Parents/Carers FAQs

We’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions to answer those we’ve already been asked.

• What is vocational education?

  Vocational courses have been developed in partnership with employers to ensure that you will learn the skills relevant to their industry. They are...

  • Work-related, designed to take a practical approach to learning and are an excellent choice if you already have a particular career path in mind.

  • Particularly suited to students who prefer the practical side of learning.

  • Nationally recognised and highly respected by employers and universities. Vocational qualifications help students develop real-world knowledge, experience and skills. In these competitive times, having practical experience behind you can give you the edge in your job search.

  You will have different educational options when you reach the end of your GCSEs. Staying on at school and studying A Levels is a great way of continuing in an academic classroom setting. However, vocational courses have many benefits and could be the right option.

  What are the key benefits of studying a vocational course?

  • Hands-on career-ready courses
    If you know what industry you would like to work in, e.g. Construction or Hair and Beauty, you will take part in practical lessons. When you finish your course, you’ll gain a qualification and be ready to go straight into employment.

  • Employability Skills and Work Experience
    You will learn the skills that employers want in real-life settings, increasing your likelihood of finding a job. You will also take part in compulsory work experience, which is a great added bonus for your CV.

  • A different route to University - Alongside A Levels, they are the most widely recognised qualifications for admission to higher education. A two-year Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma or T Level is the equivalent of studying three A Levels and carries identical UCAS points

• What if we don’t have the IT equipment or connectivity needed at home?

  Don’t worry. We have set aside bursary grants and started a Digital Data Scheme. The Digital Data Scheme is to support students with devices and data if needed so that everyone can benefit from our progressive blended learning approach – ensuring no student is left behind.

  When filling in the enrolment form your son or daughter will be asked abut their IT equipment and access and if they need help with this we will talk to them about how we can support them.

• What’s the role of a tutor?

  All students will be assigned a personal tutor who will support and guide them through their programme of study, both online and through face-to-face meetings. Students will follow a tailored tutorial schedule incorporating our Career Advantage programme, which aims to develop employability skills and other soft skills to give you an advantage in the job market and progression to further study/training. Personal tutors meet regularly with their tutees, either face-to-face or online, to discuss personal progress towards agreed targets to ensure students can realise their full potential.

• Can you help my son/daughter with additional learning support needs?

  Of course, we are specialists in this area and have experts on hand to help in various ways. Find out more here.

• How do you ensure students are kept safe?

  We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is respected and valued. We promote a culture that actively prevents harm, harassment, bullying, abuse and neglect, but we are ready to respond safely and professionally if an issue or problem arises on Campus. Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding, and all staff and students are responsible for reporting any issues or seeking advice about welfare concerns. Find out more here.

• What about students’ mental wellbeing?

  We value our student's mental and emotional health and believe their wellbeing is vital to a successful journey with us. To support students, we have a team of Wellbeing Mentors. Find out more here.

• What if the course they’ve chosen isn’t right for them?

  We do everything we can to ensure students choose the right course and settle in well. If, though, for any reason, they decide that the course they’ve chosen isn’t right for them, they just need to talk to us. We will help you and make sure they get on another course quickly.

  • Speak to their tutor about why you want to change to see if they have any advice or how they can reassure them that you have chosen the right course.
  • Speak to the Student Hub about other courses that they can switch to.
  • Make an appointment to talk to a Careers Advisor to explore pathways to their chosen career.

• What activities can students get involved in?

  There’s a whole range of activities that students can get involved in outside their course. We offer a programme of enrichment activities alongside their chosen course, to enhance their experience at College and build confidence and increase progression opportunities. Enrichment can include getting involved with clubs, activities and sports, gaining new experiences and meeting new people.

  There are also opportunities for you to apply for additional roles including Student Representative, Student Ambassador and joining the Student Union. You can also join our Twilight College – these fun and free sessions include Boxing, Music Workshops, Dance and Body Pump. Click here to find out more.

  The Engagement Team in the Common Room will be very happy to help at any time!

 

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If you have a question not covered above, email us at Careers.Hub@lsec.ac.uk

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