-time

courses to choose from and this guide will help you decide which course is right for you.

However, if you need help choosing the right course call 01905 725538 to book your advice & guidance session.

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Applying

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ApplyingThe College is

‘Committed to the development

of skills, creativity and high

standards of learning to enable the

learner progression and improve

employability’.

Principal - Chris Morecroft

College Mission Statement

To apply for a course simply fill in the application form and return it to the College. You will be contacted for an interview. Remember it’s always best to apply early as some courses are very popular.

Application forms are also available from the College website (www.wortech.ac.uk), the course enquiry line (01905 743456) or directly from your school’s connexions advisor.

If you require the application form in a larger format or need help filling it in, call 01905 743456

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The College offers a comprehensive sport and recreation programme. Kayaking, ultimate frisbee, golf, boxing, self defence, rock climbing, men’s and ladies football, netball, basketball and rugby are a few of the free sport activities organised for students.

The College is affiliated with British Colleges Sport, which enables us to enter regional and national competitions against other similar institutions. We pride ourselves on the quality of our sports clubs, especially basketball and rock climbing. Each year a number of students who excel at sport are supported through the College’s ‘Talented Athlete Programme’. This support includes a grant to help fund their training. Our sports hall

at Barbourne is available for students to book, free of charge. A sports field is located at Bilford Road which is available for students to book on a Wednesday afternoon. The College also has access to swimming clubs, hockey pitches and rugby training grounds.

Our new Further Education Sports Co-ordinator works with clubs and sport associations across the county to guarantee our students access to three hours a week minimum of the types of activities that they are interested in.

Not everyone is interested in competitive sports, so students can also benefit by taking part in a wide range of additional leisure pursuits. Activities previously arranged include parachuting, paintballing, go-karting, trips to Alton Towers,

skating and our Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

There are a whole variety of activities for students across the College. These activities

are decided by the students in each course group. This included 350 Art & Design students going to the Odeon Cinema in Worcester and trips to large-scale construction

‘I am having a great time

on the course. I have made

loads of mates, the lecturers

are great and the course can

only get better!’

student life

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projects for our construction students and our Travel and Tourism students have been on trips to Heathrow, the hospitality students to hotels in London and our National Diploma Music Technology students have had a music night at the Marrs Bar.

The College also organises competitions like “Universally Challenged” where our A Level students compete against each other to win £200! Science, Maths and Computing students run their own departmental five-a-side football competition and the students in Health and Social Care have both visited and raised money for the Snoozelen at Thornton House.

student magazine –

Get The PointOur students write, edit, design and publish their own magazine, ‘The Point’. All of the work is done by the students at the College. ‘ThePoint’ has also received national recognition, reaching the finals at the NUS Journalism Awards in the Best Further Education publication in the UK and its termly publication is eagerly anticipated by students at the College. All students are encouraged to get involved and contribute to the magazine, reviewing films, interviewing bands and doing investigative journalism on student-based issues like fees

and the future of higher education, as well as

more offbeat topics.

Student RepresentationWe have a cross-college

Course Representative system, which provides students the opportunity to talk about the parts of College and their courses that they are happy with and those they are not. Staff and students work closely together in departmental meetings to make changes that can contribute to improving teaching styles, faculty developments and Collegeissues. The system uses the students‘ voice directly through College academic departments and the Students’ Union Council. This has led to the College improving our motorcycle facilities, changing the way courses are delivered, providing more activities and improving students’ social spaces and common rooms.

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‘Study Centre staff have been very useful, they have helped with

IT support and with finding my resources.’

Management student

Students’ UnionEvery student at the College is a member of the Students’ Union and the National Union of Students’ all for free! The Union is there to represent your views and to seek to improve the arrangements for students. It helps to run national and local campaigns on issues that affect you during your time of study. The year begins with the Freshers’ Fayre that presents to you different groups at college and a chance to join up to the Students’ Union and become a member of the Student Union Executive, the College student magazine or one of our student representatives. The event is aimed at settling you in to life here in Worcester. The Student Union has its own website and organises various social events throughout the year like our Summer Ball, Freshers Ball, and “Tech Factor” talent show.

learning environmentExtensive investment in facilities makes the College one of the best equipped locations in the area.

