Schools Vocational Programme 2018-19 - Clydebank Campus

Schools
VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME
CLYDEBANK CAMPUS 2018/19

West College Scotland
Schools Vocational Programme
Welcome to West College Scotland’s
Schools Vocational Programme; we
are delighted that you are
considering coming to study at our
College.
If you are unsure of what you want
to do when you leave school, then
read on...
The courses we offer are ideal if you want to
explore subjects and possible career choices
which you may not have had the opportunity
to study at school. Our courses are designed to
give you a whole new learning experience
which is different from your school learning. We
aim to help you develop new skills relevant to
future employment in the wider world and to
give you the opportunity to progress to further
or higher education, so that you achieve your
ambitions.
We look forward to welcoming you to West
College Scotland.
Fiona McKenzie
Head of Communities

Contents
Schools Vocational Programme
Skills For Work Early Education & Childcare (National 4) 02
Skills For Work Early Education & Childcare (National 5) 03
Skills for Work Construction Crafts (National 5) 05
City & Guilds 3902 Motor Vehicle Engineering (Award Certificate) 06
City & Guilds 3902 Motor Vehicle Engineering (Diploma) 07
Vehicle Systems Greenpower Automotive Skills 08
Engineering Skills - National 5 10
Introduction To Hair,Makeup and Beauty 11
Begin Make Up Artistry (NPA Cosmetology Framework) 12
Higher Economics 14
HNC Business 15
Higher Accounting 16
Strata IT Fundamentals 18
Higher Photography 20
Skills for Work Travel and Tourism (National 5) 21
Introduction to Travel and Tourism
including Airport Operations and Cabin Crew 22
NPA Professional Cookery or NPA Bakery 23
Hospitality Essentials 24
Laboratory Skills 26
Higher Psychology 27
Distance Learning 28
FAQ’s 29
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
01

SKILLS FOR WORK EARLY EDUCATION
AND CHILDCARE (National 4)
Course Outline
You will study units from the Skills for Work
programme - Early Education and Childcare
at National 4 Level.
This will introduce you to the knowledge
and experience required to work in a variety
of childcare environments. You will learn
ways of providing appropriate play and
activities for children and young people
whilst maintaining their health, safety and
well-being in every situation. This course will
allow you to develop an understanding of
child development, explore how to cater for
children’s individual needs and examine the
roles and responsibilities required of
childcare practitioners.
Entry Level Recommended
Students should be working at National 4
Level
Course Content
This course is a group award consisting of
four units at National 4 level. It covers a
broad range of issues in the following units:
MANDATORY UNITS:
Unit DM84 10: Working in Early
Education and Childcare
DM41 10: Play in Early Education and
Childcare
DM83 10: Child Development
OPTIONAL UNIT:
Unit DM 8510: Care of Children
Please note no placements are offered on
this course and all demonstrations and
interactions are simulated to create a
realistic environment. Visits to local
nurseries are part of your course
Progression
If you complete this course successfully and
would like to undertake further study, you
can apply for: Skills for Work National 5
Early Education and Childcare.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 4
Day
Tuesday and Thursday
or
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Childcare is something
I’ve always been interested
in and this course has helped
me to learn so much about
children and what is required
for working with them
Céire Ramage S4
Our Lady and St PatricksSchool
02

