Public Services, BTEC Level 2 Award

This Level 2 course is suitable for students who don’t qualify for Level 3 (A Level equivalent) courses.

Can you imagine yourself working with the general public? Are you interested in a career in the Police, Fire or Ambulance Service, Armed Services or local authorities? If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these questions then you should consider this course.

These units will help to develop the skills and interests required for a career in the Public Services. Within the practical element of the course students will participate in different kinds of fitness training, take part in team building activities and communication tasks. 

The course would go well with any of the College’s other Level 2 courses:

• Sport
• Business
• Health & Social Care 
• Information & Creative Technology
• Travel & Tourism
• Biology

This course can lead to further study on a BTEC Level 3 course – such as the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Public Services (Protective Services), or lead to employment in the Public Services sector.

The course is a one year course equivalent to one GCSE.

The course covers a wide range of topics including:

• Unit 1: The Role and Work of the Public Services
• Unit 2: Working Skills in the Public Service Sector
• Unit 4: Public Services and Community Protection
• Unit 5: Health, Fitness and Lifestyle for the Public Services

The course has practical elements but is essentially theory based.

Course Specific Trips, Visits & Experiences

Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of course related experiences. In the last couple of years, these have included:

• Royal Marine Fitness Testing
• An Army Team Building Day
• Visit to Reigate Fire Station

In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.

All students need to gain an experience of the work place during their time at College and for students studying vocational courses it should ideally be linked to one of their subject areas.

This course is assessed through an external exam, internal assessment and coursework tasks, which might include writing reports, individual or group presentations or practical tasks.

The exam board for this BTEC Level 2 Award is Pearson BTEC.

In order to study this course, students will need a minimum of four GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 3 or above and a satisfactory school reference.

Students will be successful on this course if they are able to:

• Complete coursework
• Participate in practical tasks to enhance learning
• Participate in physical activities 
• Complete independent research

Students should have a keen interest in working within the Public Services and enjoy communicating through speaking and working independently or as part of a team. Students should also be willing to take an active part in group discussions and make a meaningful contribution in class.

If students have not achieved a Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English, they will be required to re-take them alongside this course.