We have developed a number of Study Centres that provide specialist learning centres for:Business and ManagementScienceA LevelsPerforming ArtsMusic TechnologyConstructionEngineeringLanguagesHealth and CommunityTravel and TourismSport

All centres have a wide range of subject specialist books, currentmagazines for reference material and staff are trained to support specific subject areas. There are areas for quiet work, group work and many of your lessons will be taught in the centres. The Travel Study Centre incorporates part of an aircraft, the Science Study Centre includes a modern lab and the Music Study Centre includes practice rooms and recording facilities - so whatever you study you can be sure our facilities match your needs.

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real lifeWe offer a range of professional working environments to ensure you leave College with the skills employers are looking for. Our professionally equipped facilities enable you to train in ‘real life’ settings to increase your chances of employment.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:

Spires RadioStudents on the Music courses are closely involved with Youthcomm, an internet radio station. Many of the presenters on the station are our students, and we provide five hours per week of programme material to Youthcomm.

Spires TheatreThe Performing Arts department boasts a professionally equipped theatre with a state-of-the-art computerised lighting system, sound systems and multiple stage and seat positioning.

Spires Travel AgencyThere is a purpose-built travel agency in the foyer of All Saints’ Building called Spires Travel Agency, which is open daily to students and members of the public.

Spires RestaurantWe have a restaurant which is open to the public and serves a wide range of dishes in peaceful surroundings overlooking the river.

Fountains SalonThis is based at the Barbourne campus and incudes a fully equipped beauty and hair salon which is open to the public.

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“I am really enjoying the course and find it interesting and beneficial. It has made my job as manager much more motivating and enjoyable. My tutor is approachable and professional in her work” Hospitality student – 2008 Student Satisfaction Survey

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studentsupportThe College supports the rights of students with learning difficulties or disabilities to attend College and to receive support appropriate to their needs. The College will ensure that people with disabilities will not be treated less favourably in comparison with the way other people are treated. We want to give you an equal opportunity and the right of access to all the facilities of the College. As a student you have the right to receive an assessment of any additional learning needs you may have. When a request is made, we will contact you or your tutor promptly so that an assessment interview can be arranged and an action plan drawn up to identify your needs. Contact us on 01905 743514 ore-mail support@wortech.ac.uk

Play-tec Day NurseriesOur nurseries provide a happy, secure and stimulating environment where learning through play is purposeful and

fun. Our bright and spacious nurseries offer a wide range of flexible childcare for children up to the age of 11. All our facilities are registered andinspected by Ofsted and are an invaluable asset for any student who has a young family and wishes to study on a full or part-time course.For further information contact Lorna Connolly, Childcare Services Manager on01905 725574 or call in to the Advice and Support Centre in All Saints’ Building. Help with childcare costs may be available from the Learner Support Fund or via Care 2 Learn.

Careers AdviceThe College Careers Centre is available to all students, offering support for those wishing to apply to university and help with job applications. It is open 9.00am - 5.00pm weekdays, drop in any time with quick queries or to use the resources. If you need tochat about your course or career options please contact us on 01905 725538 or e-mailany queries to cldraper@wortech.ac.uk

Equality and DiversityOur staff are trained in line with the demands of anti-discriminatory legislation and our policies and commitment to equality and diversity is posted

“The college is very

supportive for both

learning support and

overall help in general”

– Art and Design student.

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on our website. We have a prayer room and a magazine called Limelight that celebrates diversity and gives information on events held throughout the year.

Our Open Doors group is a social group for students with learning difficulties and disabilities at the College. We have been on trips to Bristol Zoo and London and we have also made vases, plates and ornaments in pottery workshops.

The College actively promotes and celebrates diversity amongst our staff and students. Our students come from over 110 countries. We have successful students who live with physical disabilities, who achieve A* in their GCSEs, students with learning difficulties, mental health issues and learners on entry level programmes. You can contact us at anytime. Just drop in or call our Welfare Officers on 01905 725534.

