Practical Vs Theory
Course overview
This course, as part of Stamford College’s Air and Defence College is an amazing opportunity to pursue a career with the RAF and progress towards job roles such as a Cyberspace Communications Specialist or an Avionics Technician.
The programme includes employability skills (attitudinal goals) and Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and maths (depending on existing qualifications) alongside practical workshops at Stamford College.
Graduates of The Air and Defence College are guaranteed a place on RAF basic recruit training (subject to RAF entry criteria) and will be well equipped to pass first time.
What Does The Programme Include
The curriculum for the Air and Defence Career College is packed with enrichment activities ranging from expert guest speakers from our industry partners, to existing visits to RAF bases and industry workplaces, along with residential visits and adventure training.
You will undertake 30-hours of work-related activity linked closely to the Defence industry
You will participate in three days of activity around Science, Technology, English and Maths (STEM) led by The Royal Society of Engineers
You will participate in general and trade RAF station visits
You will participate in a week-long residential visit developed by the RAF
You will participate in outdoor and adventurous activities, including high/low ropes activities; climbing and canoeing
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grades 3/D or above including English and maths
Alternatively a pass in a relevant Level 1 Diploma, and a GCSE grade 3/D in English and maths, or a pass for functional skills Level 1 English and Maths.
This course requires an interview/informal chat with the curriculum lead for Air and Defence before a place can be offered.
We will review each application on a case-by-case basis to ensure you get a place on the course most suitable for you.
One of the ways we do this is through a very effective ‘6 weeks to success programme’ that operates from the first day you start your course. This includes support such as (but not limited to):
- Allowing you to change courses if you change your mind in the first 6 weeks — subject to course availability
- Moving you between course levels if you are finding your current level too easy / too hard — subject to course availability
- One-to-one reviews with your academic tutor to ensure you are progressing and achieving well
A Merit in your Level 2 course, and GCSE’s maths and English at 4 or above or Level 2 Functional skills, in order to progress on to a Level 3.
Our course enquiries and admissions team can be contacted at enquiries@stamford.ac.uk should you have any further questions.
How The Course Will Be Assessed
Air and Defence College assessment will follow BRTC (basic recruit training course) attitude goal requirements at Grade A throughout your study. In addition you will prepare and sit the Airman Selection Test (AST) for entry in to the RAF should you wish to do so. You will also participate in the Industrial Cadet Award written assignment, presentations and practical tasks, alongside other personal development focused projects.
There are two mandatory units which are each externally assessed by way of an examination. The other four remaining units are internally assessed, each unit having 3 assignments which you will need to complete.
Additional Information
You will be required to be in Air and Defence College uniform on your Air and Defence days in college, both in theory and practical sessions. This will be at a cost of £85 for the basic Air and Defence College uniform package with the opportunity to purchase other items if you desire. In addition you will also require a pair of black outdoor trousers, black boots, black sports shorts and a pair of running trainers (no fashion flat soled footwear).
Trip fees for Air and Defence will be £150 for the year. This will cover all trips and visits outside of college.
Please see https://www.stamford.ac.uk/college-life to see how the college can support you with these elements of the course.
Potential Future Career
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the Air and Defence (Computing) Extended Certificate Level 3 to pursue a career with the RAF.
You will need to pass the course and achieve a GCSE maths and English at 4 or above, or Level 2 Pass in Functional Skills maths and English
Course Content
In addition to your Air and Defence College programme you will study the following in your curriculum area:
- The Online World (External Assessment)
- Technology Systems (External Assessment)
- A Digital Portfolio (Internal Assessment)
- Creating Digital Graphics (Internal Assessment)
- Database Development (Internal Assessment)
- Website Development (Internal Assessment)



