Strategies for Success in Vocational Subjects

Ensuring success in Vocational subjects Dan Atkinson and Becky Rooke

The Importance of Vocational Subjects Students enrol with us onto a vocational course because: They want to equip themselves with practical skills that apply to a chosen field They want to delve deeper into specialized areas They want hands on experience in the work place They feel they can manage assessments broken down over the year instead of one big final exam

Whats the difference in A2? Current learning experience Lots of scaffolding and support with how to meet criteria A focus on organisation, time management and attendance Building confidence and resilience Promoting the importance of professional communication both in college and in placements

Whats the difference? A2 will look quite different as we prepare learners for future destinations! Student led learning through both group work and independent tasks Higher order thinking and questioning Increase in home learning tasks Applying knowledge and skills into the work place Taking leadership roles Taking ownership of their learning

Key Skills A range of skills are needed to succeed and achieve high grades in the A2 year T-Level learners will need technical proficiency through practice and assessment Time management: you ll be juggling more complex projects and the academic year for A2 is shorter! Revision: Controlled assessments and exams means topics must be revised Professionalism: getting ready for destinations means a professional attitude, punctuality, reliability and communication are vital Building relationships: building connections with industry professionals through volunteering and work placements

Use a range of sources in your work not just websites, look at books, journals and articles BTEC Health and Social Care Alumni Midwife at St Mary s Hospital Student Tips to Success Get your head down and revise A2 T-Level Education student Keep on top of your coursework and don t stress A2 BTEC Health student Buckle down Jacob BTEC IT Extended Diploma Use your study days, no one needs a resit Sanwal BTEC IT Extended Diploma Always ask teachers for help when you are struggling don t be afraid. Make a group chat with your peers so you can all chat about work and help each other. A2 BTEC Health student Ensure you leave enough time to complete pieces of work outside of lessons, revise!!! Practice different exam styles questions, and turn up to placement A2 T-Level Education student

Hints for parents and guardians Support in managing commitments including part time work or demanding hobbies Please don t book holidays during term time Monitor attendance and authorise genuine absences Support with independent learning ask what they re studying and how it s organised Contact senior tutor/class teachers if you have any concerns Check cedar for updates Check when exams or external assessments are Ask about students placements

Support on offer We all have the same goal of supporting students to achieve not only in their studies but to become well rounded individuals prepared for the workplace. We offer lots of support: Senior tutors will check in regularly for 1-1s Study+ provides dedicated silent study to complete tasks CANVAS has all course resources Counselling service that can be self-referred to Careers team to support next steps Class teachers often run extra support sessions as needed Inclusive Learning can support with organisation and wellbeing Library team run sessions on essay writing and referencing