SKILLS FOR WORK EARLY EDUCATION
AND CHILDCARE (National 5)
Course Outline
You will study a National 5 level programme
that will allow you to further develop your
knowledge and understanding of child
development and children’s health, how to
care for and feed children, the importance of
play in children’s development.
You will also be given an opportunity to visit
a nursery setting in order to gain some
practical experience of working with
children. This will be a supervised session/s
therefore negating the need for a PVG
check.
Entry Level Recommended
Students should have achieved credit at
level 4 or the National 4 in Early Education
and Childcare and be working on some level
5 subjects and above, at the same time as
studying this course.
Course Content
This course is a group award consisting of
four units at National 5 level. It covers a
broad range of issues in the following units:
MANDATORY UNITS
Unit F19L11: Child Development and
Health
Unit DM8411: Working in Early
Education and Childcare
Unit DM411: Play in Early Education
and Childcare
OPTIONAL UNIT
Unit DM8611: Parenting
Please note no placements are offered on
this course and all demonstrations and
interactions are simulated to create a
realistic environment. Visits to local
nurseries are part of your course.
Progression
This course can prepare you for work in the
areas of employment that deal with care in
the environment e.g. If you complete this
course successfully and would like to
undertake further study, you can apply for:
NC Early Education and Childcare
NC Child Health and Social Care
NC Social Care
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 5
Day
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
03

04

SKILLS FOR WORK
CONSTRUCTION CRAFTS (NATIONAL 5)
Course Outline
Jobs in the construction industry are ever in
demand. If you are interested this is an ideal
starting point for you to explore each of the
main trade areas. This is a very practical
course; on it students will work in a variety
of workshops producing products and
models that are accepted as being
completed to industry standards.
Entry Level Recommended
There are no formal entry requirements for
this course.
Course Content
Unit DM7C 11: Employability Skills
Unit DXOL 11: Half Brick Walling
Unit DXOR 11 Decorative Painting
Unit DXOJ 11: Site Carpentry Bench
Joinery
Progression
Following successful completion of the
course you will be eligible to apply for full
time college courses:
NPA – Pre-Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships with: Construction skills
Intermediate Electrical
NC Renewable Energy
NC Built Environment
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 5
Day
Tuesday and Thursday
1:30pm - 4:00pm
or
Wednesday and Friday
1:30pm - 4:00pm
or
Friday
9:30am - 4:00pm
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
05

CITY & GUILDS 3902 MOTOR VEHICLE
ENGINEERING AWARD/CERTIFICATE
Course Outline
Students will gain the knowledge,
experience and the skills required to gain
employment in the industry. You will learn in
industry standard workshops and develop
practical skills working with tools, equipment
and cars used in motor vehicle engineering.
This is a very demanding course with both
practical and theory activities. You will
develop essential employability skills – good
timekeeping, regular attendance and
compliance with health and safety. You
must wear boots and overalls in the
workshop at all times.
Entry Level Recommended
No formal entry requirements required but
must have:
A keen interest in cars
Be a good communicator
Team player
Be prepared to commit to the course
Course Content
AWARD
Mandatory Units
Unit 101 Vehicle Engine Lubrication
Systems
Unit 002 Vehicle Engineering Cooling
Systems
Unit 109 Vehicle Wheels and Tyres
Systems
CERTIFICATE
Unit 010: Vehicle body and interior
valeting
Unit 011: Vehicle Engine Operating
Systems
Unit 112: Vehicle workshop Bench Skills
Progression
City and Guilds 3902 Diploma course in
Motor Vehicle Engineering. You may also
progress to a modern apprenticeship or full
time employment within the industry.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
City & Guilds Level 4 Award/Certificate
Day
Tuesday and Thursday or
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Motor Vehicle has given
me the chance to learn about
cars and expand my skills as a
technician
Dylan Wade S5
Dumbarton Academy
06

CITY & GUILDS 3902 MOTOR VEHICLE
ENGINEERING DIPLOMA
Course Outline
This course is the next step from City &
Guilds 3902 Award/Certificate. Students will
gain further knowledge from the Award/
Certificate course and the experience and
skills required for a career as a Motor Vehicle
Engineer.
Entry Level Recommended
Need to have successfully completed City &
Guilds 3902 Award/Certificate course
Course Content
Mandatory Units
Unit 003 Vehicle Fuel and Exhaust
Systems
Unit 004 Vehicle Spark Ignition Systems
Unit 105 Vehicle Electrical Systems
Unit 106 Vehicle Braking Systems
2 from Optional Units
Unit 007 Vehicle Transmission systems
Unit 008 Vehicle Steering and
Suspensions Systems
Progression
Full time course: City & Guilds Motor Vehicle
Systems Level 2/3 or an SVQ Motor Vehicle
Modern Apprenticeship.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
City & Guilds Level 4 Diploma
Day
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
07

