THC Courses
AS/A Level Biology
Biology is a really interesting subject, especially at this time when scientists are making big advances in understanding how organisms work. Biology, molecular biology and genetics are dynamic areas of scientific growth. The pharmaceutical industry is hugely important to the UK economy.
Tower Hamlets College offers an innovative course in A level Biology. At AS level (year 1) you will study two units. In Unit 1 you will be studying the structure and function of cells, human physiology (heart and lungs) and disease; in Unit 2 you will look at the variety of life, genetics and physiology related to other organisms. You also study "How science works", which will prepare you for setting up experiments and collecting data, and will enhance your ability to analyse and evaluate and to write experiment reports.
At A2 level you will take Units 3 and 4, in which you will study the following topics: How populations and the environment affect each other; the control and co-ordination of cells and the body as a whole; Genetic controls and DNA Technology. You will continue to study "How science works" and look at how you can apply your scientific knowledge to these topics.
As a part of your course you will take part in a field trip to collect and then analyse data. In Biology you will be expected to carry out a number of practical experiments and to write experiment reports competently. Biology is a demanding subject that requires good study skills. You will need to work independently at home, and to be able to read, analyse and write about scientific topics.
Pursuing a career in biology can be immensely rewarding and exciting. Studying biology teaches us to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems. Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. They may study cells under a microscope, insects in a rainforest, viruses that affect human beings, plants in a greenhouse, or lions in the African grasslands. Their work increases our understanding about the natural world in which we live and helps us address issues of personal well being and worldwide concern, such as environmental depletion, threats to human health, and maintaining viable and abundant food supplies. Here's some more information on careers in the biological sciences.
AS/A Level Psychology
The AS year is a general introduction to the subject and covers all the main approaches in modern psychology, including Cognitive Psychology (Memory), Physiological Psychology (Stress), Individual Differences (Abnormality), Social Psychology (Conformity and Obedience) and Developmental Psychology (Attachments) as well as how research in these areas is conducted. The course then allows for more detailed study of some of these main areas in second year.
In each of these key areas you will consider a range of theories, research examples and explanations, as well as developing critical and evaluative skills. You will be expected to take part in group discussions, carry out research and work collaboratively with other students. You must have good written skills as you will be assessed at the end of the AS year by two one-and-a-half hour exams.
There are numerous career options open to someone studying Psychology at degree level so it is best to seek advice from a member of the Psychology department before you make your choices. Careers can include Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Counselling Psychology and Health Psychology. Some graduates also go on to do teacher-training courses or become Social Workers.
AS/A Level Accounting
This course will teach you about keeping accurate financial records and financial problem-solving. It will include:
- Financial accounting – preparing accounts for sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and clubs
- Management accounting – making decisions to improve business performance, using tools like budgets and break-even analysis
- Social accounting – looking at how business decisions affect employees, local communities, the environment and the economy
Accounting combines well with business and economics, and subjects that use skills such as debating, evaluating arguments and theories, and extracting and analysing information from different sources.
Courses for Students with learning disabilities
Tower Hamlets College provides a range of both full time and part time courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. These courses offer a range of full and part time options where learners have opportunities to improve or maintain their literacy, communication, numeracy, ICT, independent living skills and work skills in a variety of contexts.
We also offer a range of courses designed to help students enter working life including Introduction to Skills for Work and Transitions to Work, which provides work experience. Courses for older students are based at Arbour Square and courses for younger students are based at Poplar. |
LDD Courses for students with learning difficulties booklet
Aspirations Booklet
Related links:
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Level 2 Diploma in Childcare and Education
What will I learn?
The CACHE Diploma is equivalent to an NVQ Level 2 Childcare and Education and GCSE at Grade C level study. Therefore, the academic content is of high standard and can be challenging.
The syllabus includes: theory of play, child development, health and safety, childhood health issues and working with children and parents.
Students are required to study English and Mathematics alongside this programme.
NB the title and content of units may change for September 2010 in line with the Qualification Curriculum Framework.
This will be discussed with applicants at interview once more detail has been acquired from the awarding body
What qualifications do I need?
Students should have a good level of written and spoken English and have some GCSEs graded D-G. Students will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau check before the start of the programme and this will be applied for in conjunction with the College.
