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Qualifications and Learning

Are you are interested in NVQs, A Levels, BTECs, degrees or Apprenticeships?

For information on courses for 14-19 year olds at schools, colleges and work based learners in Hampshire and Portsmouth, visit My future in Hampshire.

Where you can learn

Further Education (FE) colleges

FE colleges are one of the options open to you when you have finished your school education, and can enable you to continue learning new skills.

The links below also contain useful information:

University

Maybe you want to know more about going to university, also know as Higher Education (HE)?

Visit this interactive map to locate HE (Higher Education) colleges and universities across the UK.

www.unofficial-guides.com is a useful site for choosing a college or a university.

If you have learning difficulties and disabilities, visit the 'Into HE' pages at www.skill.org.uk

www.studylink.com contains a database of undergraduate opportunities in the UK and abroad.

The links below contain information about places to study, what courses to go for and how to apply, plus lots more.

Personal Statements

Get into Uni and www.personalstatement.info give valuable advice on how to write your personal statement.

Study abroad

www.careerseurope.co.uk has some very useful information on studying in Europe.

If you want to study in the USA, visit www.fulbright.co.uk. This includes essential information on the SAT preparation you will need before you can enter higher education in America. Also visit www.educationindex.com to track down higher education institutions in America.

If you are interested in other countries, www.studyabroad.com is a useful research tool.

If Australia appeals to you, visit www.studylink.com The site includes learning opportunities in Australia, but for greater choice check out the Association of Commonwealth Universities at www.acu.ac.uk.

 

Qualifications

The Direct.gov qualifications website contains everything you need to know about qualifications for schools and colleges.

Other sites, such as Qualifications Curriculum Development Association (QDCA) provide quick reference information on the various levels of qualifications:

 

The skills you need

Key Skills

Key skills are available to all young people in full-time education who are at school, college or in work based learning. You may need to gain key skills so that you can increase and develop your ability when looking for a job.

Study skills

Handling all the work you get from school can be daunting, especially when you start to approach exam time. Try looking at the BBC Schools pages to help you manage your work and learn it as effectively as possible.

 

Help with study

Homework and revision: no pain, no gain!

You might be thinking that homework and revision is a waste of your time but it reinforces what you have learned in lessons and helps you pick up new skills. It is important that you plan well in advance as leaving things to the last minute can be very stressful.

Learning for people with disabilities

Having a disability shouldn't be a barrier to going to university or college. Visit Skill to find out about opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of disability in post-16 education, training and employment across the UK.

At Dore you can try out online tests for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD. This is only if people have initial concerns and may require a formal assessment to make sure at a later stage.

 

Learning outside of school

Tutoring at home

Learning can be hard. If you are finding a subject difficult to understand, a little extra effort at home can make all the difference. Your teachers and family want you to do the best you can and there is assistance available when you need it.

Learning at home

If college or university settings don’t suit you or your lifestyle, there are other options open to you, such as Open University or Distance Learning with the National Extension College.