VEHICLE SYSTEMS
GREENPOWER AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS
Course Outline
Come join our Greenpower race team
The Skills for Work Award in Automotive
Skills will give you an opportunity to develop
basic practical skills necessary to work in the
automotive industry. You will gain
experience of carrying out basic vehicle
checks, including the specific skills involved
in removal and replacement of components
and mechanisms of a vehicle. Relevant jobs
such as light and heavy vehicle maintenance,
motorcycle maintenance, vehicle fitting,
auto electrical, accident repair – body and
paint operations, parts distribution and
roadside assistance. You will gain an
overview and an awareness of the skills
required by employers within this industry.
Entry Level Recommended
No formal entry requirements required but
must have:
You must not be registered colour blind
Course Content
Skills for Work: Automotive Skills SCQF 4:
The Garage
The Technician
The Car
The Vehicle Modification Project
Progression
This course will allow a taste of what to
expect in the vehicle repair industry.
Alongside running and competing in a race
series with our zero emission race carts. It
will give knowledge which could assist in
getting a Modern Apprentice position within
a garage or alternatively a full time position
on a further education course.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 4
Delivery
Tuesday and Thursday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
08

www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
09

ENGINEERING SKILLS
NATIONAL 5
Course Outline
This qualification covers the fundamental
skills and knowledge common to all
engineering and manufacturing practises
including Design, Mechanical, Maintenance,
Electrical, Electronics, Fabrication and
Manufacture.
The qualification is comprised of 4
Mandatory units and they area designed to
substantially improve the practical skills of
the student, by manufacturing a number of
different items from a series of engineering
drawings to within a given tolerance.
Entry Level Recommended
No formal entry requirements required but
must have:
Have a keen interest in engineering
An ability to work in numeracy and
literacy at SCQF level 5
Be a good communicator
Be a team player
Be prepared to commit to the course
Course Content
Mandatory Units:
Unit F39B 11 Engineering Skills:
Mechanical and Fabrication
Unit F39C 11 Engineering Skills:
Electrical and Electronic
Unit F39D 11 Engineering Skills:
Maintenance
Unit F39E 11 Engineering Skills: Design
and Manufacture
Progression
Full time Pre-Apprentice college course.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 5
Delivery
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Attending the
Engineering course
at College has been
excellent and it has
been worthwhile
choosing this
Chris Donnelly S5
Dumbarton Academy
010

INTRODUCTION TO
HAIR,MAKEUP AND BEAUTY
Course Outline
Do you always look after your hair? Do you
have a skincare routine? Would you like to
learn more about makeup and nail care? If so
then this is the course for you. The main
purpose of this course is to provide you with
the opportunity to undertake practical and
theory sessions, product knowledge and
health & safety.
Entry Level Recommended
There are no formal entry requirements,
however pupils must be prepared to remove
their makeup, have makeup applied and have
their hair shampooed and styled. Working
with others in the group is a key learning
component within the unit.
Course Content
Beauty Element:
NPA Beauty Skills
Simple skincare and prepare to party
Makeup for the terrified
Theory Units
Hairdressing units:
NPA Hairdressing skills
Basic Shampooing
Conditioning and Blow drying skills
Makeup units:
NPA Make up Artistry
Basic day make up, providing pupils with
skills to apply makeup suitable for
employment/ interview
Face painting – themed fantasy and
character makeup skills
Additional units:
Career options and choices
CV preparation
Getting ready for work
Progression
Progression to apply for full time courses in
hairdressing, beauty, make up artistry or
complementary therapies at Level 4 or 5
preparing you for work as a salon junior.
Part time programme Modern Apprenticeship
in hairdressing where candidates work in
their place of employment (Salon) attending
college 1 day a week.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 4
Day
Wednesday/Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
011