Students will be required to achieve a successful interview with a member of the Teaching Team.
How will I be taught?
You will be expected to attend college three days per week. The remaining two will be spent in a practical placement. There are various studying methods on this course including classroom sessions, independent study, practical and creative work.
How will I be assessed?
The course is continually assessed throughout the year and students will produce a portfolio of assignments. There will be three external assessments including a multiple choice test paper, case study and short answer paper.
In the practical placements students are required to complete planning sheets on a weekly basis and pass all the practice evidence records, which will be completed by each placement supervisor.
What could I do next?
A rewarding career in some areas of childcare including nursery assistant in private nurseries and crèches, welfare assistants in schools and private nanny positions.
However, most students progress onto the two year /Diploma Level 3 course.
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (Teaching Assistant)
Full Course details are not available as yet for this course. Please contact our Advice Team on 020 7510 7777 or Advice@tower.ac.uk for further information or pop in and see us. Alternatively revisit this page at a later date. Thanks.
Construction Multiskills Award Entry Level
You can gain skills in trade areas that include carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing, brickwork, tiling and electrical. Progression is to Level 1 Multiskills where you can focus on your chosen trade. Future employment opportunities include work within any industry which involves construction tasks including building site work, where you may be part of the construction of a new building, a road system, an airport, a hospital, even an architectural wonder.
Due care and consideration will be taken for applications from students with sight or hearing impairments, epilepsy or other issues, such as asthma, which may cause concern within the industry under Health and Safety Regulations. Alternative course/career guidance will be offered.
Access to Law, Humanities and Social Science
Access courses are for adults who want to study at University but do not yet have the required qualifications. To be successful on the course you need to be prepared for one year of intensive study, including a lot of private study as well as your time in College. For the Social Science and Humanities course you choose 2 options from English Literature, History, Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology and South Asian Studies. Your two choices are in addition to English, study skills, IT and Maths (GCSE equivalent if needed). Previous students have progressed to a wide range of Law, Social Science and Humanities courses across London and the UK.
Progression Diploma in Education and Teaching
Our level 2 Progression Diploma courses are for adults aged 19 or over, and are a preparation for level 3 study or for employment. All courses have a strong focus on developing English and Maths skills, and all students are expected to take national literacy and numeracy tests as well as completing a portfolio. In the Progression Diploma in Education and Teaching your vocational subjects will look at how children and young people learn, how families can support their learning in a variety of settings, and how to ensure they are healthy and safe. Working as a volunteer or paid employment in a learning environment is an essential part of your course, and you will keep a reflective log of this as well as participating in group learning activities and building a portfolio of assignments.
ESOL or Adult Literacy with Library Skills Course
These courses will introduce students to the essential skills for working in a library. Both courses include work experience in local libraries.
We are offering Entry Level 3, full Level 1 and Level 2 library skills courses together with Adult Literacy qualifications.
Students will be expected to attend both the Literacy and the Library Skills units to complete the course. Tutorials and visits to other libraries will form part of the programme. In addition every student will work a minimum of 15 hours in a library as part of the course.
ESOL - Reading
We offer a range of part time ESOL Reading Courses at levels E1, E2 and E3 as well as more advanced courses at full levels 1 and 2. These run at Poplar, Arbour Square and various other sites. Different days and times are available. For further information please contact our Advice Team on 020 7510 7777 or advice@tower.ac.uk.
If you are unsure what level you need, don't worry, you will be assessed to determine the most suitable course level for you.
Preparing for Successful Study - starting January 2012
The Preparing for Successful Study course will support you in your return to study and prepare you for future courses such as progression awards and access programmes.
On this course you will cover:
· Writing skills for assignments
· Researching and developing ideas & concepts
· Action planning personal time in order to complete work
· Analysing the work of others
· Constructing reports and essays
· Exploring your preferred learning styles
· Using the library and the Learning Zone
You will also be supported in improving your English and Maths skills.
Entry Requirements:
While there are no formal entry requirements for this course, suitable applicants would likely have some previous GCSE or O Level qualifications, though not necessarily at high grades. At interview we will discuss prior attainment and your plans for progression, and assess your suitability for this level of course.
Who is this course for?
