Courses

Public Services (Uniformed Protective)

Course Description

The course is designed to develop your skills, discipline and knowledge to equip you for a career within the uniformed protective services sector, including: The Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Prison Service and Armed Forces. You will also have the opportunity to take part in various day and residential trips to put your skills to the test.

Entry Requirements

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5. This course may be taken alongside A Level courses and may be more suited to learners with a strong profile of prior attainment in vocational studies.

Features of the Course

This is a two year course and is taken alongside A Level courses. Units covered are: Behaviour and Discipline, Teamwork and Leadership, Introduction to Criminology and Police Powers and the Law. You will develop a responsible and co-operative approach to working on your own and as part of a group, developing skills such as team work and communication alongside your academic skills. The course uses practical activities, presentations and involvement with local public services wherever possible to enhance the learning experience.

The Policing Academy
Do you want to be a Police Officer? The Policing Academy is a 10 week programme designed to inspire, challenge and support students interested in joining the Police. It allows students to gain a practical understanding of the application process, initial training and life in the force and is delivered by experienced former Greater Manchester Police officers.

Topics covered develop your knowledge and understanding in a range of areas including: caution, arrest, burglary, theft, drugs and public order, as well as give you information and tips on the application process. Students will also take part in skill development exercises, gain an insight into the life of a new recruit and undertake the Police entry tests. Interested students will be selected at the end of their first year via an application and interview process.

Assessment

The course has one unit assessed through external assessment and three are continually assessed through written assignments, projects, consultations, presentations and case studies.

Exam Board: Pearson RQF

Enrichment and Work Experience

Students are required to complete a one-week work placement in the summer term. Work experience is a vital part of a young person’s learning development. It supports the academic skills they develop during their time at The Sixth Form and allows them to acquire skills that cannot be taught in the classroom. Responsibility for obtaining this placement lies ultimately with the student, although there is a vast amount of support and guidance available to assist through the work experience officer, careers guidance team, curriculum teachers and your personal tutor.

You will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sports related enrichment and we encourage our students to do so. These include: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, first aid, Voluntary Service Award, cricket, football, basketball, netball and athletics.

Additional Information

As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to undertake the Level 2 Gym Instructor course through a local company called 88 Fitness Education & Training. We are able to offer this at a significantly reduced cost. The course is aimed at those wishing to pursue a career within the health and fitness industry, equipping you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work with gym users and help them to reach their health and fitness goals. The qualification is nationally accredited and recognised throughout the UK and overseas.

Links With Other Subjects

Public Services links well with numerous subjects including Law, Physical Education, Sport, Politics, Psychology, Sociology and Sport and Exercise Science.

Future Career Opportunities

This qualification is suitable for students who are considering employment in the uniformed public services. The qualification will enhance your skills and experience needed to either directly join the services or to study related subjects at higher education level.

Why study at The Sixth Form Bolton?

• Taught by specialists in Public Services
• Links with the local Police, and Fire services, MPs, Prisons and the Armed Forces
• Key industry speakers
• Opportunity to take part in residential and day trips
• Opportunity to take part in external awards such National Citizen Service (NCS) and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• Practical training sessions that will help prepare you for the demands of employment in the uniformed public services
• Activities undertaken to improve your problem solving, teamwork, leadership, communication and cohesion skills