Hair and Beauty
Department Staffing & Roles
Miss S Skellington – Head of Hair and Beauty/BTEC Quality Nominee
The VTCT Level 1/2 Technical Award in the Study of Hair and Beauty is aimed at learners aged 14-16 who have an interest in developing a broad understanding of the hairdressing and beauty therapy sector and related industries, including retail, leisure, manufacturing and other personal care services.
This qualification is designed to use the context of hairdressing and beauty therapy as a vehicle to support learners to develop broad and comprehensive understanding of the sector and related industries but, more importantly, of core academic knowledge and study skills that will support progression into post-16 and higher education.
The content of the qualification is designed to engage learners through the context of hair and beauty due to its popularity and aspirational career pathways.
This qualification consists of three mandatory units.
- UCO90 – Business and entrepreneurship in the hair and beauty sector
- UCO91 – Anatomy, physiology and cosmetic science
- UCO92 – Design in the hair and beauty sector
The KS4 VTCT specification content provides students with an understanding of the chemistry of hair, beauty and nail products, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. They will explore design skills and techniques that can be used within the hair and beauty sector, giving students opportunities to develop planning, research and presentation skills. Students also explore the business aspect of the hair and beauty sector, the broad related industries and understand the aspirational career pathways available. Students will explore the principles of marketing and how entrepreneurship supports the hair and beauty sector.
KS4 (Years 10 and 11)
Students complete their internal synoptic assignment during Year 10 of the course (60%) and complete the written external examination (40%) in Year 11.
VTCT Level 1/2 Technical Award in the Study of Hair and Beauty:
Careers education is a vital aspect of our curriculum at OCA. The Hair and Beauty course is designed to develop students’ interest in the hair and beauty sector and the range opportunities available to them post-16. To do this, we:
- Ensure the Gatsby benchmark is implemented and embedded across the Hair and Beauty curriculum and all students have access to high quality careers opportunities, advice and guidance.
- During parents evening and throughout the options process, information is provided to students and parents regarding future career opportunities in Hair and Beauty.
- In the VTCT Award studied at KS4, the synoptic assignment and curriculum content is designed for vocational hair and beauty scenarios and contexts in the sector.
- Career checkpoints are highlighted in lessons in relation to the curriculum content and give students a range of knowledge of various careers and roles in the sector, including to interdependent industries such as leisure and tourism, theatre and media, retail and education.
- Enrichment activities, clubs and interventions sessions are tailored for all year groups.
- Trips, workshops and access to professional artists in the sector are continuously being developed to support students understanding and experience of the industry.
There are a range of courses available in both higher and further education which allow students to progress into the Hair and Beauty Industry, including:
- Level 3 Courses (including technical certificates, NVQs, Diplomas)
- Higher National Diploma
- BA Hons Degrees and Foundation Degrees
- Apprenticeships
There are a wide range of career options available to Hair and Beauty students both inside and outside the industry including: Hair Stylist, Beauty Therapist, Spa Therapist, Nail Technician, Colouring Technician, Spa/Salon Manager, Makeup Artist, Beauty consultant, Aesthetics Clinician, Beauty Educator, Sales and Marketing, Fashion Hair and Makeup Stylist, Retail, Product development specialist.
Hair and Beauty Enrichment – Students of all year groups can develop their practical skills with salon equipment to explore creative styles.
Trips and Workshops – Opportunities are provided both in and outside of school to enhance students experiences of the sector through engaging with events such as Beauty Shows and working with industry professionals.
Intervention – Students in Year 10 and 11 can participate in intervention sessions as extra revision and support for their VTCT course.
Knowledge Organisers to support students’ knowledge and understanding:
At OCA, we believe that opportunities outside the classroom are just as important as those that we find in lessons. Hair and Beauty lend itself perfectly to developing a broader sense of self and we aim to offer as many opportunities as possible for our pupils to link their learning to real life.
Students participate in several topics which are relevant to today’s culture and society and allow for learning about the world around us both relevant to and outside of the Hair and Beauty industry. The Hair and Beauty qualification also allows cross-curricular subject links to broaden application of skills and understanding in the following subject areas:
- Science
- Business Studies
- Design Technology
- Art and Design
- History
