Frequently Asked Questions |
[What is the SCQF? ]
[How are our programmes organised? ]
[What’s the difference between full-time and part-time learning? ]
[Will it be Like School? ]
[Are there exams? ]
[What's the best progression route ? ]
What is the SCQF?
The SCQF is a way of comparing the wide range of Scottish qualifications. It covers achievements such as those from school, college, university, and many work-based qualifications. It does this by giving each qualification a level and a number of credit points. The level of a qualification shows how difficult the learning is. The credit points show how much learning is involved in achieving that qualification.
The SCQF can:
Once you have gained one qualification, it is possible that you will not need to spend time repeating that learning when you are studying for another related qualification. As you progress, you may be able to move from one area of learning to another, such as progressing from the NC in Childcare/Early Years to the HNC in Early Years Education and Childcare. The SCQF also helps to illustrate the relationships between Scottish qualifications and those in the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond, which can clarify opportunities for international progression routes and credit transfer. For more information on The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, visit www.scqf.org.uk
How are our programmes organised?
Students at John Wheatley College - even if they’re taught as part of a class - each follow an individual programme of learning. There are a variety of routes to a qualification and students, during an informal interview with programme tutors and the Guidance/Advice Team, are able to choose a programme which suits their own needs.The range of programmes offered can be studied from 2 hours per week up to 21 hours per week, which allows students to plan programmes which meet their individual interests and availability. Individual learning plans (ILPs) will be agreed with all students.
What’s the difference between full-time and part-time learning?
It is up to each learner to decide whether they would like to study on a full-time or part-time programme, depending on their own needs. For example, a student who is in receipt of state benefits may decide to study part-time in order that they can continue to claim these.Others may wish to commit to a full-time programme. It is possible to achieve a complete National Qualification Group Award in one academic year of 39 weeks with the programme of study divided into 3 blocks of approximately 13 weeks and some time left for catching up with work and assessments. A student may attend the College for up to 21 hours per week with the opportunity to attend more often for extra help with their studies. Normally, a student attending in this way would apply for a College bursary. This will always be explained to you during enrolment interviews.
Very large numbers of part-time students enrol at the College each year. These students are able to plan their programmes of study to meet their own particular requirements and availability. College staff will be pleased to assist students in setting out an appropriate learning plan:
All students are encouraged to use the College libraries and flexible learning centres for private study at other times.
Will it be Like School?
College is very different from school. The staff at John Wheatley College have deservedly gained a reputation for being friendly, approachable and professional. Teaching and learning is more informal and a variety of instruction methods are used:- Project work
- Practical Assignments
- Informal discussion
- Computer-based learning
- Work simulation or experience; and
- Group Work
Tutors teach in a highly realistic manner as every attempt is made by the College to reflect current workplace practices, preparing learners to work or for further study. Many staff are leaders in their individual fields and have recent industrial, commercial and other work-based experience. This helps them plan and provide relevant classes for learners. Often learners get the opportunity to go out of College on a work placement making their experience at College even more realistic and preparing them for active citizenship.
Are there exams?
Many of our programmes have no end-of-year exams and most SQA programmes use continuous assessment as a measure of progress. Each unit of study has a number of outcomes or goals which have to be achieved, and students have the opportunity to demonstrate what they know and can do as they progress through their programme. When all of these outcomes have been successfully completed, the unit is awarded. However, some programmes do require written assessments under test conditions - this will be explained to you at your pre-entry interview.What's the best progression route ?
At the College, we want to make sure that students can progress from very basic, introductory programmes on to employment or more advanced learning - in some cases, to Higher National Certificate level. All of the programme information within the prospectus will give you an idea of the best progression routes for the programme you are studying.It may be that your next move will follow the regular progression route, going from introductory level, to a NC level programme at John Wheatley College or with a different learning provider, and on to do the HNC in that particular subject area. However, you may also want to diversify into another, similar subject.
To make it simpler for students to find information and prepare for their next move, the College has restructured its programmes to create ‘Curriculum Areas’. These are general headings which programmes ‘cluster’ into, creating a family of different subjects which have a common thread. Each area provides appropriate exit points and entry qualifications for jobs or further programmes of learning in that generic area. For example, a student can progress from Creative Industries to something like Sound Engineering.