BEGIN MAKE UP ARTISTRY
(NPA COSMETOLOGY FRAMEWORK)
Course Outline
National Progression Award in Cosmetology
consists of 4 credits. Students will work on
units such as Make-Up Artistry, practical
skills, product awareness, career options and
choices, health and safety, prepare and
assist in the workplace environment as well
as working with customers and colleagues.
This course gives pupils an opportunity to
apply to NC Make-up full time courses in the
future. A degree of written work is part of
all units within this course.
Entry Level Recommended
There are no formal entry requirements;
entry is at the discretion of the college..
Course Content
Unit FOFB 10: Make-up Artistry
– Practical Skills
Unit FOF6 10: Product awareness
Unit FOF8 10: Career option & choices
Unit FOFD 10: Health & Safety
Unit FOF9 10: Prepare and assist in the
workplace environment
Unit DJ3W 10: Working with customers
& colleagues
Progression
On completion of this course there is the
opportunity to apply for the full time NC
Make-up course starting in August.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 4
Day
Tuesday and Thursday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
012

013

HIGHER ECONOMICS
Course Outline
The course aims to build on the knowledge;
understanding and skills gained in National 5
Economics or, for some learners, can act as
an introduction to economics. It is designed
to develop learners understanding of the
economic environment in which we live. This
will enable them to apply economic concepts
set in real-life contexts.
The main purpose of the Course is to
highlight how important economic concepts,
government policies and global trade are to
our everyday lives. It will build on learners’
own experiences as consumers and, in
addition, help them to interpret economic
situations through the application of these
concepts.
Entry Level Recommended
National 5 economics course or relevant
component units
National 5 Business Management
Course
Course Content
This course offers a blend of theoretical and
practical experiences. Skills, knowledge and
understanding are developed through a
range of contexts within the broad discipline
of economics.
Mandatory Units
Unit H234 76: Economics of the Market
Unit H236 76 UK: Economic Activity
Unit H237 76: Global Economic Activity
Progression
On completion of this course you can
progress onto HNC Business or business
degrees at University.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 6
Day
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
014

HNC BUSINESS
Course Outline
The HNC Business award is designed to
offer candidates who have completed their
Higher in Business (or related subject) or
who have a general interest in Business, the
opportunity to progress to the next
academic level.
Entry Level Recommended
Must already have one Higher (Grade C and
above) or a minimum of 5 subject passes at
Intermediate 2 or Nat 5 level (minimum
grade of 3 A’s & 2 B’s) which must include
Maths & English.
Course Content
A total of 12 credits are needed to complete
an HNC. Mandatory units (10 credits) are:
Mandatory Units
Managing People & Organisations
Marketing: An Introduction
Economic Issues: An Introduction
Business Accounting
Business Communication
IT in Business Spreadsheets
IT Applications Software
Graded Unit
Optional Credits (2 further credits)
Depending on numbers in class, a variety of
options may be offered including Law,
Marketing or Human Resources.
Progression
Two progression options are available.
Students may wish to apply for the HND
which will then be completed in one further
year, rather than the normal two years.
Alternatively, many Universities, such as
Glasgow Caledonian and UWS, will accept
the HNC as a first year University course
equivalency. The progression therefore
would be to apply for a (Business related)
second year entrance directly from school.
Interview
There will be a one to one interview for this
course.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 7
Day
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
015

