Certificate in Preparation for the Public Services – Level 2

This BTEC Level 2 Public Services study programme is designed for students with mid-level GCSE grades (3-4) who did not achieve English or Maths at grade 4 or above.

Your study pathway will focus on the achievement and development of maths or English skills while covering concepts of leadership, emergency service incidents and cyber security within the Public Services. This programme has the option of a further year’s study at this level to ensure the achievement of GCSE English or Maths, but students should aim to progress to the Level 3 Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services.

Students will need to be focused on the completion of their skills programme in order to advance to higher level qualifications and to open up greater chances of employment. In both practical and theoretical settings, you will study what the Public Services can offer and where the employment growth markets are within the sector.

Students on this course are expected to engage in supporting a range of community and regional events. This will mean that weekends will often be part of the academic timetable in order to fulfil work experience placements.

You will need to complete an interview and screening test in maths and English. The entry requirements are for students with the majority of GCSEs graded between 3-4, with English or Maths at grade 3. Your individual timetable will be developed around your skills needs.

You are expected to maintain high standards of discipline, punctuality and attendance. It is essential that you work to the deadlines set or you risk not achieving your programme of study.

Practical sessions are compulsory, so you must be physically able to take part in both indoor and outdoor sessions throughout the year in all conditions.

We expect students to have enthusiasm for helping the community and a commitment to improving their academic and vocational skills in order to progress to higher levels of study.

The course is made up of a number of units which can include:

• GCSE English or Maths
• Public Service Skills and Support for the Community
• Driving in the Public Services
• Employment in Public Services
• Cyber Security and Crime
• Activities for Teamwork
• Attending Emergency Incidents
• Health and Fitness
• Sport and Recreation
• Community and Cultural Awareness

It also includes a tutorial session to monitor your progress, set targets and support your main programme of study, help your future progression and enhance your life skills. Students may also gain First Aid and Physical Activity qualifications.

Delivery will be through face-to-face teaching, with remote lessons being delivered at selected times during the year.

The completion of your GCSE will enable you to apply for higher level courses. Please enquire for details about how you can develop your skills at this level over two years.

You need to be aware that certain volunteering events and work placements take place at weekends or evenings and you will be expected to attend these. We ask that you understand this expectation before you commit to other activities as many events depend on your involvement to enable them to run safely and efficiently.

You have to fulfil a minimum of 36 hours of work placement. Many of these hours will be offered to you through our existing partnerships with employers.

This course will be delivered on-site.

There are no additional costs. Students are expected to wear black tops (T-shirts, jumpers, hoodies etc) when in class and when representing the department during community projects. Students are free to wear what they choose on their lower half, providing it is suitable for the activity being undertaken.

There are DCG-branded options to purchase should students wish to do so. However, this is not mandatory: we merely expect compliance with our colour code.

We advise students to have access to their own laptop to support their learning throughout the year.

You will build an online portfolio based around evidence generated by the various assessment methods in each unit. You are expected to work on multiple assessments at any one time. You will be assessed through practical demonstrations, logbooks and performance records, reports and essays, presentations, workbooks, discussions and vivas.

Maths and English will be assessed through a series of final exams.  

You will benefit from having your own tablet or laptop to develop your assignment work.

Further study

On successful completion, this course provides an excellent platform for progression to programmes such as the:

• Level 3 Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services
• Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction

Careers

You may wish to seek voluntary or paid employment in the Public Services or in the security industry.  You can also apply for the Special Constabulary or reservist forces. You do not, of course, have to enter the Public Services as the skills gained on this course are transferable to a wider range of job areas. 

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or tweet us @derbycollegeps