FAQs

College is different from school in a few ways. You will notice immediately that at college, learners are treated like adults. There are no compulsory uniforms, school bells or whistles. The main difference is that with vocational options, there is a strong focus on building skills for life and skills for employability. The vocational courses usually lead towards awards such as City and Guilds (C&G), Skills for Work (SfW), National progression Awards (NPAs), National Certificates (NCs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs).

You will be expected to be motivated in the chosen vocational area and have a keen interest in what you are going to study. Commitment to the chosen course, a mature attitude and full attendance are also expected. We will expect you to behave sensibly and respect other users of the college and act in a mature way. There is no direct supervision at break times, but you will not be allowed to leave the campus or wander away from the main buildings, whichever campus you are studying at.

By completing a college course whilst you are still at school will help you to further develop valuable skills such as working with others and problem solving - skills that you will need for success in the world of work.

Another main benefit of choosing college as part of your school curriculum is that after succssfully completing your award you will be given the opportunity for 'internal progression'.  This means that you will have the chance to complete further study in your chosen area, without having to make an application.  Achieving your award, along with good attendance and showing comittment, will act as a springboard for you to gain entry into further study with us.

Choosing a college experience could also give you the skills to go straight in to employment or an apprenticeship when you finish. 

If you had a problem at college, you would first talk to your lecturer who will guide you in how to gain a solution.

There is also a School Liaison college link whilst you are at college.  They have direct contact with your school and can assist you should you need it.   You can call the School Liaison Team on 0141 272 3348 or alternatively email schoolsliaison@glasgowclyde.ac.uk  

You can see what options are open to you on the school section of our website.  You will find a range of courses which are suitable for you to study as they fit in with your school timetable.  

You can also talk to your pastoral care teacher or your year head in school who will be able to advise you on what courses are on offer through the Vocational Programme. 

Places are limited, so speak to your school Guidance Teacher as soon as possible and they will advise you how you can apply. You should read over the option details for your choice of course and discuss this with your parents or guardian. Vocational courses are challenging but flexible, and offer plenty of scope to suit different preferred learning styles.

Yes, Glasgow Clyde College offers open days to prospective students, and sometimes their parents, so that they can meet our staff and students and look around the campus to get a sense of what's on offer. Our open days are very popular so it's worth booking early to avoid disappointment. You could also make the most of at least one university open day, even if you don't eventually apply. You will gain a sense of what university life is all about and make better-informed choices when you do have to fill in your application form.

Explain clearly why you are applying for the course. Be enthusiastic! We want to know what gets you excited in your chosen subject. Be confident! We love students who feel passionate about the opportunities ahead of them. Tell us about your qualities and achievements so far. Keep it simple - avoid long sentences and always check for errors (asking someone else to check your application may be useful). Apply early - college and university applications often have deadlines.

Depending on the Local Authority, there are various options which will be put in place for you: East Renfrewshire uses a bus contract to pick up and drop off learners from their school. Glasgow provides local bus passes and promotes independent travel. East Dunbartonshire tend to use a mixture of both and provide a bus to the learner to get to the college, but promote independent travel to get home after the course is finished for the day.

National 4 and National 5 qualifications are at the same level on the SCQF framework whether they are taken in school or at college. The difference is that the college offers courses in realistic working environments, such as hairdressing and beauty salons, make-up artistry studios or construction workshops. This is a great opportunity for you to get a different type of learning, vocational learning, instead of only being in a classroom environment.

When you receive your certificate from SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority), the results of your vocational course will appear alongside the awards for the courses you have completed in school.

Progress is reported on a regular basis through vocational partners. This may take the form of an individual vocational progress report or it may even be reported along with other school options in the form of a report card.

All school pupils who disclose additional support needs and/or receive support at school will be registered with the Inclusive Learning service at Glasgow Clyde College. A support plan will be negotiated on an individual basis. The team at Equality and Inclusion has extensive experience of supporting students with a range of disabilities or specific learning difficulties. We pride ourselves on being approachable and supportive, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Get in touch and we would be delighted to help! You can call us on 0141 272 3681 or email schoolsliaison@glasgowclyde.ac.uk