HIGHER ACCOUNTING
Course Outline
The Course aims to build on the knowledge;
understanding and information handling
skills gained in National 5 Accounting or, for
some learners, can act as an introduction to
accounting and the world of finance.
The main purpose of the Course is to enable
learners to understand, and make use of,
financial information so that they can
prepare accounting statements and analyse,
interpret and report on an organisation’s
financial performance. A main feature of
this Course is the development of numeracy
and thinking skills.
Entry Level Recommended
National 5 Accounting Course or
relevant component Units
National 5 Mathematics Course
Course Content
The Course combines practical and
theoretical aspects of learning related to
accounting, and will allow learners to use
ICT through tackling both computer-based
and paper-based tasks.
Accounting relates to many aspects of
everyday life, and therefore gives learners
experiences which are topical and which
develop skills for learning, life and work. The
Course encourages learners to think logically
and to apply accounting principles in their
everyday lives, thereby supporting their
personal financial awareness.
Mandatory Units
Unit H1YP 76: Preparing Financial
Accounting Information (Higher)
Unit H1YR 76: Preparing Management
Accounting Information (Higher)
Unit H1YS 76: Analysing Accounting
Information (Higher)
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide
progression to:
HNC Accounting or Accounting degrees at
University Further study, employment and/
or training
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 6
Day
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
016

017

STRATA IT FUNDAMENTALS
Course Outline
The official CompTIA description of Strata is
an entry-level certificate that ensures
knowledge of PC components, functionality,
compatibility, and related technology topics.
To summarise, Strata covers computer
hardware, compatibility issues and common
errors, software installation and functions,
system settings, security risks, Multimedia,
the Internet
Entry Level Recommended
Strata is aimed at students working at Nat 5
Level who are considering a career in IT.
Course Content
Personal computer basics
Managing computer contents.
Windows settings
System Tools
Windows Security - User accounts,
Malware, Automatic updates and
Windows Firewall
Windows Networking
Web browsing basics
Customizing Internet Explorer
Internet privacy and security
Printing
Display devices
Connectors and adapters
Multimedia devices - Scanners and
cameras, audio devices.
Processors and memory - CPU and
memory.
Data Storage devices
Network basics - Wide area networks
and Network concepts.
Network Protocols and connections
- Addressing and client configuration.
Network security overview
Safety
Computer Hardware care and
maintenance
There is an exam at the end of the course.
Progression
IT Essentials and from there, vendor
qualifications such as CompTIA A+, Cisco
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 5
Day
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
018

www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
019

HIGHER PHOTOGRAPHY
Course Outline
Working towards a Higher in Photography
will require you to take time in your week to
plan, take and edit your pictures. Some
projects are weather dependent meaning
you will have to take pictures when possible;
that might mean early on a Sunday morning!
Some students who complete this course go
on to join our very successful courses in
photography here in the College. Other
students use the Higher to boost their art
qualifications for entry to university, college
or art school. The course assumes you have
little or no experience of photography when
you start. This is a creative subject that also
has a technical element. It will give you an
opportunity to practice a wider range of
skills – and it looks great on your UCAS or job
application form!
Entry Level Recommended
S5-6
Course Content
Image Making – Learn to use a DSLR
camera and edit your images
Contextual imagery Look at the world of
photography, design and plan your
photo shoots
Photographic Project – Compile a final
project folio of your images
Progression
On successful completion, you may apply for
NQ / HNC Photography, university or art
school. This qualification carries the same
value as every other SQA Higher and will aid
your entry to further or higher education.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 6
Day
Tuesday and Thursday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
020

SKILLS FOR WORK TRAVEL AND TOURISM
Course Outline
This course is appropriate for a wide range
of learners including those who wish to
achieve a greater understanding of the
Travel and Tourism Industry and their place
in it, as well as learners who wish to
progress to training or further study or
employment
This allows learners to experience a range
of work related activities in relation to Travel
and Tourism industry. It is also aimed to
build confidence and develop skills for
learning, life and work.
Entry Level Recommended
Entry to this Course is at the discretion of
the College.
Course Content
A selection of units from the following:
Travel and Tourism: Employability
Travel and Tourism: Customer Service
Travel and Tourism: Scotland
Travel and Tourism: UK and Worldwide
Progression
This Course or its components may provide
progression to:
National Certificate in Travel and
Tourism
National Certificate in travel and Events
Employment
Further Training
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 5
Day
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
021

