Curriculum

A-levels are academic subject-based qualifications, studied over two years, which can lead onto higher education, apprenticeships, training or work. They are usually assessed by a series of examinations at the end of the second year of the course, and students typically choose three of these to study alongside supplementary qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification or Core Maths. However, it is possible to study a mixture of three A-level and Applied General subjects. Higher education courses may specify particular A-levels that are needed for entry into certain degree courses.

The courses we offer are:

• Biology

• Business Studies

• Computer Science

• Chemistry

• Economics

• English Language

• English Literature

• Fine Art

• French

• Geography

• German

• Graphic Communication

• History

• Law

• Maths

• Further Maths

• Photography

• Physics

• Product Design

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Spanish

• Textile Design

Applied General qualifications are vocationally focussed qualifications, encompassing courses such as BTEC and CTEC qualifications, which are equivalent to one A-level in size. Studied over 2 years, these qualifications are assessed through a combination of internal controlled assessment produced over the two years, together with external exams which contribute at least 40% toward the final grade. Some subjects also have Diploma courses equivalent to two A-levels in size. Students would typically choose 3 Applied General qualifications to study, but it is possible to study a mixture of three A-level and Applied General subjects.

The courses we offer are:

• BTEC Business
• Creative Media
• Dance
• Drama
• Extended Project Qualification
• Health and Social Care
• Medical Science
• Music
• Sport

These two qualifications are increasingly taken by students alongside their A-level or Applied General courses, with students choosing to study one or both of these to maintain breadth, support their employability and complement their main subjects.

Core Maths is studied over 2 years, and is worth the equivalent of an AS level, with the UCAS points reflecting this.

Extended project is studied over 1 year, between January of Year 12 and January of Year 13, and is equivalent to half an A-level. This project can be based on a topic of the students’ choosing, and they are supported and guided during the project to ensure they are developing the research and communication skills with which to reach the required standard in their final, independently produced project.

We offer a number of Level 2 courses, which are aimed at providing a progression route to Post-16 study for students who may not have achieved the necessary entry requirements to access Level 3 qualifications. Students study these for 1 year with us, with a view to them achieving the entry requirements which then enable them to move onto Level 3 study the year after.

As part of this provision, students study their chosen course, alongside resit GCSE English and Maths study, and a Level 2 BTEC qualification in Work Skills. This package is ideal preparation for students who wish to progress onto Level 3 study or apprenticeships, by enabling them to improve their grades to meet entry requirements, whilst also developing skills around writing applications and preparing for interviews.

 The courses we offer are: 

• Employability
• English Language resit
• Health and Social Care
• Maths resit