Public Services (Uniformed Protective Services)

This advanced level course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills which will enable you to pursue a career in one of the Public Services (including: the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Armed Forces, Prison Service, HM Revenue and Customs, as well as community services such as Probation and Social Services). In your first year you will study the Foundation Diploma progressing to the Extended Diploma in your second year. You will be assessed through the coursework completed using a variety of assessment, with some external assessments. The completion of the two year course is equivalent to three A Levels.

On this course you will:

• Learn how Public Services prepare to deal with major incidents/emergencies
• Prepare for and take part in team building exercises, linking to land based skills for outdoor adventurous activities/water-based skills
• Study topics such as exercise, health and lifestyle and fitness in preparation for the services entry tests and requirements
• Study citizenship and diversity, the legal system and police powers, understanding how society around us is inclusive and protects citizens according to the law
• Discuss government policies and legislations relating to public services, and learn from guest speakers who are employed in the field
• Participate in trips and events organised and delivered by key emergency and military services
• Consider crime and its impact on society

This course is studied on its own and cannot be combined with other courses, however many of our learners participate in age related programmes in their own time such as; Cadets, Retained Firefighter programmes, Special Constables or other Voluntary roles.

Future Steps: You may go on to apply for employment in the Public Services, Apprenticeships or progress to university level study. Future job roles might include police officer, armed forces, fire fighter or paralegal.

You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths), plus two additional GCSEs at grade 3 or above.

Students on Healthcare, Childcare and Public Services courses use the Hele Building (H) as their hub. The glass-fronted building on the Hele Road site boasts inspirational learning spaces as well as communal social and independent study spaces.

You will be expected to attend College prepared to take notes during taught sessions. A fee of approximately £300 (£150 per year) is charged, which covers the cost of embedding practical activities through the year. This includes; a residential trip (NCS), outdoor adventurous activities, guest speakers and practical sessions, which enhance your learning linked to taught units. Financial help may be available for students/families who meet relevant criteria.