INTRODUCTION TO TRAVEL AND TOURISM
INCLUDING AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND CABIN CREW
Course Outline
Students will learn duties carried out by
cabin crew and airport ground operation
personnel. Develop an understanding for
airline terminology and be willing to take
part in role play situations, e.g. safety
demonstrations, announcements, trolley
service, mock airport operations dealing with
a variety of customer scenarios.
Entry Level Recommended
Two National 5 passes at grade C and above
Course Content
Unit F3PD11/012 Worldwide Travel &
Tourism Destinations
Unit LRNCHKIN/004 Learn to Check In
Unit F3PM11/017 Working as Air Cabin
Crew
Unit F3P812/005 Introduction to
Airport Ground Operations
Unit F3P812/005 Airport Ground
Operations (cont.)
Unit F3PJ11/017 Selling Skills
Progression
NC International Travel with Airport Ground
Operations (Depending on qualifications
achieved) or HNC Travel & Tourism (if one
Higher achieved at school)
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 5
Day
Tuesday and Thursday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
022

NPA PROFESSIONAL
COOKERY OR NPA BAKERY
Course Outline
If you are interested in pursuing a career in
the catering industry, but do not necessarily
have any prior experience of cookery or
bakery, then try this introductory course.
You will learn skills in professional cookery or
bakery, whilst working in the training
kitchens within the Hospitality department.
You will be preparing and presenting food in
a realistic working environment throughout
the academic year.
Entry Level Recommended
You should ideally have Core Skills at SCQF
Level 3 but is at the discretion of the
College
Course Content Cookery
Food Preparation Techniques: An
Introduction
Food Hygiene for the Hospitality
Industry
Cookery Processes: An Introduction
Course Content Bakery
Craft Baking: An Introduction
Cake Decorating: An Introduction
Bread Making: An Introduction
Pastry
Progression
Once you have completed NPA Cookery you
can progress to the NPA Bakery or if you
have completed NPA Bakery you can
progress to the NPA Cookery.
(NC) in Professional Cookery at SCCF level 5
or to seek employment in the hospitality and
catering industry, e.g. trainee commis chef/
apprentice.
Interview
There will be a one to one interview with
the catering team for this course.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 4
Day
Tuesday and Thursday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
023

HOSPITALITY ESSENTIALS
Course Outline
This course is designed for those with an
interest in working full time or part time in
this vibrant, fast paced and exciting industry.
From a café, coffee shop, licenced restaurant
or hotel this combination of industry
required certificates and skills added to your
CV will help you find employment.
Course Content
Royal Environmental Health Institute of
Scotland (REHIS) Elementary Food
Hygiene Certificate:
This is a legal requirement for all staff
working as a food handler i.e. kitchen
assistants, chefs, front of house staff,
serving food & drinks or counter service.
Allergy Awareness Certificate:
New Legislation since December 2014 and
appropriate to food handling businesses,
endorsed by Scottish Food Agency.
Licensing Training for Service Staff
Certificate:
College in-house certificate allowing you to
work in a licensed premises as a waiter or
bar staff.
Barista Skills Certificate:
College in-house certificate showing your
ability to demonstrate key skills in operation,
cleaning and maintaining an espresso
machine to create the full range of café
drinks.
Events and Front of House Skills:
College in-house certificate showing you
demonstrate the full range of restaurant
skills in planning, researching and delivering
an event within college environment.
Kitchen and Cookery skills:
Preparing sandwiches (hot and cold),
preparing cooking and presenting basic
pastry and bakery products.
Barista skills and Event skills
Extension work
Customer Care and Service
College in-house Certificate
External industry visit and in-house
demonstration
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
College Certificate
Day
Tuesday and Thursday
or
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
024

