Parents, guardians or carers of senior school pupils are being encouraged to think about them taking advantage of studying at Forth Valley College, while still at high school.
An extensive range of school partnership courses, at varying levels of study, have been launched and are now available at FVC’s Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa Campuses https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ways-to-study/school-partnership/
Applications went live on Tuesday 28 January 2025, and will close on Friday 28 March 2025. Course information on the website was correct at time of publishing, but may be subject to change.
These courses are for school pupils moving into S4, S5 and S6 in August 2025, who can sign up for vocational courses as one of their subject options, alongside their school-based National and Higher qualifications.
Everything from Higher National Certificates (HNCs) - studied over two years and can lead onto HNDs or even year two of some degree courses at university – to National Progression Awards (NPAs), Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs), Skills for Work, SCOTS and City and Guilds qualifications - introducing industry skills and knowledge to start your career journey - are all available at FVC.
They are all a real win, win option as they give pupils a taste of what to expect in further or higher education, and takes the anxiety away from them when they eventually leave school and make their next step in education. They also encourage more independence, responsibility and maturity and allows them to experience a whole range of leisure activities and social networks.
Types of courses on offer include:
• Foundation Apprenticeships – equivalent to a Higher qualification - offer a valuable educational opportunity for fifth and sixth-year pupils, combining both academic learning and practical experience. These are designed to provide students with hands-on tasks and work experience with local employers, allowing them to develop essential skills that will enhance their future career prospects. The experience gained through these apprenticeships opens up several pathways, such as progressing to a Modern Apprenticeship, furthering education at college or university, or directly entering the workforce.
• Our Schools College Opportunities to Succeed (SCOTS) Programme may interest you if you are a school pupil who wants to experience college without having to undertake a full qualification. You may be thinking about leaving school or staying on, but are still determining if the career path you are thinking about is right for you. The SCOTS programme allows you to try a course/subject area in a more relaxed manner with no pressure of having to fit a full qualification into your timetables. After completing the SCOTS programme, we are confident you will better know which career path you would like to follow.The SCOTS programme is only available to pupils from schools based in Falkirk. For further information and to apply, pupils should speak to a staff member at their school. Applications are referral based from schools from 28 January 2025 and will close on Friday 30 May 2025 - please contact your school for more information.
• School partnership Courses at Forth Valley College - for senior school pupils - offer a wide range of vocational courses to study alongside school-based National and Higher qualifications. Our extensive range of school partnership courses are pitched at a range of levels to study at our Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa Campuses, everything from Higher National Certificates (HNCs) - studied over two years and can lead onto HNDs or even year two of some degree courses at university – to National Progression Awards (NPAs) and City and Guilds qualifications.
• At Forth Valley College, our Supported Transition Courses are dedicated to supporting young people with Additional Support Needs as they transition into college life over the course of a year, while they continue their school journey. Our Supported Transition Course offers two levels of learning: Level 2 and Level 4. These levels serve as a foundation that prepares students for either our full-time supported programs or other courses within the college. Throughout these courses, we focus on understanding the individual needs of our students and providing the support necessary for them to settle into college life. This includes getting to know key staff members and familiarising students with the college environment, ensuring a smooth and positive transition. Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course is designed for young people from S4 onwards, who have English as a second language and are working at level 4. The course aims to support students in improving their language skills while preparing them for an SQA award and/or exam at National 4, 5, or Higher levels. This course offers an inclusive and supportive environment where young people from across the local authority can come together. Participants will not only enhance their English language proficiency but will also build confidence through interaction with others who share similar experiences. This collaborative approach helps to foster a sense of community while providing the necessary skills for academic and personal growth. Applications are referral based from schools from 28 January 2025 and will close on Friday 2 May 2025 - please contact your school for more information.
Pupils interested in these courses should talk to their pupil support teacher. For more information visit https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ways-to-study/school-partnership/ or contact schools.coordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk