Skills for success explained

As part of your Bridgend College Learning Journey, you are required to follow a Skills for Success Programme.

There are a number of pathways which will be selected at enrolment. This selection will reflect your current course application, your chosen curriculum area, as well as your previous learning in Maths and English.

Following our Skills for Success Pathways will help you build a solid foundation in communication, numeracy, employability and a tutorial for personal development. These pathways provide qualifications that complement your vocational course and set you up for long-term success.

GCSE Maths and English

These courses are designed for students who have previously achieved a Grade D (Grade 3) or progressed from a Level 1 programme. Our goal is to help you secure a Grade C (Grade 4) or higher, providing the essential qualifications needed to advance in your career and further education.

To balance your studies, these subjects are integrated into your weekly timetable with two hours of taught sessions. In addition to regular lessons, you will have access to Century, an online platform, as well as exam-focused revision sessions on campus and online. This extra support is available during the Easter and May half-term breaks, as well as in the final days leading up to your exams, ensuring you are fully prepared for success.

Exam Dates for GCSE Maths 2026/27:

Unit 1 (non-calculator) – Tuesday 18 May (am)
Unit 2 (calculator) – Tuesday 8 June (pm)

Exam Dates for GCSE English 2026/27:

Unit 1 – coursework (1 x Individual Presentation and 1 x Group Discussion) completed by the end of January 2027, making up 20% of your overall grade.
Unit 2 – Wednesday 26 May (am)
Unit 3 – Friday 11 June (am)

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

For many vocational areas, Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications are the preferred route to developing your numeracy and communication skills. Unlike traditional exams, these City & Guilds accredited courses focus on applying your skills within a real-world, professional context. Each course is integrated into your weekly timetable for one hour per week and can be completed in either English or Welsh.

If you are studying a Level 1 vocational course, you will typically work towards Entry 3 qualifications in both Number and Communication.

For those on Level 2 courses or higher, you will focus on achieving Level 1 or above. These qualifications serve as a vital stepping stone for your future, proving to employers and universities that you have the practical literacy, numeracy, and IT skills required for apprenticeships and further study.

Formal assessments take place towards the end of the year under exam conditions, ensuring you are tested at the level that best reflects your progress and ability.

ESW qualifications in Communication and Application of Number and are available at these levels:

Entry 1 – Not directly equivalent to a GCSE but is a milestone entry qualification
Entry 2 – Not directly equivalent to a GCSE. It is generally seen as a preparatory step before GCSEs
Entry 3 – Equivalent to GCSE G
Level 1 – Equivalent to GCSE D
Level 2 – Equivalent to GCSE C
Level 3 – Equivalent to A level GCE

Advanced Studies

Advanced Studies is for learners who have passed GCSE maths and English but not on a course which has an Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (AdSBW) option. These sessions give learners the chance to explore a whole wealth of courses from the Open University at the level of their choice. This is a great opportunity for learners to follow any subject at the level best suited for them.

These sessions are self-directed and there is no room allocated, however, learners can access the Success Hubs.

Learners enrolled on Advanced Studies Course are encouraged to become ‘Changemakers’, lead student activities, become peer mentors, and help facilitate student clubs or societies.

For your information, Advanced Studies Session are scheduled to start in the Success Hubs in October

Please attend your Advanced Studies sessions in the following weeks: