Guide to Courses Courses to change your life GCSEs
A levels
Childcare
Teaching Assistants
Business and Management
Book-keeping
Counselling
Creative Writing and the Arts
Languages
For more information visit www.nec.ac.uk 0800 389 2839
Contents Dear Student,
adults across the UK ng young people and lpi he en be s ha C NE hope you or For over 50 years, chance at learning. We nd co se a h wit s live their and beyond to change become one of them. l wil someone you know ke into improving the est any surplus we ma inv d an ty ari ch al on cational courses We are an educati r GCSEs, A levels or vo ou of er ev ich Wh . dents experience of our stu rts before you enrol. is the same – and it sta u yo to t en itm mm co t what course you choose, our accurate advice abou d an al on ssi ofe pr l, rtia lment First, we give you impa throughout the enro on giving you advice rry ca we d An u. yo would be right for u start your course. process and once yo ed in your studies, nce to help you succe rie pe ex d an e rtis pe ex We aim to use all our alings with you – from d honest in all our de an le iab rel le, ab ch oa thing wrong. and to be appr ling you if we get some tel to sts co al ion dit ad t letting you know abou ve school and start 16 I couldn’t wait to lea at – lf se my er rn lea went I was a second chance more education and es I realised I wanted nti we d-t mi my in s ch wa . Second ance work. When I I have never regretted ion cis de a nt, de stu e tur tutors to university as a ma I and all our staff and nities, and this is why rtu po op ny ma up s learning open NEC and its learners. are so committed to directly through students come to us r ou of ny ma t tha t We’re proud of the fac perience we provide at reflection on the ex gre a , on ati nd me om personal rec derstand that ividual, because we un ind an as u yo at tre , we Most importantly of all erent needs. ation, everyone has diff uc ed to s me co it en wh ase visit us online at nt to know more, ple wa d an re he e se u welcoming you to If you like what yo . We look forward to 39 28 9 38 00 08 on ll us www.nec.ac.uk or ca . ity un our student comm
How it works
2–3
Getting the most out of your studies
4–5
What’s new for 2015
6
A level and GCSE subjects at a glance
7
A levels 8–13 GCSEs 14–19 Teaching and learning 20–23 Business and management
24
Book-keeping
25
Counselling and communications
26
Creativity and the arts
27
Who we work with 28–29 Frequently asked questions 30–31 Dr Ros Morpeth OBE Chief Executive
Index
32
Prices are correct as of September 2015. Please check the website for most up-to-date information. With thanks to all of the students and tutors who contributed their stories to this Guide to Courses. © Open School Trust 2015.
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[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk Contents
How it works So you’ve decided to learn something new.
Perhaps you need a qualification for further study, you want to change careers or you just want to learn for fun. Whatever your motivation, NEC can help you to achieve your goals.
1
Choosing the right course. You may already know what you want to study – if not, why not browse through this Guide to Courses or visit our website for inspiration?
2
Is the course right for you? Before you enrol you should check the details of the course. You can find these on the website or by calling our course advice team. You can download sample course materials from the website.
3
You’re ready to enrol Once you have all of the information you need, you can enrol either on our secure website, over the telephone with our course advice team, or by post.
4
Welcome to NEC As soon as we enrol you, we will send you an email to confirm and you will also hear from your personal tutor.
5
Get online. You should now access and explore learn@nec. You can find out more about this this on page 5 and on the website.
6
Get Started Study at your own pace and in your own time. Your tutor, course co-ordinator and learn@nec will be with you every step of the way.
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Assignments. You will find these throughout your course. Your tutor will mark them for you and give you feedback to help you to progress and learn.
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Assessment. However your course is assessed, we will be there to help you. If you need to take an exam, take a look at NEC’s partnership exam centres. You can find details of these on pages 8, 14 and 31 and on the website.
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You’ve finished! Well done, the hard work has paid off. Time to request your course completion certificate and celebrate!
Certificate of Cours e Completion
This is to certify that:
Mrs Smith
has completed a cours
e of study in the follow
ing subject:
Maths
The student has duly
completed and subm itted all the assignments for the course. 15th July 2015
National Extension
……………………… ……………………… ……………………… …. Dr Ros Morpe Chief Executive, Nation th OBE al Extension Colleg e www.n
ec.ac.uk
College is part of the Open School Trust. Company number Registered charity 02438525. VAT number number 328414, incorporat Registered office: ed 1989. Company Prentis & Co LLP, Chartered 126 1180 48. Chair of trustees: limited by guarantee. Dr Ros Morpeth. Email: Accountants, 115c
[email protected]. Milton Road, Cambridge uk CB4 1XE, UK. Telephone 01223 352 024.
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2 How it works
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How it works
Getting the most out of your studies Who will help you Our course advisors: When you are considering what to study or what course to take they can give you advice and answer questions. They can also help you with practical things like arranging payment and enrolling. Your own personal tutor: Once you’re enrolled, your tutor will get in touch. If you are studying more than one subject with NEC you will have a tutor for each subject. The tutor’s role is to give you support and feedback. They also mark your assignments and coursework (depending on the assessment requirements of the course you study). Our tutors are all fully qualified, highly experienced and experts in their subject. We use strict criteria when employing our tutors, only choosing those who can demonstrate expert knowledge in their field and who we are confident will be able to provide the support our learners need. Most of our tutors also work or have worked as teachers and trainers, so they’re used to helping students and are familiar with the difficulties they might face. Our student services team: They are available throughout your course, and they will answer your questions about exams or assessment. Each course also has its own course coordinator who can help with specific queries. They will be with you every step of the way, providing support and useful advice when you need it. Your peers: Although you’re studying in your own time and space, you will be part of the NEC community and will be encouraged to participate in forum discussions with others on your course. You can find out more about the forums on the next page.
Meet Tracey, NEC psychology and sociology tutor Tracy is a tutor for NEC’s Psychology, Sociology and Child Development courses. She has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Social Science. She is a qualified teacher and social worker and has completed postgraduate training in Learning Disability Studies. She decided to work for NEC after qualifying as a teacher, seeing this as an opportunity to teach more people about the subjects she herself enjoys. The best thing about being a tutor for NEC, Tracey says, is ’I always enjoy working with students who are keen, enthusiastic and enjoy their studying. Students never fail to inspire and motivate me. So many of them are so keen to learn, working hard and being disciplined. Many of our students work in their own homes and have to be disciplined to study like this, so it is always great to have enthusiastic students who work hard to complete their courses.’ Tracey believes that the reason that students like NEC courses is that they can work at their own pace. The materials are great and the course notes are really interesting. To anyone thinking about studying by distance learning, Tracey says ‘Think about your own life and the time you have available for studying. It is best to be realistic at the start and decide the time you have. Then make sure you take a course that you are really interested in and it is what you want to do. I always say that if you are interested in a topic and enjoying it, then studying it is so much easier.’
learn@nec learn@nec is our virtual learning environment and the gateway to your course and the NEC community. All the resources you need to study are here and you have the flexibility to access them wherever you want, whenever you want! Getting started: This section guides you through how to use learn@nec. Useful videos, course plans and assessment guidance can be found here and are designed to help you get off to the best possible start.
Essential skills: We want to make sure you get the most out of your studies, so you’ll also have access to resources to help you to develop skills essential for this and further study, as well as to provide a helping hand if you need it with spelling, punctuation and grammar. Forums: Discussion with your peers is an excellent way to talk through ideas and gain a new perspective on a topic you’re studying. The forums are there to help you do that and to interact with other people studying your chosen subject.
Your course materials: These have been developed, written and sourced by subject experts and are specifically designed for independent study, helping you to work through the course in the way that suits you. Activities and assignments throughout the course will help you to prepare for formal assessment and provide essential feedback to you and your tutor about how you are progressing. Learning journal: To help you make sense of what you’re learning, we encourage you to reflect on what and how you’ve been learning. You’ll have your own private space to do this.
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4 Getting the most out of your studies
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Getting the most out of your studies
What’s new for 2015 GOLD
A level reforms In a series of education reforms, A levels in England are changing. Changes to A levels will be phased in over the next few years with the first reformed subjects being taught in schools and by distance learning providers like NEC from autumn 2015. The following courses are new for this year: ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
Biology A level History A level English Language A level English Literature A level Psychology A level Sociology A level Business A level Economics A level.
The last exam for the current specifications for these subjects will be summer 2016 and the first exam for the new specifications will be summer 2017. All new A levels will be linear rather than modular in structure, with assessment taking place by exam at the
New courses for 2015/2016 As well as updating our A levels and GCSEs in line with the curriculum reforms, we are also adding some new subjects: ●● A level Chemistry ●● A level Physics ●● GCSE English ●● GCSE Maths
end of the course. Some, like History, will also have coursework. The AS level will be a standalone qualification and will not count towards the A level. There will be a greater emphasis on maths skills for subjects where this is appropriate, such as the sciences. In science subjects, practical work will receive a separate endorsement rather than being included in the grade for the final exam.
GCSE Reforms Like A levels, GCSEs are also being reformed over the next few years. For NEC students this year, these changes affect GCSE Maths. The last exam for the current specification is summer 2016 and the first exam for the new specification is Summer 2017. The GCSE grading system is changing from alphabetical (A*–C) to numerical (9–1, in which 9 is the highest). The pass mark for all exams will be higher and there will be greater emphasis on essaybased questions.
New Gold Star A levels from NEC
STAR
LEVELS
Your course will be online through learn@nec and the learning resources will be in a range of media including videos, e-books and online quizzes. These have been produced and carefully selected by our expert course developers who include teachers, examiners and distance learning experts. You can download and print the resources, you can read an e-book on your daily commute and you can watch a video and do a quiz on your mobile phone – the choice is yours. We’ll make sure that you have everything you need to succeed, starting with a clear induction and well structured assignments to help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to prepare for the exam. Your personal tutor will be highly experienced in their subject area and qualified to teach. Your tutor and your NEC course co-ordinator will help you on every step of your journey with NEC.
●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
at a glance
NEC offers a wide range of GCSE, ICGSE and A level subjects all available for home study.
The reforms to A levels have given us the opportunity to make our excellent A levels even better. Our new Gold Star A levels are designed to help you fit study in around your lifestyle and give you the best possible chance of success.
●●
A level and GCSE subjects
free e-book for most essential textbooks coursework administration included access to a network of partnership exam centres enrol online at anytime sample course materials available on the website assignments marked by your personal tutor within three days exam pass guarantee.
Our courses are written by subject specialists and cover the same topics as those taught in schools and colleges. All that’s different is the way you learn. The table below shows which subjects NEC offers and which awarding body and specification the course covers. With NEC, you can study at your own pace – wherever you want, whenever you want. Subject
Course
AS (current course)
A2 (current course)
Languages & humanities
Classical Civilisation
OCR H041
OCR H441
Critical Thinking
OCR H052
OCR H452
French
OCR H075
OCR H475
Edexcel 4FR0
Geography
OCR H083
OCR H483
CIE 0460
History Philosophy
A level (new for 2015)
GCSE
Edexcel 9HI0 (Route D) AQA 1176
Edexcel 4HI0
AQA 2176
Spanish English Sciences
Edexcel 4SP0
English Language
AQA 7702
AQA 8700
English Literature
AQA 7712
Edexcel 4ET0
Biology
Edexcel 9BN0 (Salters Nuffield)
Edexcel 4BI0
Chemistry
Edexcel 9CH0
Edexcel 4CH0
Combined Science Environmental Studies
Social Sciences
Maths
AQA 1441
AQA 2441 Edexcel 9PH0
Edexcel 8371
Edexcel 4PH0
Edexcel 9371
Maths Foundation
Edexcel 1MA1
Edexcel 4MA0
Maths Higher
Edexcel 1MA1
Edexcel 4MA0
Government & Politics
Edexcel 8GP01
Edexcel 9GP01
Psychology Religious Studies
AQA 1061
Accounting
AQA 1121
AQA 2121
Business Studies
AQA 1131
AQA 2131
Economics Law
AQA 7182
AQA 4180
AQA 7192
AQA 4190
AQA 2061
Sociology Business
Edexcel 4EA0
CIE 0653
Physics Maths
IGCSE
AQA 7132
Edexcel 4BS0
Edexcel 9EC0 AQA 1161
AQA 2161
AQA 4160
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6 What’s new for 2015
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A level and GCSE subjects
A levels An A level is evidence that you have reached an in-depth understanding of a subject. All over the world, A levels are recognised as a significant educational achievement. Some A level candidates sit their exams between the ages of 16 and 18, when they are in sixth form, but they can be taken by students of all ages.
When can I enrol? ●● ●●
Why study an A level? There are numerous reasons to study for an A level: ●●
●●
●●
to improve the grade you achieved when you took a particular subject the first time around to help you change career, including to meet entry requirements for a university course to learn more about a subject you are interested in.
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What textbooks will I need? ●●
How long will it take? ●●
●●
●●
●●
It takes around 250–300 hours of study time to work through the course materials for one A level. You will need to add to that the time it takes to complete assignments. If you are planning to take exams in the A level subjects you choose and want to study every topic in the course, you will need to study for at least eight to nine hours a week for about nine months. If you would prefer to study over a longer period, NEC will provide you with support for up to two years. It takes around 150 hours to complete an AS or A2 subject. You will need to add additional time for completing assignments.
You can enrol at any time. If you are hoping to take the exam at a specific time, you may need to enrol by a certain date. This is to make sure you have sufficient time to complete your NEC assignments and submit them to your tutor for marking and guidance before you sit your exam. This is particularly important if your course includes coursework. At some times of the year, we offer a Fast Track Service for students who need to complete their course in a short period of time. Please call us or visit www.nec.ac.uk for details.
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●●
Some A levels require textbooks, which are not included in your course fee. We’ll tell you when this is the case. Visit www.nec.ac.uk or call our course advice team for full details of the textbooks required for each subject. Our new Gold Star A levels include free e-book for most essential textbooks.
Assessment ●●
All A levels are assessed by exam, some also have coursework.
Coursework ●●
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We will tell you when you enrol if your subject involves coursework and give you guidance on how to go about completing it. Your tutor will either mark or authenticate your coursework as well as marking your NEC assignments.
●●
Coursework authentication and marking is included in your course fee. In some subjects, you may need to pay an additional fee to your exam centre to administer your coursework entry.
Our A level results Our students consistently achieve results as good as or higher than the national average. Some examples from the summer 2014 exam session are shown below. Please visit the website for the most up-to-date information.
Taking exams Once you have enrolled with NEC, you will be able to download an exam handbook, which will give you all the information you need about how to enter for exams. If you want to sit the exam at the end of your course, you will need to make the arrangements with an exam centre at least six months before the summer exam date in May or June. ●●
●●
NEC is able to offer guaranteed places at partnership exam centres across the UK for students who want to sit exams. There is a list on our website www.nec.ac.uk. If you opt to take one of these places, NEC does all the administration for your exam entry but the exam fee is payable by you. If you choose to find your own exam centre, you will need to register as an external or private candidate.
A Level grade A or above 28.3% NEC students 26% national average
Maths A*–C 100% NEC students 80.5% national average
What level is an A level? ●●
A levels are at Level 3 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), which is used in education and employment to help compare the size, level of difficulty and content of different qualifications.
AS level Grade A
Biology A* 13.5% NEC students 5.4% national average
English Pass 100% NEC students 99.5% national average
22.2% NEC students 19.9% national average
Case study: Sue Deans, A level Critical Thinking Former teacher and part-time private tutor Sue Deans, from Kent, was a second chance learner with NEC in the 1960s. Nearly 50 years later, she has returned to NEC to study for an A level in critical thinking. Sue, who has three grown-up children and a 13-year old grandson, lives alone. Her home is not near any colleges or universities but she loves using her computer, so distance learning suits her down to the ground. ‘Critical thinking appealed to me because I like teasing out arguments in newspaper columns. Imagine my surprise when an internet search for a suitable course brought up NEC! I had no idea it was still around. It has proved the perfect solution because my irregular hours of work rule out evening class.’
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The fact that NEC is still going strong after more than 50 years speaks for itself!
❞
Sue’s experience with NEC the second time around has been even better than it was in the 1960s and she wholeheartedly recommends NEC as a way for someone working irregular hours to study and gain further qualifications: ‘The resources are really professionally produced and the online support is comprehensive. My tutor keeps in touch online and has given me very useful feedback on my assignments. The fact that NEC is still going strong after more than 50 years speaks for itself.’
Results are from students who have either taken their exams at one of NEC’s partnership centres or have told us their results.
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8 A levels
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A levels
A levels New A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
GOLD
featured courses STAR
Science A levels are among the most popular LEVELS NEC courses and it’s not hard to see why. Studying science will help you to broaden your understanding of the world around you and can lead to some truly fascinating careers, such as engineering, medicine, meteorology and zoology. The study of a science subject will also help you to develop sound analytical skills and show future employers that you are methodical, organised and have good attention to detail.
What will you learn? A level Biology (Edexcel 9BN0) is the study of life, from the complexities of the human body to much simpler protozoa. An essential choice if you plan to go on to study medicine, nursing or physiotherapy, in this course you will learn about genes and health, biodiversity, forensics and more. Course fee £625 A level Chemistry (Edexcel 9CH0) is the science of substances and their properties and interactions, from explosions to the creation of new compounds. This is the ideal course if you aspire to work in pharmaceuticals, food chemistry or forensics. Topics in this course include atomic structure, equilibrium and transition metals. Course fee £625 A level Physics (Edexcel 9PH0) is the study of how things work, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to incomprehensibly large galaxies. A popular choice if you want to become an engineer, planetary scientist or technologist, you’ll learn about particles, gravitational
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fields and thermodynamics. Course fee £625
What do you need to study a science A level? There are no set entry requirements, but we highly recommend that you have studied either combined science or the subject you are interested in at GCSE level. You will also need to have a good grounding in mathematics.
How is it assessed? All three of these A level courses are assessed by exam and will be examined for the first time in 2017.
What about practical skills? Although it does not include the practical endorsement, the course reflects the need to gain practical skills and includes activities which you can do at home. If you need to achieve the practical endorsement we can give you guidance on how to arrange it.
£
Charlotte juggles biology and ballet in Australia Dancer Charlotte Johnson jumped at the chance to move to Australia when she was offered a place at a vocational ballet school. She planned to continue her studies there so that she would have qualifications to draw on once her dancing career was behind her. Anatomy plays a key role in a dancer’s life, so biology is a subject many dancers are drawn to. Charlotte knew that there would be overlaps between what she was learning as a dancer and what she would learn in the biology lab. What she hadn’t anticipated was the difficulty of finding a high school that offered the English A level Biology curriculum near the dance school. NEC offered the answer. Charlotte has now passed GCSE Geography and A level Biology and Maths. During the time she was studying with NEC, Charlotte lived in Dubai as well as Australia. Skype tutorials made it easy for her to fit in meetings with her tutors, whom she found friendly and encouraging. ‘The one-to-one contact not only helped me develop my knowledge and understanding, but also enabled me to delve deeper into the areas that were of greatest interest to me,’ explains Charlotte. ‘My ambition is to dance professionally with a ballet company in Europe. Like all athletes, though, I have to be realistic, because I won’t be able to dance forever,’ concludes Charlotte. ‘When it’s time to hang up my dancing shoes, I need to be able to earn a living in a different way, perhaps as a physiotherapist. That’s where my GCSEs and A levels will come into their own.’
Maths A level Edexcel AS 8371 A2 9371 Maths at A level is a challenging and satisfying course to study. It gives you the tools to study and understand abstract ideas and analytical processes. Maths is essential if you want to go on to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects at a higher level. Whatever your background or your plans, an A level in Maths will develop logical thinking and problem solving skills which will add value to your credentials.
What will you learn? This well designed and structured course introduces you to the advanced concepts you need to be familiar with to gain this qualification, such as coordinate geometry, curve sketching and calculus. You can shape what you learn by choosing optional units based on your future plans.
What do you need to study A level Maths? Although there are no set entry requirements, you will need to have studied maths at GCSE level to benefit from the course.
How is it assessed? You will need to sit six exams – one for each unit you study.
What optional units do I choose?
Full A level: You will need to study all four core units plus any two optional units. You will need to study Mechanics 1 before Mechanics 2 and Statistics 1 before Statistics 2. AS level: You will study three units in total: two core units are compulsory (Core 1 and 2). Plus your choice from Decision Maths 1, Mechanics 1 or Statistics 1, or you can select Core maths 3. A2 level: You will study three further units: two core units are compulsory (Core 3 and 4). Plus your choice from Decision Maths 1, Mechanics 1, Statistics 1, or you can select Mechanics 2 or Statistics 2. You will need to study Mechanics 1 before Mechanics 2 and Statistics 1 before Statistics 2. If you have already covered Core 3 for AS then you will now study Core 4 and have a choice of two £ for your A2 optional units
Core units
£ Last exam 2018 Course fee £545
optional units
❝
Meet NEC Maths tutor Alan Alan has been an outstanding NEC tutor since 1992. He is motivated to keep up with developments in maths education by his love of the subject. This includes familiarising himself with changes in specifications and forms of assessment, most recently as a result of the changes to the maths GCSE and A level curricula being phased in from 2015 and 2016. Tutoring at a distance and having three children motivates him to keep on top of changes in technology and make the most of its potential for improving the experience of distance learning students. Alan did his maths degree with the Open University and is an associate member of the institute of mathematics. Disabled for many years after four major spinal operations, he hasn’t allowed his disability to stop him building an active and successful career in further education and as an examiner for GCSE Maths.
Alan keeps on top of changes to technology to improve the experience of distance learning students
❞
£ A levels featured courses
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A levels featured courses
11
Our full range of A levels Languages and humanities What does archaeology tell us about the Bronze Age city of Mycenae? How did the Romans organise their civic life? What do the poet Virgil’s histories tell us about the Roman concept of the hero? Studying Classical Civilisation will help you to analyse, evaluate and communicate about the ancient world. OCR H041/H441 Last exam 2018
Course fee £545
£ £
A level Critical Thinking No matter what other subjects you study, Critical Thinking will support you in developing the skills to interpret, analyse and evaluate ideas and arguments. Critical Thinking provides excellent preparation for progressing into higher education or starting a career. OCR H052/H452 Last exam 2018
Course fee £545
£ £
A level French A level French is a good foundation for a variety of careers. This course aims to equip you to deal with everyday social and work situations in French-speaking countries. You will read a range of texts in French, drawn from contemporary fiction, the classics and transcripts of films and current affairs programmes. OCR H075/H475 Last exam 2017
Course fee £545
English
A level Geography
A level Classical Civilisation
Climate change, world population, use of natural resources. A level Geography will extend your ability to manage, analyse and present data and written information on the big themes that affect how we live. OCR HO83/H483 Last exam 2017
Course fee £545
£ £ GOLD
STAR
NEW A level History LEVELS
How have political, social and economic events in Britain brought us to where we are now? A level History gives you the opportunity to evaluate and assess primary and secondary sources of information and formulate your own views on how our history has shaped us. Edexcel 9HI0 First exam 2017
Course fee £595
£ £
A level Philosophy The benefits of studying philosophy extend far beyond the subject itself. It promotes independent thinking and improves your ability to produce rational arguments. A level Philosophy explores some of the big questions concerning reality and existence. AQA 2175/1176/2176 Last exam 2018
Course fee £545
GOLD
£ £
GOLD
NEW A level English Language
STAR
LEVELS
Whether you are writing a blog, reading a film script, or analysing advertising copy, you need to use and understand language with its intended audience in mind. Studying A level English Language will enable you to improve your mastery of the language which 390 million people speak worldwide. AQA 7702
£
First exam 2017
GOLD
NEW A level English Literature
STAR
LEVELS
An A level in English Literature will encourage you to read widely as a critical and independent reader. You will immerse yourself in a wide range of literary texts that span centuries, gaining an understanding of how to read closely and analyse a range of critical views. AQA 7712
£
First exam 2017
£
Course fee £595
A level Environmental Studies
A level Religious Studies
NEW A level Business
Are you interested in the environment and the processes that control and affect it? This course is a good choice if you are also interested in studying Biology, Geography or Environmental Science or would like to work in ecology, countryside management, wildlife conservation, or marine biology and planning.
An A level in Religious Studies will help you develop critical and evaluative skills through a rigorous study of religion and its relation to the wider world. You will study aspects of one or more religions, looking at theological, ethical, phenomenological and philosophical perspectives.
Do you see yourself as the next Richard Branson running your own business? An A level in Business could help you get there, exploring topics relevant to today’s society, such as the business environment, marketing, operations and ethics and developing your skills in decisionmaking and problem-solving.
AQA 2440/1441/2441
Last exam 2017
Last exam 2017
Course fee £545
Youth worker, charity fundraiser, probation officer, international aid worker: studying sociology prepares you for working in a range of very different careers. You will look in detail at concepts such as socialisation, culture and identity, and power and stratification.
A level Maths See page 11 for details.
Social Sciences A level Government and Politics
AQA 7192
This course will develop your understanding of authority and power within the UK’s political system and how it differs from political systems elsewhere in the world.
£ GOLD
NEW A level Biology NEW A level Chemistry NEW A level Physics
NEW A level Psychology
£
STAR
LEVELS
LEVELS
See page 10 for details of our new Gold Star science A levels.
£
The study of psychology opens doors to careers in education, social work, counselling and the police, as well as psychology. This course covers a comprehensive approach to developmental psychology and research methods, biological psychology, social psychology and psychopathology.
First exam 2017
Course fee £595
Business
Our full range of A levels
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STAR
LEVELS
How do you distinguish between value creation and value allocation? What data do you select to frame simple assumptions that make a complex problem manageable? An A level in Economics will help you start understanding the contribution economics makes to the wider social environment.
