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
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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.
BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
Will the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design be suitable for me?
Foundation courses in art and design are suitable for those who have already completed A level, AS level or a Btec ND in Art and Design. The Foundation course in art and design remains the most widely preferred route to degree level study in Art and Design. In the experience of university admissons tutors, students who have completed a Foundation course are often equipped with better practical skills, more design maturity and a stronger portfolio than some other applicants. This can give applicants from Foundation courses the edge over other applicants who are applying with A levels alone. It is worth bearing this in mind if you are applying for a very popular or oversubscribed course where there is intense competition for places.
If you have the right entry qualifications, can demonstrate determination and enthusiasm to start a new career in the arts and would like to prepare a portfolio of drawings, ideas, design, textiles, 3D studies and photography, for entry to a specialist degree course, then this course is for you.
The Foundation course is the beginning of your journey of self-discovery, an opportunity to explore new methods and materials, ideas and directions, skills and concepts and to experience both traditional and new technologies. At Tower Hamlets we help you discover not just who you are now but who you’d like to become.
What will I learn on a foundation course?
You will undertake a broad experimental approach to visual artwork and cover several specialist areas including fine art, textiles/fashion, printmaking, 3D studies, graphics and contextual studies as well as field trips to galleries and museums. Our course provides you with a stimulating experience, developing your visual and critical skills, through the exploration and practice of art, media and design.
Throughout the course you will complete a series of sketchbooks which will record your creative development. You’ll also develop a wide range of practical and technical skills in drawing, designing and making.
Typical studies include: drawing, printmaking, textiles, contextual and historical studies, fashion and textiles, three dimensional design and graphic design, visual reasearch and sketchbook development.
What skills will I be able to develop?
You will gain expertise and skills in the use of a variety of mark-making materials, hand tools, machinery, computer graphics, presentation skills
and in working to deadlines.
Part 1- Learning new skills and developing ideas in workshops and studio projects.
Part 2- Building your portfolio and preparing for interviews for higher education or employment.
Part 3- Developing your independence and individuality and working towards a Final Major Project, displayed in End of Year exhibition-open to public, family and friends.
How will this benefit me when it comes to applying for a degree?
A Foundation course will prepare you for entry into more specialised programmes within art and design and help to confirm your choice of subject at degree level. It is the nationally recognised route to degree level study in art and design. It help you to make a considered and well informed choice about study at degree level in art and design.
All our staff are practicing artists and designers in the field of fine art, textiles, fashion, ceramics and 3D and engaged in their own projects.
Progression Diploma in Nursing and Health
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. On the Progression Diploma in Nursing and Health you will take Health Studies, ICT and an Introduction to Science. You will develop presentation skills and learn to write about your ideas while gaining practical experience through voluntary work.
Business and Accounting (SAGE)
The Business and Accounting programme will give you a qualification in IAB Computerised Accounts (SAGE) at level 2 or 3.
The aim of this programme is to assess competence and understanding in carrying out a wide range of day-to-day bookkeeping routines and activities using the Sage Line 50 computerised accounting package, including data maintenance, entry of business transactions and non-routine bookkeeping tasks.
The main topics that will be covered are:
- Basic computer operations e.g. restore and backup data
- Set up the system for a sole trader e.g. company details, VAT codes, financial year, program date and chart of accounts
- Produce routine accounting reports - Account History, Aged Debtor, Aged Creditor, Trial Balance & Nominal Account Activity
- Sales, Purchase & Nominal Ledgers transactions i.e. double entry bookkeeping
- Process cash/bank receipts and payments, recurring entries and journal transactions
- Bank reconciliation (not requiring adjustments).
At the end of the course you will be sit an assessment to gauge your achievement of the required learning outcomes.
ESOL Entry Level - Full Qualification
We offer a range of part time ESOL Full Qualification Courses at levels E1, E2 and E3 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.
Personal and Social Development
In this course you will achieve an Award in Personal and Social Development. It is a flexible qualification that can help improve your work, studies and daily life. You'll gain important work and life skills to help you move forward and achieve your potential. You will also improve your literacy skills along side it.
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (Teaching Assistant)
The Award has two mandatory units:
- Unit 1 Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Unit 2 Effective Communication within a Safe Environment
Each unit is separately assessed and can be separately certificated. You must successfully achieve both units in order to gain the full award.
On completion of the award, you will be able to:
- Understand how to support teaching and learning
- Promote diversity, equality and positive behaviour
- Understand child development
- Observe, monitor and record childrens' progress
- Communicate with young learners
- Support colleagues in school
- Plan activities and manage behaviour
- Describe school policies and procedures
- Be more confident when applying for work in schools
College Certificate in the fundamentals of NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming)
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.
Foundations in Health and Social Care
This qualification aims to give the adult learner the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge for the health and social care sector.
The qualification is designed for adults who may be entering employment for the first time, those returning to work after a gap of several years, or those wishing to change their career or occupation.
Learners may have basic skills gaps which would prevent them from embarking on a Level 2 qualification.
The choice of units gives a broad overview of the health and social care sector, in order to give an idea of what working in health and social care is like, and of the different areas of health and social care. The Entry Level units cover different health and social care needs, providing meals in health and social care settings and providing creative and leisure activities for children and adults.
The Level 1 units build on these areas, for example, looking at children's and adults' activities in more detail. Other Level 1 units cover specific areas such as providing personal care and promoting healthy eating. Learners have the opportunity to work together on a project, and to plan how to start work in health and social care.
Some units are more generic but allow learners to develop skills in relation to the health and social care sector, such as rights and responsibilities at work, and managing own health at work or undertaking a work placement.
While the overall qualification is at Level 1, some units will be at Entry Level 3 to allow learners to develop their skills in these areas if necessary. The Level 2 units allow learners to develop skills to that level, and will encourage progression to Level 2 qualifications
The units will be practical in nature and learners will develop their work-based skills throughout the qualification such as self-management, time management, communication and working safely.
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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.


