Qualifications
At St Helens College we offer a wide range of programmes for school leavers in different qualification levels. With so many options available to school leavers you may find yourself swamped with information about the different qualifications. What you need to bear in mind is that many of the programmes are available to you are offered at three different levels - so the better your entry qualifications the higher level you would join at, and vice versa. The following information is intended as an explanation of each level, what qualification it is equal to and what qualification you would gain.
| Level: | Equivalent to: | Qualification gained: |
| Entry Level - This is the first tier of the qualification framework for progression onto Level 1 Programmes | ||
| Level 1 | Approximately 4-5 GCSEs Grades D-G | BTEC Introductory Diploma, BTEC Introductory Certificate, OCR Nationals Level 1, NVQ Level 1 |
| Level 2 | Approximately 4-5 GCSE's Grades A*-C | BTEC First Certificate, BTEC First Diploma, OCR Nationals level 2 and NVQ Level 2 |
| Level 3 | Approximately equivalent to 1-3 A Levels | National Award, National Certificate, National Diploma, OCR National Level 3, NVQ Level 3 |
Key Skills - Alongside your chosen study route you will also have the opportunity to study a range of Key Skills qualifications. These are offered in IT, application of number and communications. Key Skills aims to update you with important skills that many employers and universities are now looking for. You can study at different levels and they are formally tested, making them stand along qualifications and successful completion will contribute towards your UCAS points total.
Enrichment - As a full time student you will be able to add to your learning and enjoyment at College by taking part in a number of enrichment activities, currently on offer. There is a huge range of options available and these are shown in full in the school leaver brochure Directions which you can either access on line or through your Connexions Adviser.