This course targets those students who wish to prepare for a career in one of the UK's public services, both uniformed or non-uniformed. Typically students may progress to Higher Education and/or careers in the armed services, emergency services or people centred roles such as youth work, social work and the criminal justice system.
Four GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 or an equivalent qualification in a related subject area, including GCSE English/Maths at Grade 4.
This broad and diverse course includes the social sciences, Law, introduction to communication and management, Sport and Gym fitness and practical activities. Specific subjects include Government Policy, Law, Security Procedures, Crime and its Effects on Society and Responding to Emergency Service Incidents.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of outdoor and physical activities in units such as Leadership and Teamwork, Instructing Physical Activity and Land Based Adventurous activities. Students will also undertake the relevant GCSE Maths and English as well as have the opportunity to participate in numerous additional qualifications designed to enhance employability such as Event Stewarding.
This programme aims to combine theoretical and practical skills, bringing together the various elements of the topics mentioned that are used within a public services environment. Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching and learning methods including classroom-based and practical sessions. Although this is an academic based vocational course there are weekly opportunities to participate in practical sessions throughout the two year programme.
A variety of assessment methods are used including assignments, exams (GCSE) and practical exercises.
On completion of the two year Diploma students will have the equivalent of 3 A Levels and the opportunity to progress to Higher Education or officer entry to the uniformed services. In recent years students have gone on to study a wide range of degree qualifications such as the foundation degree in Public Service, Policing studies, Business Management, Criminology, Sociology, Forensics and Crime Scene Investigation.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in numerous enrichment activities such as overnight residential and day visits to various uniformed service organisations. Students will be required to purchase items of sports kit and stationery as part of the course. This programme can be combined with A Levels.
Successful students also have an opportunity to work at Newcastle and Sunderland football stadium, to gain work experience working alongside police officers.