People who would like to continue studying on one of our Access courses, which open the doors for entry to studying a Higher Education course at university.
Where this course might take me:
This course will prepare you for further studies in a wide range of areas. Most specifically it will equip you to study a full Level 2 Progression course, or preparing you for an Access to HE course.
Through this route of progression you can open the door for entry to studying a Higher Education course at university.
Successful completion of this programme will enhance your chances of progression onto a course at Tower Hamlets College.
If you successfully complete your course, you will be entitled to an achievement bonus of up to £100
Adult enrolment takes place 2pm – 7pm on the following days:
Tuesday 10 January
Wednesday 11 January
Tuesday 17 January
Contact us to Register for Enrolment
Level 3 Certificate in Early Years Foundation Stage Practice
This qualification is designed to familiarise candidates with the requirements and principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England and to prepare them to support its effective implementation. Candidates will be able to:
- understand the context and principles for early years provision
- know how to promote children’s development and learning from birth to 5 years and meet individual needs
- know how to promote children’s welfare from birth to five years
- deliver play based activities that encourage creativity and exploration in the delivery of the areas of learning
- know and understand relevant aspects of the common core of skills and knowledge as appropriate to EYFS practice
- reflect on their practice as part of a continuous improvement cycle.
The qualification explores five core themes:
- How every child is unique
- The importance of positive relationships between children and adults
- The importance of learning and play
- Environments for children’s development
- How every child develops and learns in a different way
For more information call the Advice Team on 020 7510 7777, email advice@tower.ac.uk or text THC Cache Level 3 to 88020.
The Observation of Teaching and Learning in Post Compulsory Education and Training
This is a professional development qualification for teachers and managers working in Post-Compulsory Education and Training. The course is validated by Middlesex University. On successful completion of the course twenty credits are awarded which can be used towards further undergraduate or postgraduate study.
- Unit 1: Plan and Prepare for lesson observations
- Unit 2: Observe, grade and report
- Unit 3: Feedback and action plans
- Unit 4: Moderation
- Unit 5: Personal development
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
A portfolio compiled throughout the course comprising:
- 3 Journals
- Lesson observation reports, including assessment of lesson observation and feedback by a peer course member and by a tutor.
- Record of professional discussion
Who is this course for?
The course is aimed at teachers and managers in Further and Adult Education who undertake formal, graded lesson observations as part of a quality monitoring process. Observers in these organisations need an understanding of a broad range of issues and need to develop approaches, methods and skills in observing teaching and learning and giving effective feedback. Course members will normally work in or near east London.
Entry Requirements:
Participants will normally
- Have some experience of carrying out lesson observations as part of their professional role
- Be sponsored by their employer to follow this professional development programme
- Have had a minimum of three years teaching experience in the post compulsory education and training sector
- Hold a teaching qualification or be working towards full QTLS equivalent
- Have the ability to write clear, error-free reports to an appropriate level of standard English.
- Have good IT skills
It is expected that participants’ communication skills will be effective both in writing and orally: clear, accurate, concise and persuasive. Participants will also need good ICT skills. These will be assessed at a recruitment & selection session: date/time tbc
Move On Link Course (for those leaving school)
If you are in your last year at secondary school and are thinking about coming to college to do a course at Tower Hamlets College or another college, we may be able to arrange a link course with your school. The link course is usually for one day a week for a year and gives you a chance to get to know what it is like being a College student. It also gives staff at the College a chance to start to get to know you and think about what kind of course might be best for you as your next step.
We usually agree with your school what the link course is going to include. This year it has included an introduction to College, ceramics and multi-skills. If you would like to come on the link course you will need to talk to your school first and they will need to contact the Foundation Learning faculty at the College on 020 7510 7614.
If you require any of the information on our website in an alternative format, click here for further information.
We aim to ensure that everything on this website is factually correct. However, from time to time there may be human errors. If you spot any mistakes, please use our contact form to let us know so we can correct them.
020 7510 7777 | advice@tower.ac.uk | text: "THC" to 88020 | Contact us










Tower Hamlets College provides a range of both full time and part time courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. These courses offer a range of full and part time options where learners have opportunities to improve or maintain their literacy, communication, numeracy, ICT, independent living skills and work skills in a variety of contexts.

