A Levels and BTEC Level 3

may run depending on student demand

We offer a rigorous academic curriculum which we know will prepare our pupils to be successful at university and beyond.

We are proud to be a small school who values exceptional teaching in a carefully selected group of subjects. We only offer A level qualifications and one BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma because we believe they are the best preparation for the rigour of university study. Most pupils are expected to take three courses with BTEC extended diploma counting as the equivalent of three A levels. As A levels have moved to linear assessment and university offers are for three subjects, students are encouraged to focus on excelling in three subjects from the start. Each course is taught over six, fifty five minute lessons each. Pupils are expected to at least match those hours in independent study.

The BTEC Business course is part of the Ark Professional Pathways programme. This course exposes students to workplace environment, using trips, enterprise events and lessons that explicitly teach work-ready skills to ensure students are ready to be successful in business in the future.

Students will follow courses that last for two years. At the end of Year 1 there will be internal examinations in A level subjects. These exams will determine students’ suitability to continue into Year 13 and will also be used to produce predicted grades to be sent to universities. BTEC students will sit two external examinations in Year 12 that do count towards their final grade – both exams must be passed for students to receive their qualification. All external exams for A level subjects will happen at the end of the second year of study and make up 100% of the final grade (except for History, English, Geography and languages which have a coursework element). BTEC students will sit another two external exams in Year 13 alongside their coursework units.

The courses offered this year are:

A level:

BTEC Level 3 Professional Pathways:

• Business Studies