16-18 year olds have to stay in education, employment or training. However, there are many choices still to make that can have an impact on their future. Here we’ve pulled together some advice and guidance on how you can help support your child or young person in making the right decisions for them.
Making the right choice of organisation for study is essential, you therefore need to gather as much information as possible before committing to an offer of a place.
Taking A-Levels is probably the most well-known of the study routes young people have at age 16, and for many students, these courses will provide an effective route to university. Students currently take ‘AS’ Levels in year one of study, then the actual A Level (‘A2’) papers in their second year.
Our technical qualifications are taught by staff with experience and skills from industry in high-quality environments, which house industry-standard equipment. Our students have lots of contact with the ‘real world’ of employers and business through work experience, talks, visits or real-life projects. Students may undertake activities that develop skills of enterprise and entrepreneurship and take part in competitions.
Technical courses are available at different educational levels, so it is appropriate for students as they develop their skills and abilities.
Technical courses at Entry, Level 1 and Level 2 help students develop their skills and move towards work or higher level courses.
Technical courses at ‘Level 3’ are equivalent to A-Levels; challenging, exciting, and gain entry to university. They are mostly assessed by rigorous project work throughout the year, though tests and exams are part of assessment in some qualifications. For more practical university disciplines such as Media, Computing, Business or Engineering, technical learning can be better preparation for Higher Education study.
Apprenticeships are an exciting route for many young people who want to enter work rather than go to university at 18. Most apprentices spend a day of their working week taking classes or workshops in college, or with a training provider.
When opting for an apprenticeship, parents should ensure they feel happy with the training being offered and that the employer is fully committed to the training and development of the young person.
Read more about Apprenticeships.
From September 2023, we will also be offering T Levels in Construction, Digital, Education and Childcare and Health/Science. Launched by the Government in 2020, a T Level is a 2 year qualification that includes a 45 day industry placement to provide the student with an opportunity to understand what a real career feels like. They are the equivalent of 3 A Levels in terms of UCAS points and can be used to gain entry into university. For more information, visit www.tlevels.gov.uk/students
Our learners are offered support to make informed choices about their career through our Careers Journey Programme
Learners can access impartial information, advice and guidance:
You can also get further information and resources to help support on making decisions on careers via any of the following:
The College – email the careers team on careerslounge@rotherham.ac.uk
The National Careers Service – provides a range of information about the skills and qualifications needed for different job roles.
Everyone deserves a fair start in life and we are committed to giving every learner the opportunity to reach their full potential and education plays a critical role in achieving this. Find out more about how we support learners with special educational needs.
We aim to provide a safe and happy environment for all learners so they can develop socially and academically. To help with this we operate a strict lanyard and learner identity system so that learners and staff are easily identifiable. We will not tolerate bullying, abuse or discrimination of any kind and will take appropriate action when it occurs.
By law we are required to promote, report and monitor equality and diversity. We welcome your support in encouraging learners to report any incidents. Progress Tutors, College Mentors and Welfare Officers are available for learners to discuss and report any concerns. These members of staff are part of the safeguarding team and ensure learners’ wellbeing is monitored as well as their academic progress.
Should your child/young person experience discrimination outside of College we can also put them in touch with organisations who can help.
For more information on how we keep our learners safe and what to do if you have concerns, visit our Safeguarding page.Â
We understand the importance of maths and English skills in everyday life. As a result, we will ensure that every student achieves at least a grade C/4 in a maths and English qualification during their time at College.
We are also able to offer funded courses for Elective Home Educated students aged 14-16.
This includes a wide range of technical courses alongside GCSEs or Functional Skills in English and maths.
