Introduction for parents

Applied GCSEs

NVQs

BTECs

What's going on in Sheffield schools?
Sheffield secondary schools have seen huge changes to the curriculum over the last few years. Together with the general academic options available in schools such as Maths and English, a wide range of new vocational qualifications have been introduced. By working in partnership with all educational organisations and employers, we are now offering a new, exciting curriculum for our young people which will bring the world of work into the classroom and vice versa. This means more choices for your son or daughter, which might be more suitable to their interests or ways of learning.

There are currently 27 vocational qualifications available across Sheffield with over 65% of young people undertaking at least one vocational subject in September 2006. You will need to speak to the school to find out which options are available to your child.

This unique project is called 'Learning for Life'.

Vocational Qualifications - what's it all about?
The vocational qualifications available across Sheffield include Applied GCSE's, GNVQs, BTECs, NVQs and OCR. Different qualifications are suitable for different ability levels and each are assessed differently, giving pupils more flexibility in finding a course to better meet their learning styles. It must be highlighted that just because a pupil chooses to study a work related qualification, this doesn't mean that the course has been a waste of time if they decide to go onto a different type of work. These courses teach young people excellent transferable skills that can be applied to any work environment such as communication skills, problem solving, team working and relating ICT to the world of work.

Other invaluable experience gained will include exposure to the world of work as most of the courses offer some work enhancement, for example a company visit and/or project work. This allows pupils the opportunity to apply classroom learning to a real work environment, making learning more relevant to them. For example did you ever wonder why you learnt Pythagoras' Theory at school? Well the BTEC in Construction will put this into practice! This kind of work experience also introduces various work ethics to a young person such as behaviour, appearance and time keeping. This means our young people are better prepared for the world of work when they leave the education system.

These work related courses can include on site (at school) and off site (at college or with a training provider) learning depending on choice. All off site providers have been contracted by the LEA, which ensures that Health and Safety and child protection checks are completed prior to placement.

All qualifications received are nationally recognised.

Please note:
Not all course options and qualifications discussed here will be available at your child's school. This page aims to provide information for all parents of Y9 and therefore encompasses all options being offered across Sheffield.

Please see a careers adviser, teacher or the schools options booklet for a full menu of courses specifically available to you.