£
Course fee £595
A level Law
£ £
The study of Law will enable you to develop your analytical and critical thinking and problemsolving skills through the application of legal rules. AQA 2160/1161/2161 Last exam 2018
Course fee £545
Last exam 2018
£ £
£ £ Key
£ £
12
NEW A level Economics
First exam 2017
AQA 2120/1121/2121
First exam 2017
Course fee £595
£
Edexcel 9EC0
If numbers are what make you tick, an A level in Accounting will put you on the right road for a professional qualification by giving you a thorough grounding in financial and management accounting.
Course fee £545
£ GOLD
£
A level Accounting
AQA 7182
£
STAR
LEVELS
Course fee £545 STAR
Course fee £595
NEW A level Sociology
Last exam 2018
GOLD
First exam 2017
£ £
£
LEVELS
AQA 7132
GOLD
Edexcel 8GP01/9GP01
Sciences
AQA 2060/1061/2061
Course fee £545
£
Maths
£
Course fee £595
STAR
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£ Online materials available £ Paper £
£ Our full range of A levels
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GCSEs How long will it take me to study for a GCSE or IGCSE? You can choose to study just one subject, or study two or more simultaneously.
Here are the answers to some questions you may have about courses at this level.
It takes around 120–150 hours of study time per subject, plus extra time for completing assignments. ●● If you plan to take the GCSE or IGCSE exam, you should plan to study for four to five hours a week for about nine months. ●● If you want to study over a longer period of time, NEC will support you for up to 18 months.
Why study a GCSE?
When can I enrol?
There are many reasons why you might consider taking a subject at GCSE level:
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IGCSEs are taken internationally and are recognised by most UK universities, colleges and employers as an equivalent to GCSEs.
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to improve the grade you achieved first time around to help you change career – for example to meet entry requirements for a teaching, nursing or midwifery course to learn more about a subject you are interested in as preparation for studying a subject in more detail at A level to support an application for a place at university to fulfil the requirements of your employer or future employer – employers often ask for maths and English GCSEs at grade C or above to be accepted on to an apprenticeship.
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You can enrol whenever you like, but if you are planning to take the exam, you may need to enrol by a certain date. That will give you enough time to complete your NEC assignments, submit them to your tutor for marking, and receive guidance from us about sitting the exam. At some times of the year, we offer a Fast Track Service for students who need to complete their course in a short period of time. Please call us or visit www.nec.ac.uk for details.
What textbooks will I need? ●●
For some GCSE and IGCSE subjects you will need to buy textbooks specified by the exam board. You will find details on our website or by talking to one of our course advisers.
How will I be assessed? ●● ●●
GCSE courses are assessed by exams. None of the subjects offered by NEC at GCSE and IGCSE level require you to submit any coursework for assessment.
What about taking exams? Once you have enrolled with NEC, you will be able to download an exam handbook, which will give you all the information you need about how to enter for exams. If you want to sit the exam at the end of your course, you will need to make the arrangements with an exam centre at least six months before the exam date in May or June. ●●
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NEC is able to offer places at partnership exam centres across the UK for students who want to sit exams. There is a list on our website www.nec.ac.uk. If you opt to take one of these places, the exam fee is payable by you. If you choose to find your own exam centre you will need to register as an external or private candidate.
What level are GCSEs and IGCSEs? ●●
GCSEs and IGCEs are at Level 2 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), which is used in education and employment to help compare the size, level of difficulty and content of different qualifications.
Our GCSE results Our students consistently achieve results as good as or higher than the national average. Some examples from last summer’s exam session are shown below. Please visit the website for the most up-to-date information.
All subjects Grade A or above 32.9% NEC students 21.3% national average
Maths A* 13.5% NEC students 5.4% national average
Combined Science Grade C or above
All subjects Grade C or above 77.2% NEC students 68.6% national average
English Grade C or above 85% NEC students 61.7% national average
72.7% NEC students 59.1% national average Results are from students who have either taken their exams at one of NEC’s partnership centres or have told us their results.
Zara gets her first A grade with NEC! Zara Priestley’s career as a beauty therapist has taken her all over the world, but her journey as a second chance learner has been just as much of an adventure. About to start studying A levels as the next step on the road to taking a history degree, Zara knows her life would have been very different if she had settled for staying at the Nottinghamshire factory where her working life began at the age of 19. Bolstered by learning for work and inspired by the historical fiction of Philippa Gregory, Zara joined a local history group a few years ago. ‘I have always loved history,’ says Zara. ‘So much so that I decided to do a GCSE in History. There was nothing on offer at my local college in Newark and I don’t drive, so going further afield wasn’t an option. Determined to find a way, I Googled ‘GCSE History’ and immediately found NEC.’ Zara was at work when the exam result came through on her mobile. ‘It was an A! I’d never got an A in my life, for anything,’ she says. ‘It took a while to sink in. I asked myself “Why couldn’t I do this at school?” Now I know it’s all about confidence. I didn’t have any when I was a teenager but working abroad and studying again have given me lots and now I just want to learn more.’
14 GCSEs
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Photo credit: Prima, Hearst Magazines UK
GCSEs are usually taken at school at the age of 16 or 17, but can be taken by students at any age. They show that you have gained a good level of learning in a given subject area and are recognised by employers and training providers in the UK as evidence of the first step of formal achievement in a subject.
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GCSEs and IGCSEs IGCSE Maths Foundation
IGCSE English Language
Edexcel 4MA0
Edexcel 4EA0
The study of maths was first developed as a formal area of teaching and learning 5000 years ago and helps us recognise patterns and understand the world around us. Maths is used in business, engineering, computing and the sciences. It plays a vital role in areas of endeavour as diverse as space travel, public health and predicting stock market prices.
Language is an inherent part of the world around us, from the way it is used in an advert to the writing of a script for a blockbuster movie. Explore the use of words in different contexts with this course and gain skills essential for many jobs and further study.
What will you learn? You’ll get a good grounding in mathematics and will find this course particularly useful if you aren’t confident in your mathematical abilities. It will help you to make sense of the numbers you come across every day – calculations, fractions, percentages, geometry and averages, to name a few.
What do you need to study IGCSE Maths Foundation?
What will you learn? You’ll learn about the way written language works by analysing fiction and non-fiction, you’ll see how writers use language in different ways to influence the response of their readers. You’ll use these methods in your own writing too to entertain, inform and persuade.
What do you need to study IGCSE English Language? There are no formal entry requirements, but you will need a good command of basic English.
There are no formal entry requirements, but you should have a basic level of numeracy.
How is it assessed? By two exams which you can sit in January or May.
Other information You can also choose to study IGCSE Maths Higher. The difference between the two is the highest grade you can achieve. For foundation the highest grade you can get is a C, for higher you can get an A*.
Isobel Hughes Isobel gives you some great advice! English Language is one of three IGCSEs chosen by home-schooled Isobel Hughes. She chose it as a key subject, along with geography and biology, and also studied child development with NEC to help prepare herself for motherhood in later life. Her father taught her maths himself. Isobel’s advice to anyone who is thinking of learning at home: ‘Really plan it all out so you know exactly how much of each subject you have to do each day and don’t find yourself panicking and rushing everything before the exams.’
Elliott Stevens Home education lets students learn in their own way Elliott Stevens from Nottingham was home educated from the age of 11 and enrolled on his first NEC course when he was 13. His experience shows that with commitment and hard work, students at secondary level can achieve top results outside the classroom. Maths is just one of the GCSE and IGCSE subjects Elliott studied with NEC before going on to A levels in government and politics, history and law. He is now reading law at Cambridge University’s Robinson College.
‘I chose NEC as it offers a wide range of subject options, provides a great deal of flexibility, has thorough and complete courses and a good support network. Being home-educated has allowed me to learn the way I want to, when I want to,’ says Elliott.
featured courses IGCSE Combined Science CIE 0653 The study of science will help you to explore the world around you, from how the human circulatory system works to how a rainbow is made. In this IGCSE in Combined Science you’ll discover key ideas and applications of biology, chemistry and physics.
What will you learn? The course includes important concepts in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in separate sections. You’ll learn about scientific methods, experimental and investigative skills, and consider the effects scientific developments can have on society and individuals.
What do you need to study IGCSE Combined Science? We recommend that you have studied some science and have adequate mathematical skills.
How is it assessed?
James Barker An interest in science rekindled by scuba diving leads to an IGCSE in Combined Science Full-time English language teacher James Barker lives in the Republic of Korea. His view of himself as someone who doesn’t understand science changed when he started a course to become a scuba-diver instructor and had to get to grips with physics and biology. Not having been particularly keen on science subjects at school, he was surprised to find his interest reawakened and wanted to learn more.
