Your Learning

As a learner at GC Education and Skills you will have access to itsLearning, our virtual learning platform which will help you progress on your programme.

What is itsLearning used for?

itsLearning is our virtual learning platform which you will use to complete learning and assessments throughout your programme. You will complete these activities both independently and collaboratively with other learners on your course.  

Where do I get my login for itsLearning?

Your Tutor or Skills Development Tutor will provide you with your login details when you start your programme, and they will guide you through a short induction on how to use itslearning.

How will itsLearning benefit my studies?

itsLearning will provide you with a variety of features which will help you on your programme, including:

• An overview of your learning programme
• Key contact details
• Self-study learning paths
• Interactive learning materials
• Assignments, tests, and tasks to check your understanding and progress
• Message function so you can contact your tutor and other learners.

What should I do if I can’t remember my login details?

Please contact your Tutor or Skills Development Tutor.

As a learner with GC Education and Skills, we are committed to your learning and wellbeing, and in return we expect you to make a commitment to your future.

• Attend all your sessions and on time, which may include your place of work and appointments with your skills development tutor, study programme including maths and English sessions
• If you are unable to attend a session, please contact the appropriate person before the start
• If you are attending a class arrive with the correct equipment and materials
• Be organised and make good use of private study time
• Approach learning with a positive attitude and take responsibility for your own learning and ask for help when you need it
• Ensure you meet all your deadlines and ensure the work you submit is your own. Please see the plagiarism policy
• Observe classroom management practice including turning off mobile phones or putting on silent during teaching-related activities (unless you have permission from the tutor)
• Be polite and treat everyone with respect, both in-person and online
• Be committed to your own progress and take responsibility for your future

Reporting absence

If you are unable to attend a session, please contact your Tutor or Skills Development Tutor before a scheduled appointment.

To help you progress within your chosen programme, all our learners will develop an individual learning plan. It allows you and your tutor or skills development tutor to plan, monitor and evaluate your progress.

Your individual learning plan will include:

• Your strengths and skills
• What motivates you
• Preferred ways of learning
• What your goals/targets are and how you think you can achieve them
• Areas for development
• Off the job learning and professional standards (apprentices)

Your Tutor or Skills Development Tutor will develop this in partnership with you and will meet you regularly to review progress.

At GC Education and Skills, we not only want you to succeed on your current programme, but on any future learning you may choose to undertake. This is why we have a range of progression opportunities with us, and our partner organisations.

Entry level – level 2

• Study Programmes and Courses
• Apprenticeships
• Pre-access to Higher Education Diploma

Level 3

• Advanced Apprenticeships
• Access to Higher Education

Level 4

• Higher Apprenticeships
• Higher National Certificate
• Certificate in Education

Level 5

• Foundation Degree
• Degree Apprenticeship

Level 6

• Degree with Honours

For more information about your progression opportunities with GC Education and Skills, please contact your Tutor or Skills Development Tutor.

As an Apprentice you will be employed with an employer where you will undertake both on-the-job training and off-the-job training. Whilst on your apprenticeship, you will be assessed using the following criteria:

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Behaviours

Below is more information about what types of things you will be assessed on within each or these criteria:

Knowledge

Information, technical detail and know how that needs to be understood in order to successfully carry out the duties for your job role. Some knowledge will be job role specific, and some may be more generic such as communication skills.

Skills

This is the practical application of the knowledge needed to undertake your job role. These need to be learned through both off-the-job and on-the-job training or experience.

Behaviours

Mind-sets, attitudes or approaches required to perform your role well. This may include working as part of team, your professionalism, and how well you are able to adapt within your working environment.

20% off-the-job training

An apprenticeship requires all apprentices and their employers to commit to 20% off the job training. This means that 20% of your normal working hours will be spent gaining further knowledge, skills and behaviours to help you perform your role well. Examples of off-the-job training can include:

• Lectures, role-playing, online learning or training
• Shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and taking part in competitions
• Learning support and time writing assessments/assignments

Off-the-job training does not include:

• Gaining knowledge, skills and behaviours which are not required as part of your apprenticeship
• Progress reviews or on-programme assessments required for your apprenticeship
• Training which takes place outside of your normal working hours, or English and maths (up to level 2)

More information about off-the-job training for apprentices can be found at Gov.uk.