This pathway supports a variety of subjects, which will enhance any application to University or Further Education Destinations and may provide UCAS points too.  We suggest that only students who are currently performing at an A*-C standard (A-level) and Distinction to Merit (BTEC) think about choosing this pathway.

This pathway is for those who are keen on immediate employment options after College or would just like more information on how to apply for jobs/interviews

Aimed for all visual and performing artists especially if you are planning on studying their art form after college at university and/or a Career.  This qualification provides excellent evidence of your commitment to the Arts area and provides UCAS points too.  This qualifications is centered around personal arts practice development; it really is your choice what you decide to work on. It is designed to encourage in-depth explorations of your particular art form/practice and how this can be influenced by exploring a new art form/ genre/practice. The leadership element of the course means students take charge of running an arts project, build their skills as an effective leader and deliver their project to a public audience.  Students create a portfolio which can consist of written entries, videos, photos, blog entries etc.

Have you an interest in sport and a desire to develop your communication skills and leadership ability?  The course is split into units such as Developing Leadership Skills, Planning and Leading an Activity Session and Event with an emphasis is on your practical leadership ability so most sessions will be practical.  There are no written exams.  An excellent complementary subject to sing about in your personal statement if wanting to pursue a career or higher education goal in this area.  All 2nd Year PE or BTEC Sport students will study this course but the course is also open to non-PE students too.

Core Maths is designed to develop real-life mathematics skills applied on a day-to-day basis. It includes a financial mathematics element and will help with other subjects including science, geography, business studies, economics and psychology. 

Only 20% of students in England study maths after GCSE – this is a way to set yourself apart from the rest!   Universities say it is valuable preparation for degree level study and also provides UCAS points. Most universities will accept Core Maths as an alternative to a high GCSE grade (please confirm with individual Unis however).  Bath University have said they will lower their offer for students studying Core Maths, it is likely other universities will follow suit.  Please be aware it cannot be used towards a university course which requires a Maths AS or A-level.

(GCSE Grade 4 Maths Required)

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) enables you to choose an area of interest, most probably related to one or more of your A level courses and/or your future studies, and to produce a project based on this. Projects may take the form of a dissertation, an investigation/field study, a performance or an artefact. The finished project outcome will be a written report, a production or a product. The major emphasis is on the process behind the project.  

The EPQ is well regarded by universities as it provides an opportunity to learn relevant new skills and to demonstrate the ability to undertake research. You will need to be highly motivated and committed to undertake the degree of independent learning required. Work for the project spans the first and second years.  For most students EPQ begins in the two weeks before the summer half-term in the lower sixth for submission in mid-February with all presentations completed before Easter in the second year. Those opting for the Aspire course begin earlier after the Spring half-term and complete by December of the upper sixth.

Students will be invited to express their interest at the appropriate point in the first year.

You must be an A-level Maths student who is around an A or B grade level by the end of your first year to study this course..  As well as providing you with an additional AS level qualification it will also support your A-level Maths by broadening and deepening your mathematical skills. It will also enhance your university applications if you are considering Maths related courses. You do need to enjoy Maths to do this subject because you’ll be doing a lot more of it!

The Music Practitioners Qualification is a contemporary music course perfect for anyone who is interested in any aspects of staging music concerts, ranging from playing in bands, sound, stage management and promotion.  Regular workshops will be given so everyone will have the opportunity to improve their skills.  If your intention is to play in a band it is required that you have a basic foundation level of no less than grade 2 equivalence.  Mostly the instruments required are Vocals, Drums, Bass, Keyboards and Guitars. So basic chords, scales, rhythms will be essential.  If you are not planning on playing and want to specialize in another area no entry level is required.  Qualifications for this course designed by Rock School range from level 2 to level 3 (GCSE and A level equivalence). The assessment is mostly practical but there are some written tasks.