Frequently asked questions

The school/college partnership enables colleges to work with schools to develop the capacities of young people as outlined in a Curriculum for Excellence - to help them become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors to society and at work.

There are two different models of delivery:

1. College staff teach the courses on school premises in custom built classrooms.
2. Courses can be taught in college. In this case pupils transport to college is organised between the school and the local authority.

The programme will be taught, in most cases, within the school day either in school or college. Higher Psychology have offered twilight/evening classes to accommodate as many pupils as possible.

There are two ways learners will be assessed, depending on their choice of course:

1. Vocational Training
   
   The aim is to ensure that learners acquire the knowledge and skills from each of the areas covered by the course. To do this, achievement will be assessed at key points throughout the course and learners will be actively involved in both the learning and assessment processes. The assessment will involve a variety of approaches including gathering folios of evidence, personal records, activity checklists and short tests. In line with many vocational qualifications, these courses will not be graded and will therefore not require a final exam.

2. Highers
   
   These courses will be assessed with a final exam.

When young people receive their certificates from SQA, the courses will appear on the certificate in the same way as for any other course. For example, young people who complete a Skills for Work Course successfully will see the title and the level (e.g. Hairdressing – National 4) on their certificate.

Places on the programme are limited and there is a selection process. Schools will nominate suitable pupils in the first instance and college staff will then interview them to confirm their interest and suitability for their chosen course. The interview also provides an opportunity for the young person to ask any questions or raise any concerns they may have. If courses are oversubscribed their name will be added to a reserve list and they will be notified if a place becomes available.

Pupils should be working at the appropriate level in school and have a keen interest in their chosen course choice. Pupils should be:

• Prepared to fully participate in all aspects of the programme
• Prepared to accept and abide by the Vocational Programme and College Code of Conduct
• Well mannered, mature, and well behaved at all times.

Some of the vocational options will require young people to operate equipment, under supervision, and use tools of work in certain specialised areas. PPE will be issued to pupils who must bring the PPE on each college day and use it as instructed.

Completing a college course while still at school has many benefits. Not only will you have the chance to explore a subject of your choice in more depth, which could lead to career opportunities, but you will also get the chance to develop your own personal skills.

Studying at college will give you the opportunity to experience college life and help with communication skills, time management, building confidence, problem solving, study techniques and taking you a step closer to a future career.

Further Education (FE) is education you have at college after you leave secondary school, that’s usually a way of learning a skill for employment, or progressing into Higher Education (HE). Some examples are a National Certificate (NC) or a National Qualification (NQ).

HE is the next stage after you complete Highers or Advanced Highers at school, or a FE qualification at college. This can be a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or Degree.

There are a whole range of progression routes that you can take after completing your course.

Many pupils who take part in the School Partnership Programme can progress onto full-time courses, further vocational programmes, further FE and HE courses and often some can move straight into employment.

The programme is delivered in two different ways: college staff can teach the subject on school premises in custom built classrooms or workshops, or the courses can be taught within the college campus.

Transport to and from campus can be organised with your school.

The programme will be taught, in most cases, within the school day either in school or in college.

As your course will be classed as a vocational qualification, you will not be required to sit a final exam.

Instead, your course lecturer will assess your knowledge and skills throughout the course in a variety of ways including gathering folios of evidence, personal record, activity checklists and short tests.

Yes - you will receive your certificate from the SQA and your college course will appear on the certificate in the same way as any other course – course title and level passed.

To apply for a course, you will need to discuss your options with your Guidance Teacher or Skills Development Scotland Adviser. They will be able to help you find the right course for you and help with the application process.

Places on the programme are limited and there is a selection process which is done within your school. Schools will nominate suitable pupils and the college will welcome them at the start of the school year.

Some courses will require you to operate equipment, under supervision and use tools of work in certain specialised areas.

Equipment known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be issued to you if you choose one of these courses. You must bring the PPE on each college day and must wear as instructed.

Your lecturer is your first point of contact at the College. The School-College Partnership Team are also available to help you and work closely with your school to ensure everything is running smoothly on your course.

At school, your Guidance Teacher and Skills Development Scotland Adviser are available to help as normal.