Parents Information
- Our student achievement and success rates place the College in the top 10% of many of the national benchmarks of performance.
- We offer a caring and personal environment
- We provide excellent student support services, including Counselling, Additional Learning Support, advice about Finance and Careers advice. Every student has a personal tutor or personal and professional development (PPD) coach
- A range of sporting activities are offered, as well as cultural trips, volunteering opportunities and exciting residentials abroad.
- The College won two LSIS awards in 2009 - Provider of the Year and Student Governor of the year
- The College has an active Student Union which this year was presented with the award for Best Further Education Students’ Union in the country by the National Union of Students
- There are good restaurant facilities
- We have award winning accommodation at the Beeston campus and at Highfields Automotive & Engineering Training Centre.
- The Library and Learning Resource Centres offer you the latest network technology that allows you to access services from home.
- There are opportunities for progression onto HND and Foundation level degrees
- Castle College is a recognised “Investor in People” and is a Centre of Vocational Excellence for Health Sciences and Travel and Tourism
Qualifications
The following table shows the range of qualifications that exist, the different levels available and how they relate to one another. Students may elect to study a range of general, vocational or occupational courses. If you would like further information, please contact our Advice and Guidance team.
The following table shows the range of qualifications that exist, the different levels available and how they relate to one another. Students may elect to study a range of general, vocational or occupational courses. If you would like further information, please contact our Advice and Guidance team.
| National Qualification Framework | General Qualifications | Vocational Qualifications | Occupational Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Higher Level | Higher Level Qualifications; Degrees; Foundation Degrees; HNDs; HNCs; Professional Certificate/Diplomas etc | NVQ Level 5 | |
| 4 Higher Level | NVQ Level 4 | ||
| 3 Advanced Level | GCE AS & A Levels Access Courses | Vocational A Levels BETC National | NVQ Level 3 |
| 2 Intermediate Level | GCSEs (Grades A*-C) | VGCSEs (Grades A*-C) BTEC First | NCQ Level 2 |
| 1 Foundation Level | GCSEs (Grades D-G) | VGCSEs (Grades D-G) Progression Awards | NVQ Level 1 |
| Entry Level Entry 3, Entry 2, Entry 1 | Certificate of Educational Achievement | Entry Level Awards | E2E Programme |
Details of these qualifications are given below:
Entry Level/Basic skills programmes and qualificationsThese provide a stepping stone for students working at pre-GCSE grade G or Level 1 qualifications.
Level 1/Foundation qualifications
These are for learners not ready to take GCSE/NVQs who want to develop a particular vocational skill – for example, IT, Construction, English, Health and Development, Motor Vehicle, Travel and Tourism, plus many more.
GCSEs and AS/A2 levels
This is the traditional route. Students can re-take or study GCSEs part-time at the College, as well as their main full time course.
Applied GCSEs/VGCSEsThese new qualifications are worth two academic GCSEs and qualifications that relate to work in a particular vocational area, such as business, ICT or engineering.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship allows a young person to learn, work, earn and get qualified all at the same time. Apprenticeships are nationally recognised programmes. There are two levels – Level 2 Apprenticeships and Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship allows a young person to learn, work, earn and get qualified all at the same time. Apprenticeships are nationally recognised programmes. There are two levels – Level 2 Apprenticeships and Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships
Diplomas
These new Diplomas are designed to give students aged 14-19 valuable skills for life. Diplomas have been developed by schools, colleges, universities and employers working together and consist of theoretical and practical learning combined with work experience. Although each Diploma focuses on a particular career area, it teaches a mix of subjects, giving a well rounded education.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)These are qualifications designed around the skills people use in their working environment. Time spent at College is minimal. NVQs are evidence that you are capable of the work that you do. They are set at different levels, dependent on the grade of skills and responsibility. You don't have to take exams; a trained assessor will join you at work to determine your abilities in various areas.
BTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas
These are courses that focus on work-related areas of study. They are for students who have a clear idea of their career path. They allow progression to a Higher National Diploma (NHD), a Degree (Foundation or Honours), or a chosen career.
Higher National Diplomas (HND)
HNDs are work-related higher education qualifications. They are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. They also prepare students for university/higher educational.
Foundation Degrees
These are higher education qualifications that combine academic study with workplace learning. They have been designed jointly by universities, colleges and employers, and are available in a range of work-related subjects. They are equal to the first two years of a Degree.