We offer additional courses to extend your skills in preparing for future study or entering the workplace.

CORE MATHS

This is a Level 3 course for students who achieve a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths. The qualification is designed to prepare students for the mathematical demands of work, study and life. The skills developed in the study of Mathematics are increasingly important in the workplace and in higher education; studying Core Maths will help you keep up these essential skills. However, Core Maths should not be seen as a replacement for A Level Maths but rather to complement other A Level choices where Maths has not been chosen.

Core Maths follows a two-year specification and has been designed to maintain and develop real-life maths skills. What you study is not purely theoretical or abstract; it can be applied on a day-to-day basis in work, study or life and will include a financial maths element. It will also help with other A Level subjects, in particular with the Sciences, Geography, Business Studies, Psychology and Economics.

Most students who study some form of Maths after GCSE improve their career choices and increase their earning potential. Many roles in today’s workplace require high levels of budget management and problem-solving skills; Core Maths will be a useful tool in equipping you with these skills. The course has been developed with employers, universities and professional bodies as valuable preparation for Higher Education and employment.

Entry requirements: Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE Maths. Students who achieve a grade 7 or above in GCSE Maths have historically performed very well on this course. If you are somebody that is interested in pursuing Maths beyond GCSE, but would prefer less algebra, this course might be just what you are looking for.

EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION

Extended Project Qualification is a Level 3 course for students which allows them to extend their abilities beyond their subjects and prepare for university or their future career. It is worth half an A Level (28 UCAS points) so can be used to earn extra UCAS points. An increasing number of universities are including the EPQ in their offers to students.

“Nearly 1 in 5 successful applicants to Durham had completed the EPQ” – Durham University.

Entry requirements: Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE English.

SPORTS LEADERSHIP

Sports Leaders is a Level 3 qualification, designed for those students who have a passion for providing opportunity for inclusive sport and physical activity. Students undertaking the qualification in Sports Leadership will learn and demonstrate important life skills such as effective communication and organisation, whilst learning to lead basic physical activities to younger people, their peers and within the community. The course specifically focuses on improving communication, self belief, teamwork, self management and problem solving; five key areas which are vital for all career pathways.

This is a one year course which has 6 core units; three of these units are theoretically based and three are practically based. Students will undertake 14 hours of assessed leadership of their own sport/physical activity sessions and events, which they have planned and developed.

This Sport Leaders course is worth 16 UCAS points. If you plan on applying for any sport courses at university, you should consider taking this course. Sports Leaders is also a fantastic course which complements many other career pathways and degrees, from business management to teaching degrees.

Entry requirements: Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE English.