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Course Code: TUF92FO

Is this the right course for me?

The Full-Time GCSE Programme is designed, primarily, for students who wish to progress to a level 3 course, such as A-Levels or National Diplomas. You will study a mixture of GCSEs from a range that includes English, Maths, Science, Media, History, Psychology, Sociology, IT and Citizenship.

What do I need to join the course?

Candidates will have usually completed a GCSE course and achieved D grades in at least four subjects (including English). Candidates without GCSEs will be considered on the basis of their being able to demonstrate an ability to study at level 2.

What does the course involve?

All students take these subjects (unless you already have a grade C or higher in any subject, in which case you will be able to choose an appropriate alternative course, which may in approved cases be an AS or Accountancy subject):

· GCSE English

· GCSE Maths

· Key Skills ICT

· GCSE (Short Course) Citizenship

· Tutorial

The following subjects are optional:

· GCSE Science

· GCSE Media

· GCSE History

· GCSE Psychology

· GCSE Sociology

· GCSE Film Studies

· GCSE Business Studies

· GCSE Additional Science

Can I take any additional qualifications?

Students with some GCSE grades at C or higher, in relevant subjects, may also be able to take an AS subject.

How will I be assessed?

Each GCSE is different, but you will usually be assessed with a mixture of coursework and examinations.

When does term start?

Week commencing Monday 8 September 2008.

How many hours per week do I have to attend College for?

The programme can be anything up to 20 hours a week, and will vary depending on the number of subjects you take.

Successful completion of this course will require a combination of self study and tutor directed study. Normally you will have a minimum of 13 hours of tutor directed study every week plus tutorial and Key Skill ICT, with the opportunity for additional support according to your needs.

What can I do when I complete the course?

This course prepares students for academic or vocational courses such as A Levels or National Diploma courses.

The programme is for:

Students who wish to progress to a Level 3 course (such as A levels or National Diplomas) but do not currently have sufficient qualifications to do so.
Those who wish to improve grades in GCSEs for a particular career path.

What are the costs? (This information is subject to change)

Tuition Costs: No tuition fees are payable, however, those aged 19 and over at 31 August 2008 will pay a tuition fee of £200 + internal registration fee + external registration fee. (Internal and external registration fees are still to be confirmed for 2008, but previously they were £25 and £160 respectively).

Will I have to pay any additional costs?

You will need to buy the texts to study. These may be available second hand; if brought new, typical costs would be in the region of £20.00- £25.00

What Support is Available for me?

People on means tested benefits should seek advice from Admissions or Learner Services and Advice Team. Financial assistance may be available from the Learner Support Fund to help with essential items needed to support learning, e.g. text books, uniforms, etc.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 a week to support young people aged 16, 17 and 18 while in full time education. Further information and how to apply may be found on the EMA website at http//ema.direct.gov.uk or by calling the helpline on 0800 121 8989. You should also be able to get an application form from your school, Connexions or by contacting FE Learner Services and Advice Team.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is a weekly payment of up to £30 to support adults aged 19 or over whilst in full-time education. Further information and details of how you can apply can be found on the ALG website at www.direct.gov.uk/alg or by calling the learndirect advice line on 0800 100 900. Application packs are available from the College.

You should also be able to get an application form from your school, Connexions or by contacting FE Learner Services and Advice Team.

SuffolkNewCollege has a range of support services available for learners with learning difficulties and/or physical difficulties/disabilities. Further information is available on the College website: www.suffolk.ac.uk or by contacting FE Learner Services and Advice Team on (01473) 296628 who will arrange an appointment for you with a specialist adviser.

How do I apply?

Complete a College application form, which is available in the Suffolk New College Prospectus, from the College Website: www.suffolk.ac.uk or by contacting the Information Team on (01473) 296606. The form can also be downloaded in pdf version and sent to feadmissions@suffolk.ac.uk

Following acknowledgement of your application you will be invited to attend a programme guidance session when you will be able to find out more about the course and to discuss any support needs you may have. An offer may be made which would be subject to you achieving all of the entry requirements.

Related Courses

Please contact the Information Team for details of other courses offered by SuffolkNewCollege.

Should you require this Course Information Sheet in a different format, for example in a larger font or electronically, please contact the Information Team on (01473) 296606. They will be happy to help.

This Information Sheet is for promotional purposes only and is not intended to form part of the agreement between the College and students.

The information contained within this Information Sheet is correct at June 2008