‘Doing a course at school or university was out of the question,’ recalls James. ‘Distance learning was really my only option but I had no idea whether I could study science at a distance.’ He learnt about NEC by making enquiries with the Department for Education in England. Having found a course, he began to have doubts about his plans. ‘My concern was that there wouldn’t be enough hours in the day to fit in my job and studying and that I wouldn’t have the stamina to carry on to the end of the course,’ he continues. ‘I was reassured by the fact that you have 18 months to complete the course and there is the option of a six-month extension if you need it.’ As he hoped when he enrolled, James’s understanding of physics, chemistry and biology has deepened. He has found the IGCSE course so interesting he is now thinking about going on to study physics and biology at A level.
By three exams.
Other information You won’t need access to a laboratory as there are some simple experiments which you can try at home. You would benefit from having internet access to see some animations that demonstrate some key laboratory tests.
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16 GCSEs and IGCSEs featured courses
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GCSEs and IGCSEs featured courses
Our full range of GCSEs and IGCSEs Language and humanities IGCSE French Do you go to France for work or on holiday? This course is for you if you are keen to learn French but are a complete beginner or have a little knowledge. Learn essential words and phrases like how to order meals and get directions. Edexcel 4FR0 Last exam 2017
Course fee £395
£ £
Climate change, world population, use of natural resources – Geography deals with the big themes that affect how we live. Study geography to develop skills in research and analysis, including map reading and field work. CIE 0460
£ £ £ £
The First World War and the establishment of state-funded welfare systems are just some of the developments that shaped the 20th century. You’ll learn about cause and effect and assessing historical evidence and other source material. Edexcel 4HI0
IGCSE Maths Foundation
Spanish is a national language in 20 sovereign states around the world and is spoken by more than 400 million people. This course is for you if you want to start studying the language or know just a little Spanish.
Half of smart phone users read on an e-reader. However and wherever you read, this course will give you the chance to get to grips with English literature through exploration of literary form and textual analysis.
This course will help you develop your knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques and achieve up to a C grade.
Edexcel 4SP0
Edexcel 4ET0
Combined science gives you the opportunity to study biology, chemistry and physics in a single course. This course is a good starting point for sciencebased careers and will give you a grounding in how the scientific world works.
Last exam 2017
Course fee £395
£ £ £ £
£ £
CIE 0653
Last exam 2017
Course fee £395
£ £ £ £
Physical Sciences
English NEW GCSE English
IGCSE Biology
English language can be used to inspire, motivate and challenge us in countless different ways. This course will help you to read, understand and analyse texts in different forms, and write clearly to get your point across.
If you are fascinated by the functioning of living organisms – plants, animals, bacteria – studying IGCSE Biology will develop your knowledge and understanding of the underlying mechanisms that govern them.
AQA 8700
Edexcel 4BI0
£ £
Course fee £395
IGCSE English Language Blogging, film scripts, advertising, fiction, biography: the English language is used in written form in countless ways. Studying IGCSE English Language, you’ll review and analyse fiction and non-fiction to find out how written language works. Edexcel 4EA0 Last exam 2017
Last exam 2017
Course fee £395
IGCSE Combined Science
First exam 2017
Last exam 2017
IGCSE History
IGCSE English Literature
£ £
IGCSE Geography
Course fee £395
ICGSE Spanish
Course fee £395
£ £ £ £
IGCSE Chemistry
£ £
What are the properties of atoms? How do substances interact through chemical reactions? Chemistry deals with topics like these. You’ll be introduced to principles of chemistry and do experiments at home using everyday materials.
Edexcel 4PH0 Last exam 2017
Maths
Edexcel 1MA1
Last exam 2017
Course fee £395
£
£
GCSE Maths Foundation covers number, statistics, algebra and geometry for students who want to achieve a up to a grade 5 to expand their work and study opportunities. First exam 2017
£
£
NEW GCSE Maths Foundation
Edexcel 4CH0
Course fee £395
£
Physics involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time. You’ll learn about energy and matter, developing investigative and analytical skills through practical experiments you can do at home.
Course fee £395
Last exam 2017
Course fee £395
IGCSE Physics
£
£ £
NEW GCSE Maths Higher
The maths course for students ambitious to achieve a grade 9 and go on to study maths at A level or a related subject such as engineering. Edexcel 1MA1
Course fee £395
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Course fee £395
IGCSE Maths Higher
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£ £
Edexcel 4BS0 Last exam TBC
This course builds on the content of the IGCSE Maths Foundation, adding more advanced content, going into more depth and the opportunity to achieve up to A* grade.
Course fee £395
GCSE Law The law governs the daily lives of all of us, from our terms of employment to dealings with organisations we do business with. This course will introduce you to the English legal system and is a good starting point if you are considering a career in the law.
Last exam 2017
Course fee £395
Social Sciences
£ £
Edexcel 4MA0
£ £
GCSE Psychology
AQA 4160
Psychology is the study of the mind. You’ll find this course particularly engaging if you’re interested in understanding how to use scientific methodology to investigate constructs and themes such as memory, stereotyping and aggression.
Last exam 2018
Course fee £395
£ £
AQA 4180 Last exam 2018
Course fee £395
GCSE Sociology
£ £
Sociology concerns itself with the study of social behaviour, looking at its origins, development and organisation. This course will help you develop methods of investigation and critical analysis about society and how it functions.
Course fee £395
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Key
£
£ Online materials available £ Paper
£
CD £ included
£
£
£
£
You will need to buy an additional set textbook
AQA 4190
£ Our full range of GCSEs and IGSEs
Developing and advertising services, managing cash flow and employing staff all bring their own challenges. This course will help you to understand the terminology, techniques and concepts commonly used in business.
Last exam 2017
Last exam 2018
First exam 2017
IGCSE Business Studies
Edexcel 4MA0
Last exam 2017
Course fee £395
Business
£
Our full range of GCSEs and IGSEs
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Teaching and learning Teaching and learning from early years to secondary school Whether you want to work with pre-school children, assist with the teaching of primary children, or work with children or teenagers in an after-school club, a course with NEC can open many doors for you. NEC works closely with CACHE, the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education. CACHE is the leading awarding body in the UK for courses in early years care, childminding, playwork and supporting teaching and learning. Our courses are prepared directly to these specifications, ensuring that our learners receive the best possible grounding in current good practice.
Assessment Assessment will vary depending on the course you have chosen to study, but could consist of building a portfolio of evidence including assignments, learning plans, discussions and direct observation in the workplace or microteach session.
‘Choosing the correct level’ quiz which you can find on the website.
Registration fees You will need to budget for registration fees for all courses accredited by CACHE and you will find details of the fees on the website. NEC will register you with CACHE.
Tutor support
Funding
You’ll have a named personal tutor every step of the way to help you build up the evidence you need to gain your chosen qualification. Where the course contains workplace assessment, your tutor will come out and visit you in your workplace to do this.
Some students are able to get help with the cost of their early years, playwork and teaching assistant courses. Contact your local authority’s children’s services department for further details.
Level NEC’s teaching and learning courses are all Level 2 or 3, although some courses have units that are at Level 4 and allow the learner to achieve competence above the level of the qualification. If you’re not sure which level is right for you you can take our
Work placements A suitable work placement is recommended for all education courses, but for some it’s essential. We’ll tell you when that’s the case.
Meet NEC Early Years tutor Kate Kate is NEC’s lead tutor for Childcare and Early Years courses. She has held several roles in early years and childcare, including as a registered childminder and a deputy playgroup leader, before qualifying as an NVQ assessor. Kate started to work for NEC after seeing the position advertised. She was keen to apply after having undertaken a course with NEC previously. Her experience as an NEC student also led her to take a degree with the Open University. Kate says that the best thing about working for NEC, other than the flexible working hours, is that ‘it is also a very satisfying job, as I see students start at the beginning of a Level 2 course and slowly grow in confidence, ability and understanding, to the end of a Level 3 course.’ To anyone considering studying Kate says ‘Be realistic about how much free time you have NOW, before you enrol on a course, because “time” does not come in the box of course materials. Don’t just enrol and hope for the best. You have to proactively create the time you need for your studying, and that means sometimes moving other things, dropping things (like your favourite TV programme), or delegating tasks (like the housework). However, this is only for a limited period of time, and will all be worthwhile when you have achieved your study goal.’
GCSE Maths and English
Studying online Our teaching and learning courses are delivered online. You will need to be able to use a computer with internet access and be confident in using these. Before you enrol, we will ask you to complete a pre-enrolment agreement that, among other things, will run through the IT skills and system requirements you will need to complete the course.
English and maths at GCSE grade C or above are essential for Early Years Educators. NEC offers GCSE and IGCSE courses that can be taken alongside your Level 2 or 3 course. See the website for details of special offers for NEC childcare students.
