Services to Schools

14-16 Provision

Derby College has worked closely with a wide range of schools and agencies from across the city and county for over 14 years. We work collaboratively with our partner schools to provide a range of part-time vocational pathways for 14-16 year olds including courses in areas such as:

• Construction
• Motor Vehicle
• Hair and Beauty
• Animal Care
• Equine studies
• Floristry and Countryside Care
• Childcare
• Health and Social Care
• Leisure and Tourism including Cabin Crew

Information for Schools – Why invest in Derby College’s 14-16 provision?

Derby College is accountable for meeting the needs of its community and our primary focus and purpose is to help prepare individuals for the next phase of their lives. Lots of young people, for many different reasons, need an alternative way or environment to learn. For some Students, practical vocational based courses are particularly suitable and offer the perfect introduction to their potential chosen career path.

We can offer:

• Strong progression routes to full time courses and apprenticeships
• Careers and education guidance
• Extensive links with local employers – preparing young people for ‘the world-of-work’
• Commercial, industry standard learning environments, resources and specialist delivery staff
• A wide range of vocational qualifications, many that count towards schools performance measures
• Experienced pastoral support and school liaison team to keep you informed at all times

Derby College boasts one of the newest and most impressive estates in the country. Your students will have access to industry standard facilities and realistic working environments run as learning businesses, such as the highly acclaimed Engine Shed Restaurant, the SENSI Hair and Beauty Salon or the Garage, our Motor Vehicle operation. Derby College provides skilled staff experienced in delivering specialised vocational courses.

Our profile and strategic partnerships with business are a vital link between education and future employment. Many of our 14-16 programmes offer additionality in the form of guest lectures, opportunities for industry/employer visits and work experience days. Employers regularly sponsor and judge our annual schools skills competitions.

Our vocational programmes are designed to provide young people with an understanding of the ‘world-of-work’ and the opportunities that are available to them. We can offer impartial careers guidance and advice to support your students in making informed choices about their future pathways.

The Derby College student card enables free access to the Derby College bus.

Our 14-16 Programmes

Derby College offers a range of subjects and qualifications from Entry Level 3, Levels 1 and 2 to Year 10 and 11 students. Please refer to our 14 -16 Prospectus for full details of the courses and levels available. In most cases young people on the programme will:

• Study vocational programmes at College for half a day or a full day
• Have opportunities to work towards worthwhile vocational and work related qualifications
• Be given the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding in a work context

The College is able to support students with a range of additional needs and works with partner schools to plan on an individual basis.

14-16 School Liaison Service – How to access the 14-16 provision

The Derby College 14-16 team are available to deliver presentations and attend Year 9 options evenings. Taster sessions in all vocational areas are also available for interested students.

All students wishing to access courses at Derby College will be invited in for an interview and a tour of the area in College in which they have expressed an interest. If the student is successful at interview and have achieved the entry requirements for the course, they will be invited to start the course in the following September.

Course delivery is subject to satisfactory student numbers.

Information for Students - Did you know you can study at Derby College even if you're still at school?

Derby College works with many local schools to offer a number of vocational courses for young people in Years 10 and 11 that might not be available as an option for you at your own school.

Our vocational courses aim to provide you with opportunities to develop and practice new skills and knowledge, but you will also need to understand the theory side as well.

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to choose a vocational course at Derby College ….

• Experience - many courses give you real-life experience of a potential career as you will learn practical skills in commercial environments such as a restaurant, salon and motor vehicle garage
• Choice - we are able to offer subjects your school doesn’t offer and a vocational course may support your school -based studies
• Variety – mix school life with college to enjoy the best of both worlds
• Environment – the opportunity to attend College one day per week and start to gain your independence in a more ‘adult’ environment
• Teachers from Industry – our vocational teachers are specialists in their areas – they have been there and done it in their sectors
• Progression opportunities – help you to decide what’s right for you after GSCEs – sixth form, full time courses, work based learning or apprenticeships

Most of our programmes take place one half day or one full day each week and need to be arranged through a school or educational establishment.

If you are interested in studying one of our 14-16 programmes at Derby College, you should contact a teacher at your school.