“I will miss college when I leave this year”

– Maths student

Counselling: Experiencing difficulties in your life? College Counsellors offer a free, friendly and confidential service. We can also provide help, advice and guidance on health matters, relationships, sexual health and stress. If you have any worries about your physical or mental health or need medical attention our Welfare service is always available to help you.

Key SkillsWhilst at Worcester College of Technology, you will be working towards improving your key skills. These are skills that you will use in all aspects of your studies, work and everyday life, that are valued by employers. There are six key skills that we offer at Worcester College of Technology:

CommunicationApplication of NumberInformation & Communication TechnologyImproving Own Learning and PerformanceWorking with OthersProblem Solving

For more information please contact the College on:01905 743513 or e-mail jdavis@wortech.ac.uk

Accommodation: If you are in need of accommodation whilst you study at the College, please contact our Student Welfare Officer on 01905 743415.

Need careers advice?

call 01905 725538

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Entitlement You are entitled to EMA if you are under 19 before the course starts, your household income is below £30,810* and you are undertaking a full-time course. EMA is paid in addition to any other benefits provided by the Government. Your family will, therefore, not lose money if you get an EMA. EMA will not be affected by any money you earn from a part-time job.Applications for EMA can be made at any time, however, any entitlement will be from the date of application. Early application during the summer is recommended. Evidence of household income for the last tax

Finance The EMAThe Educational Maintenance and Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of up to £30 for eligible students who continue in Further Education. EMA payments are intended to cover the general costs of attending college e.g. books, equipment, travel etc. There are also bonus payments of £100, awarded for good progress and continuation on your course.

year will be required. For most applicants the only evidence required will be the Working Tax Credit Award Notice. Income is only assessed on adults in the home who have caring responsibilities for you. Once the application has been accepted you will be sent a Letter of Entitlement. This letter must be registered at the College, in the Advice and Support Centre, to complete the application process.

Payment Payment is made on condition that you achieve a full week of attendance and you are doing well on your course. Payment

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will then be made directly into your bank account the following week. Payment will not be made if there is any unauthorised absence during a week.

Further InformationWCT – EMA Factsheet

WCT EMA Coordinator

Student Finance Officer

Advice & Support Centre

Direct Line – 01905 743404

EMA Help Line – 0800 121 8989

www.direct.gov.uk/ema

* based on 2007/08 figures

talented athlete programme The purpose of the Talented Athlete Programme is to enable students to perform at the highest level possible by providing them with a partnership between their club and the College, in order to combine a heavy load of training and competitions whilst completing an academic programme. Contact Sammy Engele 01905 725559.

talented musician programmeThe Talented Musician Programme offers the opportunity to draw on both areas of our provision by allowing carefully chosen students to mix A levels and musical development in a professional, flexible, well resourced and well supported environment. Contact Dave Boothroyd 01905 725749

talented Students can join any course in the College and additionally participate in these unique programmes.

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WCT life8.26 8.48

9.00 10.00 10.15

12.1513.15

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8.48

10.15

13.15

15.30

16.30

18.00

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EventsEvery year the College hosts dozens of events to celebrate and showcase student talent. This gives vital experience that can be used when applying for jobs after they have completed their courses.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:

Fashion ShowThis is held every year in June and is produced by textile, fashion, art & multi-media students. It also includes an impressive theatrical make-up show and is held at the School of Art & Design, Barbourne.

Awards EveningAt the end of the academic year staff, students and their families are invited to an awards evening which celebrates over 90 students. Awards are offered for the most improved student, outstanding work, attendance and for the development of skills.

Musical & Theatre ProductionsAll students taking a performing arts or music technology course will take part in a wide range of performances to the public. Students perform on stage as well as playing a vital part behind the scenes. Recent performances have included: We Will Rock You, Mama Mia and Blood Brothers.

CompetitionsThe College enters students in many national competitions and has been very successful at gaining recognition. Recent competitions include: National Junior Chef, Regional Summit Skills, Centre of Excellence in Leadership and the British Plumbing Award.

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