FAQs

“What is the difference between A Levels and Vocational courses?”
Vocational courses are related to areas of work like Engineering or Health Care and are excellent if you know what kind of career you want. There’s usually more emphasis on coursework than exams and it’s often about learning practical skills that you can apply to the working world. You can go to university after studying a Vocational course.

A Levels tend to be a little more like GCSEs as they can be more exam based with more of a focus on theory. You will select 3 or 4 choices from a much wider range of subjects including new options like Environmental Science or Psychology. Studying A-Levels means that you can keep your options open if you want to go to university but aren’t sure what career to follow. Also, for some careers, like medicine, A Levels may be your only route.

It’s all about you; think about your style of learning and how you prefer to do things. If you like practical tasks then you might look at a Vocational course, but if you prefer facts and exams, then A Levels might be for you.

“What is The Diploma?”
The Diplomas are based on a hands-on style of learning. They combine theory with practical activities. You’ll enjoy learning in different environments including the workplace, choosing to study subjects which interest you and tackling challenging projects. On a Diploma course, you’ll also study English, Maths and ICT, while developing skills such as communication and project management that employers really value. The Diploma gives you an introduction to a broad range of careers within a particular industry, and prepares you for a wide range of jobs and university courses.

“What are Apprenticeships?”
Apprenticeships are a great way to start or develop a career whilst improving your prospects of finding a job in the industry you have chosen by doing a real job for a real employer.
You can get an Apprenticeship in a wide range of industries like Accountancy, Agriculture, Business Administration, Construction, Engineering, Hair and Beauty and Horticulture, plus many more.
As an Apprentice you will learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time. You will work toward a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and tend to spend four days working with an employer and one day a week in College gaining your qualification.
Getting an Apprenticeship is like getting a job. You could be interviewed a few times and even asked to take tests to see if you’re the right person. It would be a good idea to contact a number of employers to keep your options open – so don’t get disheartened. Remember, be prepared to sell yourself and convince others that an Apprenticeship is right for you.

“How do I apply?”
If you are attending a Barnsley School you should apply online using the Barnsley Prospectus. This can be accessed via www.logon2careersbarnsley.co.uk or www.barnsley1419.info. Please contact your School Careers Teacher, Connexions Personal Advisor or College Information Adviser for further information.
Paper applications are available in the back of the College Course Guides or download.

“I’m having problems applying online?”
If you have any problems or are unsure how to apply online please contact your School Careers Teacher, Connexions Personal Advisor or College Progression Adviser.

“What happens after I have completed my application?”
You will then be contacted by Barnsley College inviting you in for an interview for each subject area you are interested in. If you’re unable to attend, or miss an appointment, you must contact Admissions or email Interviews@barnsley.ac.uk to arrange another appointment.

“What do I need to bring with me to my interview?”
Please bring with you any information you have which will help us give you the best possible individual advice and guidance. This may include School references, recent School reports, work experience, awards, certificates or work references.

“I’ve completed my application but now I want to change my choices – what shall I do?”
Don’t worry, if you haven’t attended your first interview you can discuss your options at this point. Alternatively, if you change your mind after the interviews have been arranged all your details are held on our computer and we can easily make changes - there’s no need to complete another Application Form. Please contact Admissions or email interviews@barnsley.ac.uk.

“How will I know I have a place on my chosen course?”
At each subject area interview you will receive a letter stating the outcome. You will either have an Unconditional Offer, Conditional Offer or be Withdrawn.
Unconditional Offer means you have already met the entry requirements for the course and have a place.
Conditional Offer means you have a place on the course, subject to achieving the entry requirements e.g. getting the right GCSE’s, or passing any entry assessments.
Withdrawn means you have informed us you no longer want this.
“What happens after I have accepted my offer?”
An Enrolment Booklet will be sent to you in the middle of August. This will contain all you need to know about enrolling to College.

“What is enrolment?”
Enrolment is where you officially sign-up for your course and is usually held at the end of August after you have received your GCSE results.

“What happens if I do not get the qualifications I need?”
Don’t panic! You will be sent an Enrolment Booklet that will include details of our Directions guidance sessions for applicants who are unsure about their plans and /or disappointed with their GCSE results.
 
“What financial support is available in College?”
If your household income falls below £30,000 you may be entitled to Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), a weekly payment of up to £30 made to students aged 16-18 studying full-time.

How much do full-time courses cost at College?
They are FREE for under 19s.

Can I get help with transport to College?
If you are a full-time learner, you live in South Yorkshire and are aged 16-17 when you enrol, you are entitled to a Concessionary Student Travel Pass. Application forms are available from your school, your local Travel South Yorkshire Centre or our Student Services team.

Can I get help with Childcare costs?
If you are a full-time learner under 20 years old, Care to Learn offers financial support towards the cost of childcare and associated travel costs. Learners must be caring for their own child(ren), living in England and using a registered childcare provider. For further information and an application pack, contact the Care to Learn Helpline on 0845 600 2809. Further Information is also available if you visit www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn

What do I do if I have personal problems during my course?
Your Progress Tutor is there to listen to any problems you may have. We also offer confidential help and support from Counsellors based at College.

Who can advise me if i have concerns about College or my course?
Your Course and Progress Tutors are there to offer support and guidance if you experience any problems or difficulties with any aspect of College life, or problems which may affect your progress. Tutorials are part of your learning and a key focus of this is to sustain learner motivation, help you keep your progress on track and monitor attendance etc.

Can I get advice on what to do when I finish my course?
Your Course Tutor, our Careers Advisor and Connexions staff can help you in choosing your next step – courses, applying to Higher Education, employment opportunities etc.  There are also events throughout the year e.g. Progression Events, trips to universities etc. to help you decide what is the best choice for you.

Will I get homework to do?
You are expected to take more responsibility for your own learning at College than you may have been used to. Depending on which course you study, you will need to spend time on assignments on your own or in small groups, researching on the internet, working on certain projects e.g. rehearsing or practising musical shows etc. The more work and time you spend on this at College the less ‘homework’ you will need to do.

What if I don’t get the grades?
If you don’t achieve the grades you expected – or get better ones – you can discuss your options at your enrolment session before term starts, contact the Information Team on 01226 216 123, come along to an Information Session. Look out for other events run by the College or Connexions.