Code

PG24592

Title

Certificate in P-Tech (Pathways in Technology)

Programme Purpose

The Certificate in P-TECH will be delivered as part of the senior-cycle curriculum in secondary schools that have signed up to the P-Tech School Model. Transition Year students in these schools will be enrolled on the programme and will complete it alongside their other senior-cycle subjects over three academic years. It forms one element in the National P-TECH Initiative, which spans five years of secondary schooling from 2nd year to 6th year. The HE Level 6 P-Tech Programme would enrol learners within the Transition Year. The Certificate in P-TECH aims to support a wide range of students in earning their traditional second-level qualifications (e.g. the Leaving Certificate) as well as giving them a unique opportunity to also gain HE skills, experiences and a HE award from a HEI. The high calibre work experience delivered as a key component of the P-TECH programme will also provide learners with a competitive advantage in employment in IT and related areas after they finish school. Engagement with HE level learning is also anticipated to help retain them in the education system and give them the confidence to progress to tertiary level education at a FE College or HEI. The qualification offered to students enrolled in the programme will be free of charge to students and their families as it is funded by the Department of Education and Skills. The Certificate combines second-level school education with elements of higher-level education and authentic high-quality work experiences, mentoring, structured internships, and tasters of subjects in higher education. Students who enrol on the Level 6 Certificate in P-TECH will continue to study their six subjects during the senior cycle and can also achieve an additional qualification or ‘second HE/QQI transcript’ in place of a seventh subject. The Level 6 HE Award is therefore positioned to sit alongside the senior cycle curriculum as enhancing and not competing with students’ existing learning and assessment requirements (including the Leaving Certificate) without adding additional burdens or stress. The Certificate in P-TECH comprises two modules entitled “Skills for Business & Career” and “Skills for a Digital World”. Each module carries 5 ECTS at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) mapped against the Generic HE Award Standards and will be delivered simultaneously over the duration of the programme. The programme curriculum is built upon four P-TECH Values which were developed through a consultation process with the National P-TECH Curriculum Working Group. Taking a decision to embed values in the curriculum from the beginning means that values have been part of the curriculum design and decision-making processes relating to the programme and module aims, teaching and learning strategies, content, and assessment approaches. The four values are also aligned to the programme and module learning outcomes

Duration Description

NFQ Level(s)

6

EQF Level(s)

5

Location

Dublin City

Delivery Modes

PEL Applies

Yes

PEL Arrangements

National Scheme

What is PEL?

Details

Validation Documents

Certificate of Validation, Panel Report