Dozens of senior school pupils and their parents attended a special HNC information evening at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus recently (Thursday 28 January).
The event was a partnership between the college and the three local councils in the Forth Valley area who have created a range of exciting new opportunities for pupils to study for Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualifications whilst they are still at school, alongside their Highers.
S5/S6 pupils can study HNCs in the following subject areas - Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Early Education and Childcare, Events Management, Sports Coaching and Computing (all subject to sufficient numbers).
Any pupil currently in S4 and in a position where the school they attend confidently predicts they are on track to achieve two Highers at grade B in S5, could be eligible to study for an HNC over two years (S5 and S6), starting in August 2016. Highly respected HNC qualifications are also a route to degree study at university on leaving high school.
During the HNC pupils would attend college for two half days each week during term time (except for Events Management, this will be a complete day in Stirling).
A spokesperson for the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) said:
“HNCs and HNDs are specially designed to meet the needs of employers both locally and internationally. So if you are serious about getting a job and want a career with prospects, then getting a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) is one of the best ways to achieve your ambition and because employers recognise Higher National Qualifications as good evidence of your ability, having an HNC or HND will help you get a job.”
HNC places are still available and anyone interested in finding out more should contact Ernie Romer (School Provision Co-ordinator) by email: schools.co-ordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk