NESCOL School Link Courses

School Links – North East Scotland College (nescol.ac.uk)

Level 2/3 Courses

Supported Learning

Entry Level

  

This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.  

  • This course is open to pupils going into S4-6 who are working at National 2-3 level and may have had some extra support at school.
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.  Support will be provided to complete the application form. 

Course Content

  

This course allows pupils to try out different options in College to help plan for their future and perhaps come to College full-time later on.  It helps to build the skills needed for future success.  Pupils opt from a range of college tasters and then study these on a rota throughout the session.  Choices of offer can include:  

  • Music
  • Project work
  • Retail / customer service
  • Countryside skills / agriculture & horticulture
  • Construction (including brickwork and joinery)
  • Painting and decorating
  • General car care and valeting
  • Hospitality
  • Bakery
  • Sport
  • Health & beauty
  • Digital media
  • Childcare

Possible Progression Routes

 

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/preparation-for-work-supported-learning/

Level 4/5 Courses

Beauty Therapy – City & Guilds Level 1

Entry Level

  

This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.  

  • This course is open to pupils going into S5/6
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

This course gives an introduction to the Beauty Therapy industry.   This course covers employability skills, health and safety, and how to prepare and maintain salon treatment work areas. 

The course is made up of the following five units:

  • Presenting a professional image in the salon
  • Skin care
  • Hand care
  • Basic make-up application
  • Nail art

Some of the topics you will learn about include personal presentation, customer care, skin analysis, facials, application of basic make–up, hand care treatments and basic manicure skills.

Assessment

  

To achieve the full course, you must attend regularly and successfully complete all units. Assessments will be based on a range of practical activities (in real or simulated settings) and assessors will observe you as you undertake each activity. You will also complete some research tasks and short written assessments.

Please note that some assessments may require you to bring along a client aged 16 or over. On successful completion of the full course you will receive a City & Guilds Certificate for the units achieved.

Possible Progression Routes

 

For more course information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/city-and-guilds-level-1-units-in-beauty-therapy/
Computing Science – National 5

Entry Level

  

 This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.  

  • This course is open to pupils going into S4-6
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

 Software design and development

Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in software design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks using appropriate software development environments. This develops their programming and computational-thinking skills by implementing practical solutions and explaining how these programs work. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates. They are expected to analyse problems, and design, implement, test and evaluate their solutions.

Computer systems

Candidates develop an understanding of how data and instructions are stored in binary form and basic computer architecture. They gain an awareness of the environmental impact of the energy use of computing systems and security precautions that can be taken to protect computer systems.

Database design and development

Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in database design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows candidates to apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test, and evaluate practical solutions, using a range of development tools such as SQL. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates.

Web design and development

Candidates develop knowledge, understanding and practical problem-solving skills in web design and development, through a range of practical and investigative tasks. This allows candidates to apply computational-thinking skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate practical solutions to web-based problems, using a range of development tools such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Tasks involve some complex features (in both familiar and new contexts), that require some interpretation by candidates.

Assessment

  

National 5

  • The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.

Possible Progression Routes

 

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/national-5-computing-science/
Construction Crafts – NPA Level 4

Entry Level

  

 This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.  

  • This course is open to pupils going into S4-6
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

Teaching will take the form of practical, hands-on activities in a workshop environment, combined with classroom-based theory lessons.

This course is made up of five units, two of which are mandatory. These include:

  • The Construction Industry – An Introduction
  • Brick Work – An Introduction
  • Carpentry and Joinery – An Introduction
  • Painting and Decorating – An Introduction
  • Design Project

Throughout the course you will be offered an opportunity to review and identify how your skills are developing. You will be expected to demonstrate:

  • An interest in the Construction industry
  • Good timekeeping skills
  • A willingness and commitment to learning
  • A knowledge of appropriate dress, in particular Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Planning and preparation skills
  • An ability to establish/maintain good working relationships with others
  • Problem-solving skills

Assessment

  
  • Pupils’ work will be assessed continuously.  There will be no final examination.

Possible Progression Routes

 
Early Education & Childcare – Skills for Work National 5

Entry Level

  

This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.   

  • This course is open to pupils going into S4 – 6
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

This Skills for Work course will introduce you to physical and emotional child development and the importance of the use of play in the early education of children.  The course will allow you to develop fundamental good practice skills, and become well-equipped for going on to further study or employment. You will:

  • Gain an understanding of the importance of play in working with children;
  • Gain an insight into child development and its value in working with children;
  • Develop an awareness of health and safety issues relevant to a range of activities;
  • Develop core and essential skills including communication and working with others;
  • Develop industry-related good practice.

There are four units in the course:

  1. Child Development
  2. Play in Early Education and Childcare
  3. Working in Early Education and Childcare
  4. Parenting

Assessment

  
  • Pupils’ work will be assessed continuously.  There will be no final examination.
  • To achieve the course award you must attend regularly and successfully complete the all units. Assessment will be based on test and case studies along with project work and a folio. This course will show on your final SQA certificate as a National 5 qualification.

Possible Progression Routes

 

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/skills-for-work-national-5-early-education-and-childcare/
Hairdressing – City & Guilds Level 1

Entry Level

  

This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.  

  • This course is open to pupils going into S4-6
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

This course provides a broad, experiential introduction to hairdressing, with experience of general salon duties to support stylists and assisting with customer care. Pupils will learn about the different roles and responsibilities in hairdressing, and begin to develop vocational skills and knowledge. The Course content places emphasis throughout all units on the employability skills and attitudes.

The course is made up of the following five units:

  • Presenting a professional image in the salon
  • Shampooing and conditioning
  • Styling women’s hair
  • Plaiting and twisting hair
  • Colour hair using temporary colour

Assessment

  
  • Pupils’ work will be assessed continuously.  There will be no final examination.

Possible Progression Routes

 

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/city-and-guilds-level-1-units-in-hairdressing/
Maritime – Skills for Work National 5

Entry Level

  

This course is delivered at NESCOL Scottish Maritime Academy, Peterhead one full day each week.  

  • This course is open to pupils going into S4-6
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

This course will explore a variety and range of career opportunities — local, national and global — in the maritime sector, including commercial sea-fishing, the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy, inland waterways and marine leisure, ports and harbours.  

There are five units covered in the course

  • Seamanship: An introduction
  • Maritime Environment: An Introduction
  • Small Boat Engineering
  • Health & Safety in the Maritime Sector
  • Employability Skills & Careers in the Maritime Sector

Assessment

  
  • Pupils’ work will be assessed continuously.  There will be no final examination.

Possible Progression Routes

 
  • Further Education
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which a Maritime qualification would be beneficial include: Commercial Sea Fishing, Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, the standby/supply sector in the North Sea, inland waterways and marine leisure, ports and harbours.   

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/skills-for-work-national-5-maritime-skills/
STEM – College Certificate Course

Entry Level

  

This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.   

  • This course is open to pupils going into S4-6
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

Teaching will take the form of practical, hands–on activities in a workshop environment.

The courses are expected to include seven to ten different disciplines. These may include: Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Construction (e.g. Bricklaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing).

Throughout the course you will be offered an opportunity to review and identify how your skills are developing. You will be expected to demonstrate:

  • An interest in the Construction and Engineering industries
  • Good time keeping skills
  • A willingness and commitment to learning
  • A knowledge of appropriate dress, in particular Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Planning and preparation skills
  • An ability to establish/maintain good working relationships with other
  • Problem solving skills

Assessment

  
  • Pupils will be awarded a College Certificate for each successfully completed unit. There is no group award attached to this course.

Possible Progression Routes

 

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/stem/
Uniformed Services – Skills for Work National 4

Entry Level

  
  • This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.  
  • This course is open to S5/6 pupils with interest in pursuing a career in this area.
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

National 4 Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services is an introductory qualification. It develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work in the industry.

The Course introduces candidates to the uniformed and emergency services: the Army, Merchant Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines; and the Ambulance Service, Coastguard, Fire and Rescue and Police. The Course includes investigating the different uniformed and emergency services, and the roles and responsibilities of those working in a specific service team. Candidates will also investigate career opportunities in the uniformed and emergency services.

Central to the Course is developing the employability skills that are valued by employers in the uniformed and emergency services. These skills are embedded in all four Units. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop their employability skills through practical activities in real or simulated working environments, investigations and team-working activities. Candidates will also be involved in self-evaluation of these skills, seeking feedback from others about their skills and identifying areas of improvement whilst taking account of the feedback received.

There are four units covered in this course

  • Uniformed and Emergency Services: An introduction
  • Health, Safety, Fitness and Wellbeing
  • Engaging with the Community
  • Working in Teams

Assessment

  
  • Pupils’ work will be assessed continuously.  There will be no final examination.

Possible Progression Routes

 

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/skills-for-work-national-4-uniformed-services/
Vehicle Technology – City & Guilds Introduction

Entry Level

  

This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.  

  • This course is open to pupils going into S4-6
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

You will be introduced to workshop safety, and the tools and equipment used in the industry. You will then progress to developing skills in the repair and maintenance of vehicles through learning about the principles of engine components and operation for steering, breaking and suspension systems. Teaching will take the form of theory, as well as a range of practical activities.

You will participate in the following units:

  • Engine Lubrication Systems
  • Vehicle Braking Systems
  • Steering and Suspension Systems
  • Wheels and Tyres
  • Engine Cooling Systems
  • Vehicle Electrical Systems.

Assessment

  
  • Pupils’ work will be assessed continuously.  There will be no final examination.

Possible Progression Routes

 

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/city-and-guilds-introduction-to-vehicle-technology/

Level 6 Courses

Criminology – NPA Level 6

Entry Level

  

 This course is delivered at NESCOL Fraserburgh one full day each week.  

  • This course is open to pupils going into S6
  • This course is most suited to pupils who have already achieved at least 3 National 5s or a Higher in subjects such as Modern Studies, History or English
  • To gain entrance to the course pupils must complete an application form.

Course Content

  

The course is suitable for those with an interest in developing their knowledge and understanding of crime and criminal behaviour, either to pursue study and career options related such as, Law, Legal Services, Police, Probation and Social work or to broaden their learning experience.

The course is made up of the following topic areas, Forensic Psychology which introduces the work of Forensic Psychologists in the Police, Courts and the Prison Estate.  The candidate will develop an understanding of different psychological theories of criminal behaviour, including psychopathy. The candidate will also have the opportunity to explore extraordinary criminal behaviour. Crime in society and social issues will enable candidates to explain what constitutes a crime in Scotland and the main principles involved in the prosecution of crime and to explore the nature of crime and its effects on the individual and the community.

Assessment

  
  • Pupils’ work will be assessed continuously.  There will be no final examination.

Possible Progression Routes

 
  • Further Education
  • NESCOL full time course – Social Sciences – HND (SCQF Level 8)
  • Training or employment
  • Careers for which Criminology would be beneficial include:  Law, Legal Services, Police, Probation and Social work

For more information see https://www.nescol.ac.uk/courses/npa-criminology-scqf-level-6/