YEAR 9 OPTIONS BOOKLET 2026-2028

Your Journey  A plan of action - what career is this course going to help you get?  Subject knowledge - do you know what you’re letting yourself in for? Apprenticeships What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside onthe-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. What will Colleges/Sixth Forms be looking for?  Predicted Grades (generally minimum of 5 GCSEs Grade 5 and up), especially in English & Maths.  Some apprenticeships will require other grades (such as Engineering, which can require at least a Grade 5 or 6 in Science).  Suitable skills & experience  Will they be able to promote you to employers?  A plan of action - what career is this apprenticeship going to lead to?  Career knowledge - do you know what you’re letting yourself in for?  Your CV - what can this show to employers? What are your options after you finish school? A-Levels What will Colleges/Sixth Forms be looking for?  Predicted Grades (generally minimum of 5 GCSEs Grade 5 and up), especially in English & Maths.  For OLCC, at least 5 Grade 4s including English or Maths.  Certain subjects will also require Grade 5 or 6 and above in that subject such as the Sciences.  A reason for your chosen combination of subjects (career, degree, favourite subjects...)  Subject knowledge - do you know what you’re letting yourself in for? Vocational Courses What will Colleges/Sixth Forms be looking for?  Predicted Grades (generally minimum of 5 GCSEs Grade 5 and up), especially in English & Maths.  For OLCC, at least 5 Grade 4s including English or Maths.  Suitable skills & experience  Will you be able to handle the projects & placements? T-Levels What are T-Levels?  T-Levels are an alternative to A-Levels, Apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses.  Equivalent to 3 A-Levels, a T-Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.  Each T-Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.  T-Level students spend 80% of the course in the classroom, learning the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.  T-Levels have been introduced in limited subject areas and the nearest places offering these qualifications are Lancaster & Morecambe, Kendal, Preston and Blackpool Colleges.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODA2Njk=