Learners will start on one of three pathways, Inspire, Invent or Innovate depending on abilities.
The Innovate Pathway
For our highest achievers, the role of the UTC is to broker advanced learning opportunities at Level 4 and above, through its employer and university sponsors. This learning may take place off-site and will comprise lectures, seminars, live practical projects in industry and extended work placements.
On the Invent pathway
Learners in Years 12 and 13 (and possibly into Year 14) will be able to build a personalised programme
Choice of up to four courses from the following options:
- AS/A2 Mathematics (Pure and Mechanics)
- AS Use of Mathematics or Mathematics for Engineers
- GCSE Maths Refresh/Re-sit (for grade D only)
- AS/A2 Physics
- AS/A2 Chemistry
- BTEC Level 3 Applied Science
- AS/A2 Business Studies
- BTEC Level 3 Business
- NVQ Level 3 German / French / Mandarin
- GCSE English Refresh/Re-sit (for grade D only)
- AS/A2 Design & Technology
- City & Guilds Level 3 Construction & Built Environment
- BTEC Level 3 Engineering
- Work Related Learning through visits, work placements and thematic projects/challenges set by our employer and university sponsors
- Enrichment programme
On the Inspire pathway
- Securing GCSE at A*-C in English and Mathematics
- Technical Studies in Construction and Engineering at Level 2 accredited by GCSEs, BTECs, City & Guilds and NVQs
- Business Studies at Level 2 accredited by GCSE or BTEC
- Personal & Social Development and Employability Skills
- Work-related learning through visits, work placements and projects set by our employer and university sponsors
- Enrichment programme
Year 12 Entry Advice
This is designed to match learners to the most appropriate programme and, therefore, maximise their chances of success.
It is strongly recommended that learners starting a Year 12 programme that includes AS and A-level courses achieve at least 3 GCSEs at grade B in addition to the requirements given above. These courses are predominantly theoretical and based largely on success in examinations. A significant amount of research has been carried out over recent years looking at learners’ GCSE results and the AS and A-level grades they go on to achieve. This has clearly shown that the crucial factor in determining success at AS and A-level is the number of GCSE grade Bs secured. Learners with less than 3 GCSE grade Bs are unlikely to pass AS and A-level examinations.
BTEC courses are mostly concerned with the application of theory to real life situations, are assessed by the production of portfolios, and do not currently involve examinations. Learners who have found the examination aspects of AS and A-levels difficult have succeeded on BTEC courses.
Take our pathway finder to find out the pathway that’s most suited to you
