“There’s no greater challenge and there is no greater honour than to be in public serve.”

Condoleezza Rice

Course description

The uniformed protective service sector is diverse and encompasses uniformed public services such as the police service, the fire and rescue service, the armed service and the prison service. Most of these uniformed protective services are organised and financed by the government in order to benefit society.

The qualification focuses on the police service, fire and rescue service, armed service and the prison service. The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies to ensure that it it appropriate for those interested in working in the sector.

In addition, higher education representatives have been involved to ensure that it fully supports entry to the relevant range of specialist degrees.

What will I study?

Unit 2: Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services

In this unit, you will examine a range of theories that underpin behaviour and how they are applied in the uniformed protective services. You will explore how authority is used to benefit both the individual and society, based on key types of authority in the public sector, making connections between theory and practice. In completing the assessment for this unit, you can draw on your learning from across the programme.

Unit is externally assessed in the form of: –

• Written examination set and marked by Pearson
• Duration – 2 hours.
• Total 80 marks.

Unit 5: Teamwork, Leadership and Communication in the Protective Services

In this unit, you will learn about leadership, investigating the different styles of leadership and how they are best used in the uniformed protective services. You will learn how to be an effective team member while developing leadership skills and will have the opportunity to apply these skills in different situations. You will gain an understanding of the different types of communication systems used by the uniformed protective services, and the importance of clear communication, together with learning how these systems have enabled the services to become more efficient.

Unit 11: Expedition Skills

In this unit, you will investigate past expeditions, exploring the history behind the most acclaimed and successful individuals and teams. You will also look at lesser-known expeditions that have changed the way in which modern expeditions are planned and undertaken. You will develop the skills needed to plan and undertake an expedition and will be given the opportunity to demonstrate these skills by planning, undertaking and reviewing your own expedition.

Unit 15: Police Powers and the Law

In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the criminal justice system. You will look at the criminal trial process and examine the procedures that must be followed before the trial and during the trial itself. To understand why certain offenders, receive specific sentences, you will explore the different types of sentencing and what the aims of sentencing are. This unit will introduce you to the various personnel involved in the administration of justice and their respective roles in the criminal trial process. You will explore the legal framework within which the police must work when searching, arresting, detaining and interviewing individuals, including how the rights of the individual are safeguarded. You will investigate the procedure for making a complaint against the police when an individual feel that their rights have been infringed.

Enrichment

Learners will enjoy taking part in an Army Look Life residential as well at undertaking an overnight expedition.  Learners will also have guest speakers in school from the Police, Fire Service, Boarder Force, Paramedics and military services.

Assessment

• Externally assessed examination 33%
• Mandatory contend 67%

Progression

The qualification carries UCAS points and if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, then it is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses. Learners progression, following the completion of the course include:

• Policing
• Criminology
• Law
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Custodial Care
• Armed Forces

Entry requirements

Entry onto Level 3 courses includes students achieving 4 x Grade 9-4 or equivalent at GCSE alongside a Grade 4 or above in English and/or Mathematics. Students with either English and/or Mathematics at Grade 3 or below will have individual meetings to determine the most suitable pathway within the Sixth Form.