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Staff information

Motor Vehicle Studies

This course is offered through the South Cotswold Partnership and will be partly taught at Cirencester Deer Park School and the RAC. View Course Leaflet (PDF)

Why Motor Vehicle Studies?

This programme is open to pupils who are interested in gaining a wide experience in motor vehicle systems. This course is in its second year and has been developed with the awarding body (ABC Awards) which recognises that the industry requires much higher levels of numeracy, literacy and I.T. skills than may have been the case in the past.
During the course you will follow the Level 1 Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies. The course will be based at the Rural Skills Centre at Coates as well as some classroom based work.
You will be accredited with individual unit certificates and an overall
certification if all 6 units are completed.
The individual units are:
1.  Health and Safety
2.  Engineering Equipment and Materials
3.  Vehicle Power Units
4.  Liquid Cooling Systems
5.  Transmission Systems
6.  Tyres, wheels and exhausts
The course is a highly practical one that will challenge your ability to work as part of a team in a very different environment. There is a need to complete a portfolio of evidence to show your capability.

How will I learn?

You will be based at the Rural Skills Centre where you will spend the majority of your time.
You will gain hands on practical experience restoring stationary engines, to gain knowledge of four stroke engine principles, you will also work on vehicle systems. An introductory unit on Welding and Fabrication will be included covering MIG, MMA,
Oxy-Acetylene welding and cutting.
As well as the practical side you will also put together a portfolio of evidence in the form of reports, photographs and drawings. This is good practice to enable you to progress to a higher level of study or apprenticeship.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed throughout the course as you complete each unit. This will mean completing all the practical components successfully as well as taking a short multiple choice test. You will also need to make sure your evidence portfolio is up to date.

What about work experience?

Depending on how you progress, it may be possible for you to spend one day a week on a work experience placement to gain wider experience and reinforce the skills gained.

What will I get at the end of the course?

You will gain a certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies. This is a vocational qualification that is equivalent to 4 GCSE’s grades D-G.

What will I be able to do with my Certificate?

The certificate is a nationally recognised qualification that is understood by employers and colleges. You will be able to attend a FE College such as Swindon or  Gloucestershire College, or look for employment.
Whatever route you take you will be able to study at a higher level. You may also consider looking for an Apprenticeship with an employer.
The skills you will learn benefit you in a wide range of career areas, such as • Electrician • Plumber • Agriculture to name but a few.

Contact:
Mr C Germaine – 14 – 19 Partnership Coordinator
Mr F Perkins – Course Tutor

PUPIL PROFILE

I have always been interested in motor mechanics and enjoy working on cars, particularly the engines.

On the course I have learned how engines work, the valve and ignition timing and I have restored a 1951 Lister ‘D’ engine to working order. I have also extended my welding skills using MIG and MMA in proper welding booths.

I did work experience at Cotswold Panels and gained experience in vehicle body work and am now trying to get an apprenticeship in a paint and body company.
The course is a good way to learn the basic steps in working as a mechanic. The work is mainly practical and having a whole day is great!
Karl Curtis

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