► What is the Area Wide Prospectus
The Area Wide Prospectus is an online database of all courses and learning opportunities available across County Durham using the 'Common Application Process' or CAP for short.
CAP has been designed so that making applications for courses such as A Levels, BTECs, Diplomas and Apprenticeships is much quicker and simpler for you.
► How does it work?
The stating point for making applications through CAP is the Area Wide Prospectus. This is an online database of all courses and learning opportunities available across County Durham. It’s part of the Help4teens website, and is accessible on by clicking on the Area Wide Prospectus button on the left of the screen.
You can complete lots of searches on the Area Wide Prospectus...look at all courses relating to ICT, or enter your own keyword such as hairdressing or bricklaying. If you know where you want to study, you can look at every course that school or college offers, and then decide on the courses that interest you.
All you need to do is complete a short registration, in order to set up your very own “My Courses” area. This is a shopping basket, a bit like what you would use on eBay or Amazon. You can then save your favourite courses into your “My Courses” area. You can then have a chat with your Connexions Personal Adviser, tutor or parent/carer about your choice of favourites.
► O.K. so what happens when I want to start applying?
You will be given a secure password or “unlock code” in school or by Connexions. This is unique to you. You will need to enter this into the site. Once you have successfully done this, you will be able to get access to the online application form.
All you need to do is complete this, as you would any other application form. Staff in school or your Connexions Personal Adviser will be able to support you to do this.
► So, what happens when the application has been sent?
That’s not the end. You can now keep checking how your applications are progressing through your “My Courses” area. Receive invitations for interviews, receive offers, send e-mails to the places you have applied to or thinking of applying to...all through CAP.
You have much more control over your own applications.
► Sounds good...how can I find out more?
To find out more, simply talk to people in school or your Connexions Personal Adviser. They will all be able to help you.
Get started by clicking on the Area Wide Prospectus button on the left of the screen!