I want to work with
I want to work as…
Qualification
children aged 0–5 years
pre-school or nursery assistant
Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care
children aged 0–5 years
pre-school or nursery leader; childminder
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE)
children aged 0–5 years
childminder
Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-based Childcare
children aged 4–16 years
after-school or breakfast club; holiday playscheme
Award/Certificate/Diploma in Playwork
children at primary or secondary school
site support role or administrative role within a school
Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
children at primary or secondary school
teaching assistant in a primary or secondary school who is supervised; administrative or technical role within a school
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
children at primary or secondary school
teaching assistant or learning support assistant in a primary or secondary school who works directly with young people
Level 3 Award/Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
children at primary or secondary school
teaching assistant or learning support assistant in a primary or secondary school who works directly with young people; parent support adviser; learning mentor
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
20 Teaching and learning
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Teaching and learning
21
Teaching and learning Childcare and Playwork courses
Teaching assistant courses
Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care
Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-based Childcare
If you’re new to working with children in a nursery or pre-school, and want a qualification to help you contribute to the care, welfare and development of children aged 0–5, this is the course you should choose. An ideal stepping stone if you want to go on to the Level 3 qualification in the future.
If you aspire to work as a registered home-based childcarer, looking after children in your own home or somebody else’s home, this course will help you to get there. You’ll gain the knowledge needed to work with children and to set up your own home-based childcare business.
Duration 12 months.
Duration 4 months
Course fee £1550
Course fee £295
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) If you want to qualify as an Early Years Educator, then this is the course for you. Through this course you’ll build up the knowledge and skills you need to work as a practitioner with 0–5 year olds in a nursery or pre-school. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain knowledge of 5–7 year olds. Duration 24 months.
Course fee £2475
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Level 3 Certificate in Playwork
Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
If you work in a playwork setting and want to learn more about the importance of play and how to support children and young people in a play environment, this course will help you. As well as the topics covered in the Award, you’ll learn about health and safety and supporting positive outcomes.
This course is ideal for you if you’re hoping to work or already work, in a support role within a school, for example in administration, technical support or site support. You’ll learn about child development, communicating with children and the principles of safeguarding and inclusion.
Duration 12 months
Duration 4 months Course fee £495
Course fee £1150
Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Working with children and young people within a school environment is a popular career choice. If you’re interested in working as an assistant or senior assistant, this course will help you to gain the knowledge and understanding you need to get there. Duration 4 months Course fee £495
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools This comprehensive and indepth course is ideal if you want to develop a detailed understanding of the skills required in your work with children. You’ll explore all aspects of supporting children and young people in their learning environment, including planning, delivering and reviewing assessment strategies. Duration 12 months
Level 3 Award in Induction to Playwork
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Diploma in Playwork
Supporting children in a play environment such as a holiday playscheme or after-school club is a rewarding career. If this appeals to you, this course provides an excellent introduction and overview of playwork principles, selfdirected play and safeguarding children.
If you aim to be able to work unsupervised in a play environment with children aged 4–16, the Diploma is an essential qualification to help you get there. As well as the topics covered in the Award and Certificate, you’ll also learn everything you need to work independently within a play environment.
Duration 6 months
Duration 24 months
Course fee £395
Course fee £2350
Having everything online really helped me to juggle things. If I needed any extra guidance, my tutor was there to help. I would email her and she would usually reply within 24 hours.
If you’re working as a teaching assistant, learning support assistant or special needs assistant in a school environment, this course will help you to develop the knowledge and skills you’ll need. As well as the topics covered within the Award, you’ll also learn about supporting positive behaviour and learning activities. Duration 9 months
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools If you’re working as a teaching assistant, learning support assistant or special educational needs assistant, this course is ideal to help you gain the knowledge and skills you’ll need to progress to a more senior role.
Course fee £1595
Key Online Work placement required
Duration 9 months Course fee £1050
Course fee £1050
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Sarah, NEC Childcare student 22 Teaching and learning
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Teaching and learning
Business and management
Book-keeping
NEC works in close association and is quality assured by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and we offer management qualifications at Levels 3 and 5.
NEC offers three different book-keeping courses in partnership with the Institute of Certified Book-keepers (ICB). ICB qualifications will equip you for a future job in book-keeping or for setting up your own business. ICB’s qualifications are developed with employers, government, small business owners and experienced book-keepers and are rigorously practical and relevant.
CMI’s practical qualifications are ideal for managers and leaders at any level, and its qualifications are highly valued by employers and so boost career prospects.
Entry requirements For all the courses there are no formal entry requirements, as long as you are working already as a manager at the appropriate level.
Assessment Assessment is in the form of assignments.
Tutor support You’ll have a named personal tutor throughout your course. Your tutor will be a qualified to teach management and will have experience in helping people to achieve CMI qualifications.
Access to Management Direct All NEC students have access to CMI’s ‘Management Direct’ resource. This includes learning materials in a range of media, including videos, templates and presentations. You can search by time as well as topic, so you can fit learning in around how much time you have.
Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in First Line Manager If you’re a first line manager or supervisor or aspiring to become one, these courses will help you to develop your communication and motivational skills to become a more effective and productive manager. You can choose to do: ●●
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the Award, which will give you a good foundation in first line management the Certificate, which will broaden your knowledge and skills the Diploma, which will help you to develop extensively as a first line manager.
Duration Award 6 months, Certificate 12 months, Diploma 18 months Course fee Award £215 Certificate £420 Diploma £1290
Level 5 Award, Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diploma in Management and Leadership If you’re looking for the next step in your career and moving into middle or senior management, these courses can help you to get there. You’ll learn about managing team performance, recruitment, meeting stakeholder needs and being a leader. You can choose to do: the Award, which will help you to develop a specific aspect of your role. the Certificate, which will broaden your skills and knowledge. the Diploma, which will develop key skills needed to move on to senior management. the Extended Diploma, which will develop you further to give you the key skills and competencies you’ll need to become an effective manager.
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Carly, NEC management student I was nervous at taking on a management role, so I decided to do the Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership to improve my skills and help me to do well in my new job. The flexibility really suits me as I can fit in my study around my often busy schedule. The management direct resource has been really useful, as well as helping me with my course, I have also used some of the templates you can download. This was invaluable the first time I had to recruit someone!
Assessment
Tutor support
For all the courses there are no formal entry requirements, although you will need to study the level 2 course before you move onto the Level 3 and you will need to be computer literate to study computerised book-keeping.
Assessment is in the form of exams which NEC will arrange for you with ICB when you are ready to take them.
You’ll have a named personal tutor throughout your course. Your tutor will be a qualified to teach book-keeping and experienced in helping people to achieve bookkeeping qualifications.
Essential Book-keeping
Advanced Book-keeping
If you want to develop bookkeeping skills to help run your business or club, improve your job prospects or just stay on top of your own accounts, this course will provide you with an excellent starting point. Leading to the ICB Level 1 and 2 qualification, you’ll be well on your way to understanding the priciples of book-keeping, account books and using the accounts.
If you wish to look in more detail at the bookkeeping processes and the requirements of a range of different businesses, or you are thinking of a career in book-keeping, this course will develop your book-keeping, accounting and business skills. To do this course you will need the Essential Book-keeping qualification, GCSE Accounting or an equivalent qualification.
Duration 12 months
£
Duration 12 months
£
Course fee £325
£
Course fee £350
£
Gemma, NEC Book-keeping student
Duration Award 6 months, Certificate 12 months, Diploma 18 months, Extended Diploma 24 months Course fee Award £225 Certificate £440 Diploma £1315 Extended Diploma £1540
Entry requirements
£
I was curious about book-keeping after seeing Sage requested in so many job adverts, and a short course that I could dip in and out of sounded perfect for something I wasn't sure I was going to like. The course I'm taking goes over the basics with plenty of examples to follow along, and I'm enjoying the assignments more than I thought I would. There might be a career in this for me after all!
Computerised Book-keeping if you want to learn how to use Sage Instant Accounts, then consider this course. You’ll need to have access to a computer running Sage Version 15 on Windows 98 or above. To gain the ICB qualification you’ll need to have the Essential Bookkeeping qualification at Level 1. You’ll learn about applying the principles of double entry book-keeping using Sage Instant Acounts. Duration 12 months
£
Course fee £350
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Key £
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Key Online
24 Business and management
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[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk Book-keeping
Counselling and communications
Creativity and the arts
A career in counselling can be varied and rewarding. If you’re thinking about taking the first step toward working in this field, a course with NEC is a great way to get started.
If you have a creative streak that you’d like to develop or simply have a general interest in the arts, our range of courses in art and writing could help you realise your ambitions and translate your ideas in to reality.
You’ll learn about the underlying principles of counselling techniques and practice.
Entry requirements There are no formal entry requirements, but for Counselling Theory you should be working as a trainee counsellor or have a good understanding of counselling practice to fully benefit from this course.
Assessment There are assignments throughout the course which will help your tutor to assess your progress. You will need to complete all of these in order to get an NEC certificate of completion. There is no formal assessment.
A Taste of Counselling
Counselling Theory
If you wish to find out whether training as a counsellor would suit you, this course is ideal. Through case studies and multiple choice questions, you’ll learn what counselling involves and how counsellors work. It will give you an insight into the personal qualities counselling requires.
If you have a good general understanding of counselling practice or are already practising, our course in will be invaluable. It provides a thorough grounding in the main counselling theories, plus full guidance on how to apply theory in your practical work. The course will prepare you for further training or a professional qualification.
Duration 6 months
£
Course fee £150
£
Duration 6 months
£
Course fee £350
£
Tutor support You’ll have a named personal tutor throughout your course. Your tutor will be a qualified to teach counselling.
Astero O’Sullivan Astero pursues an interest in counselling Astero O’Sullivan had already completed English GCSE with NEC when she decided to enrol on the Counselling Theory course: ‘I have been interested in counselling for a long time and chose the course as a way of learning more about it in a structured way. I found it gave me the insight into the subject I was looking for. Studying with NEC has built up my confidence and added to my knowledge. Longer term, I hope to go on and study for a degree.’
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Overall the course materials were comprehensive, amazingly clear and very well-paced, which made a massive difference in my confidence going through the course.
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Entry requirements
Assessment
Tutor support
There are no formal entry requirements, although a good level of basic English is needed.
There are assignments throughout the course which will help your tutor to assess your progress. You will need to complete all of these in order to get an NEC certificate of completion. There is no formal assessment.
You’ll have a named personal tutor throughout your course who will be experienced in your chosen subject.
Art History
Art Techniques
Creative Writing
If you are interested in art history, our course covers art history from the 15th century to the present day. With the help of specific course textbooks, you’ll study many of the major art movements and styles and become familiar with the work of important artists.
If you want to learn to draw or paint or want to build on your existing skills, this course will teach you the necessary techniques and skills. Through practical and fully illustrated learning materials you can learn all the techniques and skills you need to be able to draw and paint.
If you wish to discover or develop your writing skills, this course will give you the knowledge to improve your techniques and boost your confidence in your writing. You’ll look at writing different forms of fiction, such as novels, plays, poems, and non-fiction material like magazine articles.
Duration 12 months
£
Duration 12 months
£
Duration 12 months
£
Course fee £395
£
Course fee £395
£
Course fee £395
£
Patricia Palmer
Writing Short Stories
Writing for a Living
If you wish to learn the techniques of writing short stories or how to use the short-story form effectively, this course will help you. You’ll look at structure and plot, the way characters are created, different narrative voices and other important aspects of the story-writing process.
If you’re wondering how you can turn your passion for writing into a business,this course will show you how to get your work published and give you advice on getting started as a freelance. You’ll learn about the different publishing media and their demands, and find out how to target the most suitable outlets for your work.
Duration 6 months
£
Course fee £275
£
Duration 6 months
£
Course fee £195
£
Patricia studies for pure enjoyment Patricia Palmer returned to study after a long gap: ‘I enrolled on Art Techniques after many years away from studying, choosing NEC to fit around my work, home life and looking after my youngest son. I have found this course so enjoyable that I am thinking of changing career direction by studying with the Open University and perhaps going on to work in art therapy.’
26 Counselling and communications
0800 389 2839
[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk
0800 389 2839
[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk
Creativity and the arts
27
Who we work with The Open University The Open University provides high-quality higher education by distance learning, working according to the same ethos and mission as NEC. You should contact the OU if you are looking to progress your studies beyond the level offered by NEC.
The Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) PET provides advice and funding to about 2000 prisoners each year to help them study courses in subjects and at levels not otherwise available. This ensures access to broader education opportunities for prisoners, to enhance their chances of building a better life after release. NEC works with the charity as distance learning is proven to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
unionlearn unionlearn works closely with unions to provide learning opportunities for its members. With a shared passion for education, we work closely with unionlearn to ensure its members are able to access the wide variety of courses on offer from NEC. Distance learning is ideal for people who want to continue working while they study.
The Exams Officers’ Association The Exams Officers’ Association (EOA) is an independent charity whose role is to support and develop exams officers throughout the UK. NEC works in partnership with the EOA to provide support and guidance for external candidates for exams.
The WEA The WEA is the largest voluntary sector provider of adult education in the UK. Both the WEA and NEC were set up to address educational inequalities faced by ordinary working people. We are proud to partner with the WEA to promote and campaign for widening access to lifelong learning.
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Awarding bodies
The armed forces
Schools and colleges
NEC works closely with the main awarding bodies in the UK and complies with their strict quality guidelines.
Distance learning is ideal for those serving in the armed forces. You can study your course wherever you are and when you like.
NEC supports many schools across the UK by providing a distance learning alternative to help with extending subject choice, resolving timetable clashes, overcoming staff shortages and helping to fit maths and English GCSE into a crowded A level timetable.
European Association for Distance Learning EADL is the European association of schools, institutions and individuals working in correspondence and distance education. All its members must meet the EADL quality standards and comply with its code of conduct. Europe-wide, EADL membership is regarded as a seal of quality. It has members in prestigious organisations across Europe who meet at annual conferences to discuss developments, innovation and best practice in distance learning.
ocr AQA edexcel Home educators A growing number of young learners are being educated at home, and NEC courses are ideal to prepare for and gain GCSE, IGCSE and A level qualifications. We offer enhanced support for home educators through the Young Learner’s Service. This gives parents the opportunity to get involved in the learning journey.
Financial support is available for those serving in the armed forces through the Standard Learning Credit scheme and the Enhanced Learning credit scheme. Our ELCAS provider number is 1160.
Offenders The flexibility of distance learning works well for offenders who cannot attend a local college and who can be transferred to different locations at short notice. Our courses have helped many offenders to gain the essential knowledge, skills and qualifications they need to help them find employment on release. Offenders can apply for funding from the Prisoners’ Education Trust (www.prisonerseducation. org.uk).
We can also arrange a licence for schools and colleges to use our course materials with their students. As well as the wide range of subjects we offer, there is also a resource available to help improve spelling, punctuation and grammar skills.
Equality Our flexible approach to learning and the ability to study at your own pace and in your own time makes us perfectly placed to make study accessible to almost everyone. Get in touch with our course advice team if you want to talk through your needs.
NIACE NIACE is the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, which is the leading body promoting adult learning in the UK. With a mission that complements NEC’s aims closely, the two organisations have a natural partnership.
My NEC A levels were purely to prove that I am capable of attaining this level of study and to prove to others that mainstream education is not the only route to success. NEC Student
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Extending subject choice for students in Doncaster Sir Thomas Wharton Community College’s first NEC success was a student who took an AS in Geography. She went on to take the A2 with the NEC in 2013, achieving a B in the exam, and is now studying nursing. ‘She wanted to focus on sciences, but geography was the subject she was most passionate about,’ says Kay Henson, Head of Achievement. ‘We couldn’t find a way of fitting geography into the school timetable with biology and chemistry, so distance learning was an obvious way to go.’ Other students coming into the sixth form have followed in her footsteps and the school is now seeing them choose specialist subjects that
NEC offers but which are not mainstream for schools. This year, accounting and environmental sciences have been popular. Deputy Kevin Grum concludes: ‘When Sir Thomas Wharton Community College first became an academy, we were in a partnership with other schools in Doncaster. That meant we could offer students a wider subject choice at both GCSE and A level than we had been able to do before. Now we are a standalone academy, distance learning is more important than ever in offering the flexible provision which is so central to what we stand for.’
28 Who we work with
0800 389 2839
[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk
0800 389 2839
[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk
Who we work with
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FAQs There’s a lot to consider when you enrol on a course, it’s a big decision. We’ve used our experience, and the experience of the thousands of students that have enrolled with NEC to draw up a list of questions we suggest asking any provider before you enrol. You’ll find our answers to these questions throughout the Guide and on this page too.
I’ve found a course I want to enrol on. When can I start? You can start whenever it suits you as NEC doesn’t have set enrolment dates. If your course leads to an exam and you want to take the exam – especially a GCSE, IGCSE or A level – you will need to enrol sufficiently far in advance of the exam date to give you time to do the assignments and prepare for the exam.
