Public Services (Uniformed) – Level 2 Diploma

Level: 2 | Duration: 1 Year | Details: September

Why study this course at Cronton Sixth Form?
If you see your future working in the Uniformed Protected Services, then this exciting one-year course is an ideal foundation on which to build your chosen career. Students who successfully complete the Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Public Services may then progress on to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services. This course is ideal for students who wish to pursue employment in the Police Service, Fire Service, Armed Forces (The British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force), Prison Service, Central Government, The NHS, Local Councils or the voluntary and charitable sector.

Alternatively, you may wish to go to university first to gain a degree before gaining entry to a public service on a graduate scheme. If this is the case, progressing to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (which is equivalent to three ‘A’ Levels) will give you the qualification you need to progress onto Higher Education. Many students each year choose to go to university to study degrees in Criminology, Psychology, Professional Policing, Law, Criminal Justice, Forensic Investigations and Outdoor Pursuits.

During the course, you will gain a range of knowledge and skills from theoretical and practical studies that will develop your ability to work in a team, leadership skills, communication skills and problem-solving skills. You will improve your fitness levels through weekly timetabled gym sessions. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to engage in exciting trips and visiting speakers that provide exert advice and insight into careers within the public service sector. Our expert Public Services tutors will encourage you exceed your expectations and move a step closer to your ideal career.

What will I study?
Students studying level 2 will cover a broad range of subjects across the public service sector, such as Emergency Services, Armed Services, Local Authority, Custodial Services, and Voluntary and Charitable Organisations.

Students will participate in a variety of activities across the year to develop their skills including walking locally, Wales and the Lake District to learn navigation skills to support them during their multi-day expedition. In the final term students will take part in three-day expedition up in the Lake District being assessed on map reading, use of a compass, navigation skills, camp craft, teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Students will also engage in a weekly gym session to develop their overall fitness levels to support them gaining future entry into the public service sector.

Students will experience a wide variety of volunteering opportunities and benefit from our invaluable links with local and national public services. Visits from guest speakers will enhance their learning and future career opportunities.

Students will study a number of units across the year including;

Unit 1: The Role and Work of the Public Services (Exam)

Unit 2: Working Skills in the Public Service Sector

Unit 5: Health, Fitness and Lifestyle in the Public Services

Unit 6: Citizenship, Society and the public services (Exam)

Unit 7: Crime and its effects on Society and individuals

Unit 12: Land Navigation by Map and Compass

Unit 14: Multi-Day Expedition Experience

Unit 17: Preparing to Respond to Emergency Incidents

How will I be assessed?
During your 1-year course you will be assessed through two external exams and internally assessed assignments. You will be required to produce arrange of written assignments, presentations, practical assessments and professional discussions to successfully complete internally assessed units.

Entry Requirements
A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades 9 – 3 including a Grade 3 in English Language and a Grade 2 in Maths.

What will my timetable look like?
You will be in college for 3 days a week. During that time, you will spend time in gym and classrooms developing the theoretical and practical skills to equip you with knowledge required to work in the public service sector. You will have a 1-hour tutorial session with your assigned Personal Tutor who will cover your tutorial times. These lessons focus on ASPIRE (Attendance, Systems, Progress, Intentions, Resilience and Efforts).

You will also spend time in the classroom learning the theory behind the subject and preparing for your exams and internal assessments.

You will spend 2.5 hours in GCSE English and Maths unless you have passed your GCSE already.

Can I study this course if I have not taken it at GCSE?
Yes, you do not need to study this at GCSE level, however, will be required to have achieved 4 GCSE’s at 9-3 including Grade 3 in English Language and Grade 2 in Maths.

Enrichment Opportunities
Students studying Public Services at Cronton had the opportunity to go on the public service trip to Krakow, sport trip to Barcelona and across college Skiing trip, these experiences have provided them with the opportunity to travel, complete work experience, take in different cultures, grow on a personal level and make lifelong friendships.

Students also have the opportunity to take part in a full Sport enrichment programme and talented sports performers will have the opportunity to join our Centre of Sporting Excellence. Our coaches are committed to helping young athletes develop and excel both academically and professionally. Alternatively, students will have opportunities to engage in other cross-college enrichment clubs, including access to state-of-the-art Gym, F1 in school, Debate Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Animal Club, Chess Club and much more.

What can this course lead on to?
Most students progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protected Services, with some students going directly into one of the services.

Any additional costs?
Students will be expected to purchase the course kit package and make a contribution to trips and visits that are organised to support curriculum delivery.