025

LABORATORY SKILLS
Course Outline
The course will look at groups of microbes,
the problems they cause and beneficial
effects of microbes. It also covers the
practical techniques needed to work with
microbes in a laboratory. Pupils are assessed
in written tests and also in practical skills
with the possibility of gaining a British
Science Association CREST Award based on
practical work.
Entry Level Recommended
Pupils should have National 4 Biology and a
keen interest in Laboratory Skills.
Course Content
2 SQA units in
Unit D13JII Microbiology
Unit D04212 Microbiology Techniques
Progression
In combination with relevant school
qualifications pupils could gain access to
college programme at SCQF Level 6 or HNC
(level 7)
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 5
Day
Tuesday and Thursday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
026

HIGHER PSYCHOLOGY
Course Outline
This course provides an opportunity for you
to enhance your knowledge and
understanding of Human Psychology. This is
achieved by studying a variety of topics that
will help you to understand and explain the
human mind and behaviour. There are three
topics, The course involves a submission of
an individual report that is externally marked
and accounts for 40% of the final mark. The
course concludes with a final exam.
Higher Psychology is an intensive course and
will require you to be self-motivated,
enthusiastic and prepared to study out with
college classes.
Entry Level Recommended
You should be in S6 at school and have
obtained an SQA Higher in English. However
pupils in S5 will be considered at the request
of the school.
Course Content
Unit H261 76: Individual Behaviour
Unit H262 76: Social Behaviour
Unit H260 76: Research
You will also be asked to complete a
Research Investigation as part of the
Investigating Behaviour unit. Along with
your investigation, you will be asked to keep
a logbook to record progress. Your research
investigation and logbook will be externally
marked and are worth 40% of the final mark.
The remaining 60% of the final mark comes
from the end of course external exam, which
tests your knowledge and understanding of
all three units.
Progression
A Higher in Psychology can lead to
progression on a number of courses and
provides an excellent foundation should you
wish to study Psychology at university or
Management, Education, Criminology.
Indeed, many courses and subjects at
university contain an element of Psychology
and it is therefore a versatile choice for
general progression to higher education. You
may also wish to continue your study of the
subject as part of a general HNC in Social
Sciences or Counselling.
Key Facts
Location
Clydebank Campus
Level
SCQF Level 6
Day
Wednesday and Friday
Time
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Higher Psychology has
been extremely insightful. It
has broadened my knowledge
on things I never thought
I would be interested in,
nor would I have thought I
would enjoy it. It has been
my favourite subject I have
studied
Amy Yates S6
St Peter the Apostle High School
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk 027

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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get there?
If you live in the Clydebank area you will make
your own way to and from the college. If you live
in the Dumbarton area your school will discuss
transport arrangements with you.
How are the vocational course
options different from the
subjects that I take at school?
The main difference is that with vocational
course options there is a strong focus on
building skills for life and skills for work. The
vocational courses lead to awards such as
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), City
and Guilds (C&G) and Higher National
Certificates HNC.
How will the courses be
certified?
When you receive your certificate from the
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and City
and Guilds, the results of your vocational
courses will appear alongside the awards for
courses you have completed in school.
So what are the benefits?
The award itself will act as a springboard for
you to gain direct entry into the workplace, or
into a traineeship or apprenticeship, or to go on
to college or university. You will develop
valuable skills such as working with others and
problem solving, skills that you will need if you
are to succeed in the world of work.
It sounds great - how do I apply?
Places are limited, so you should speak as soon
as possible to your Head of Year/Pastoral Care,
who will show you how to apply. You should also
read the option details for your choice of course
and discuss these with your parent/carer.
*all courses will only run subject to numbers
Who do I contact if I have a
problem while at College?
The School Liaison Team is based in room 008
within the Clydebank Campus and your lecturer
will show you where this is on your first day.
Catherine Bonner
School Liaison Administrator
t: 0141 951 7729
m: 07872 837 246
Linda Deas
School Liaison Coordinator
t: 0141 951 7595
m: 07872 837 246
Alison Mitchell
School Liaison Manager
m: 07787985618
Fiona McKenzie
Head of Learning Communities
m: 07590230384
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk
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