What tutor support does NEC offer? Every NEC student has a personal tutor for the duration of their course who is a specialist in the subject and qualified to teach. NEC has a rigorous recruitment process for tutors and all tutors who work with learners who are under 18 are fully DRB checked. You will find profiles of many of our tutors on our website www.nec.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have a personal tutor and can I find out what qualifications/experience they have? Can I see a sample of the course materials? Can an exam place be guaranteed? How many assignments does the course have? What does the course fee include? What are your exam success rates compared to the national average? How will the assessment, including coursework, be handled? What happens if I need more time to complete my course? What happens if I don’t pass my exams?
Contact between tutors and students is usually by email, telephone or through learn@nec. Your tutor will mark and give you comprehensive feedback on all of your assignments and answer questions about your chosen subject when you need help. If your course requires workplace assessment, your tutor will also do this for you as well as authenticating coursework when needed.
How long is my course? This depends on the course you have chosen, for example some short courses will have a duration of 4–6 months and some longer courses up to 24 months. The flexibility of a distance learning course means that you can study faster if you need to. We also understand that things can sometimes get in the way of your studies and you might need a little extra time. Get in touch with us if that’s the case and we’ll extend your enrolment period.
How many assignments will the course have? This will vary from course to course, but you will find the information for each course on the website or by calling our course advice team. Assignments are designed to help you make the most of the course and to prepare you for any formal assessment. Each assignment you do will be marked by your personal tutor and you will get comprehensive feedback to help you progress.
Who writes NEC course materials? NEC course materials are developed and selected by leading expert authors, examiners and subject experts. If you would like to see a sample before you enrol, you can download it from our website www.nec.ac.uk
Where can I find out more about the course I want to enrol on? There is more information about all the courses we offer on our website. You can also call our experienced course advice team free on 0800 389 2839 with any questions you have.
Do I get a recognised qualification? It depends on which course you take. Most of the courses we offer lead to a GCSE, IGCSE, A level or a vocational qualification from one of the UK’s awarding bodies. A few courses, such as creative writing, are for enjoyment only. When you’ve finished your course, you can ask us to send you a course completion certificate as a record of your achievement, regardless of whether or not you sit an exam.
Where will I sit my exams? NEC has a selection of partnership regional exam centres across the UK where we can guarantee a place for you and administer your exam entry for you. You may wish to find a centre yourself, in which case your course co-ordinator will be happy to give you guidance.
Does NEC have an exam pass guarantee? Yes. We are confident that if you complete all of your assignments and follow our advice on working through the course, you will pass your exams. If you don’t, get in touch and we’ll arrange support for you to try again at the next exam session. You should be aware that we are only able to do this if you have completed
all of your assignments and the specification for your course is still being examined.
Do NEC students do well in exams? NEC students consistently perform as welll as or better than than the national average. For example in 2014 28.3% of students who took their A levels through our partnership centres achieved grade A or higher compared to the national average of 26%. And for GCSE 77.2% of students who took their GCSEs through our partnership centres achieved grades A* to C compared to the national average of 68.6%.
How do I pay? NEC offers a variety of payment options. You can pay in full once you enrol, or spread out the cost of your course. NEC is able to offer finance options through Pay4Later with Omni Capital Retail Finance. To discuss your options, call one of our course advisers.
What does the course fee include? It includes: ●● ●● ●● ●●
●●
your course materials; they may be in paper format or online support from your personal tutor support from your NEC course co-ordinator marking of assignments and administering of coursework and formal assessment guidance or booking exam centres.
case, we don’t want you to have any surprises.
I live outside the UK. Can I study with NEC? NEC has always welcomed students from all over the world. Technology is making the experience of distance learning easier than ever before for many students, and that includes NEC students who live outside the UK. Two things to bear in mind: you will need a good standard of English to get the most from the course materials, and if you are planning to take a course that leads to an exam, you will need to check with the awarding body where you can sit the exam and how much it will cost.
Who runs NEC? NEC is a not-for-profit organisation run under the umbrella of the Open School Trust, a charity registered in the UK (charity number 328414). Find out more by visiting www.charitycommission. gov.uk. Our Chief Executive is Dr Ros Morpeth, who was named Further Education Leader of the Year by the TES in 2014, and was awarded an OBE for services to education in 2015.
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You will need to pay for your exam entry in addition and some courses may have additional set textbooks or equipment. We’ll tell you before you enrol if this is the
30 Frequently asked questions
0800 389 2839
[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk
0800 389 2839
[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk
Frequently asked questions
Subject Index Accounting A level Accounting 13 Art Art techniques 27 Art history 27 Biology IGCSE Biology 18 A level Biology 10, 12 Book-keeping Essential book-keeping 25 Advanced book-keeping 25 Computerised book-keeping 25 Business IGCSE Business Studies 19 A level Business 13 Chemistry IGCSE Chemistry 18 A level Chemistry 10, 12 Childcare Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care 22 Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce 22 Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-based Childcare 22 Classical Civilisation A level Classical Civilisation 12 Counselling A Taste of Counselling 26 Counselling Theory 26 Creative writing Creative Writing 27 Writing Short Stories 27 Writing for a Living 27 Critical Thinking A level Critical Thinking 12 Economics A level Economics 13 English GCSE English 18 IGCSE English Language 18 IGCSE English Literature 18 A level English Language 12 A level English Literature 12 Environmental Studies A level Environmental Studies 13 French IGCSE French 18 A level French 12 Geography IGCSE Geography 18 A level Geography 12 Government and Politics A level Government and Politics 13
History IGCSE History 18 A level History 12 Law GCSE Law 19 A level Law 13 Management CMI Level 3 Award/Certificate/ Diploma in First Line Management 24 CMI Level 5 Award/Certificate/ Diploma/Extended Diploma in Management and Leadership 24 Maths GCSE Maths higher 19 GCSE Maths foundation 19 IGCSE Maths higher 19 IGCSE Maths foundation 19 A level Maths 11, 13 Philosophy A level Philosophy 12 Physics IGCSE Physics 19 A level Physics 10, 12 Playwork Level 3 Award in Induction to Playwork 22 Level 3 Certificate in Playwork 22 Level 3 Diploma in Playwork 22 Psychology GCSE Psychology 19 A level Psychology 13 Religious Studies A level Religious Studies 13 Science (combined) IGCSE Combined Science 19 Sociology GCSE Sociology 19 A level Sociology 13 Spanish IGCSE Spanish 18 Teaching Assistant Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools 23 Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools 23 Level 3 Award/Certificate in in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools 23 Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools 23
Our story The 70s were times of change for NEC, two office moves were made to accommodate the growing number of staff needed to support NEC’s increasing number of students. Both moves kept NEC true to its roots, remaining in the city of Cambridge where it was founded and is still based today.
GCSEs hit the headlines in 1992, when the Southern Examinations Group announched that they would be withdrawing 15 external syllabuses. NEC spearheaded a successful campaign to keep GCSE examinations for external candidates. As a result, independent adult learners continue to have access to these important qualifications.
In 2000, NEC was enrolling 10,000 students each year on a portfolio of 150 courses. A new online learning platform was launched using the best in communications technology to support NEC staff and students.
NEC was founded in 1963 by Michael Young and Brian Jackson with funding from the Gulbenkian Foundation and The Guardian. It was launched by an article in Where? magazine published by the Advisory Centre for Education.
1960
1970
The early 70s were years of highs and lows for NEC. The highs included ‘Make it Count’ with Yorkshire television. The lows included the postal strikes which were almost catastrophic for NEC who were relying on the postal system for all of it’s work, but a grant awarded by Margaret Thatcher saved NEC from closure.
NEC launches one it’s most successful programmes, ‘30-hour basic’. This accompanied a BBC TV programme, and even made the Sunday Times bestsellers list.
1980
1990
The 90s saw a large increase in work-based learning projects for NEC. One of the most successful was a project with Coca-Cola, a degree programme that saw hundreds of Coca-cola employees gain qualifications.
2000
2010
2015
In 2013 NEC celebrated it’s 50th anniversary, and as the press said ‘The sky’s the limit for NEC where age and distance are no barriers.’ Cambridge News, 26 June 2013.
In 2014 NEC celebrated CEO Ros Morpeth being awarded the Times Education Supplement FE Leader of the Year Award. The awards judges described Ros as a ‘miracle worker’.
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33 Index
0800 389 2839
[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk
0800 389 2839
[email protected] www.nec.ac.uk
Our story
GCSEs and Teaching assistants A levelsIGCSEs
Book-keepingChildcare
Teaching andLearning Creativity andCounselling the Arts Business and Management
Contact us: National Extension College The Michael Young Centre School House Homerton Gardens Cambridge CB2 8EB Tel: 0800 389 2839 Fax: 01223 400399 Email:
[email protected] Web: www.nec.ac.uk
NEC is the trading name of The Open School Trust, an independent registered charity. It is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England. Charity Number: 328414 Company Number: 02438525. Registered office: 115c Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1XE.
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