Subject Choice Pool
In addition to the compulsory subjects discussed on page 4, students must choose ONE subject from EACH subject choice pool. BTEC subjects, and ICT National Certificate must be chosen in both Pool 1 AND Pool 2. The Engineering Higher Diploma takes up THREE subject choices.
OPTION A |
OPTION B |
OPTION C |
OPTION D |
|---|---|---|---|
- * This takes up TWO subject choices, but is worth 4 GCSE passes at Grades A* - C
- ** This takes up ONE subject choice, but is worth 2 GCSE A* - C passes
- *** This takes up THREE subject choices, but is worth about 6 or 7 GCSE passes at Grades A* - C
Notes
Note 1 - GCSE
General Certificate of Secondary Education is taken in traditional academic subjects e.g. Maths, English. Employers usually look for a minimum of 5 A* - C grades including Maths and English.
Note 2 - Engineering
The Higher Diploma in Engineering is the Government's new flagship qualification. To obtain the full qualification, students will also need to pass functional skills in numeracy, literacy and ICT and a further GCSE. The full Diploma is worth about SIX or SEVEN A* - C GCSE passes. For this reason it occupies THREE subject choices
Note 3 - ICT
The ICT National Award provides TWO GCSEs in ICT, but only takes up one subject choice. The ICT National Certificate provides FOUR GCSEs in ICT and takes up two subject pools. Students should see their ICT teacher on further information about this choice.
Note 4 - BTEC
Business Technical Education Council courses teach you skills appropriate to a particular job but can lead to Further & Higher Education. They consist entirely of coursework so there are no exams to sit.
For those wishing to obtain extra qualifications we are offering four BTEC Level 2 Diplomas. Passing one of these is worth FOUR GCSE passes at Grades A* - C. For this reason it takes up TWO subject choices. Numbers on these courses will be limited, so some students may be disappointed. Great care will be taken to ensure that the students selected will be able to cope with the demands of the courses. Assessment is by coursework, so prospective students must be prepared for this regular commitment.
Note 5
Filling in a 'Subject Choice' form does not guarantee a place on any particular course. Some courses may be so popular that it is not possible to allocate every student their first choice of subject. For this reason we ask your son/daughter to make a reserve choice in each block. However, we can reassure you by saying we ensure an exceedingly high percentage of first choices each year are met. Returning subject choice forms late will reduce your child's chances of being allocated their first choice subjects.
Note 6
Our Careers adviser is always available throughout the week to give advice on choice of careers and in Year 11 will interview all students in advance of Post 16 Education. Appointments can be made at any time by contacting Academy Reception (01642 800800)
Note 7
As a high performing school, Macmillan Academy has been appointed as a specialist Applied Learning (Vocational) School. For this reason we will be emphasising the importance of applied learning or vocational courses.
Note 8
Please would you sign, date and return the subject choice form to the senior member of staff responsible for your interview before Monday 29th March. This form is included with this booklet.
Courses available for Post 16 students
All Stage 4 courses in Years 10 and 11 are designed to lead directly to courses at Post 16.
There are opportunities in the Post 16 phase to take BTEC Level 3 Diploma courses, the Advanced Diploma in Engineering and ‘A’ level courses. Sociology, Psychology and Law for example, subjects not studied in Key Stage 4, are also available at 'A' level. 'A' level consists of an 'AS' level taken in Year 12 and an 'A2' level taken in Year 13.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma courses prepare students for employment and training in a specific vocational area. The BTEC courses currently available at Macmillan Academy are:
- Business
- Health and Social Care
- Sport
Most students who leave Macmillan Academy go on to University. The BTEC approach of making students responsible for their learning equips them well for University life and subsequent employment.
Post 16 students who take ‘A’ levels generally study three or four of these subjects. Compared to BTECs, ‘A’ levels are theoretical rather than practical and involve assessment by examination rather than by coursework. However, most ‘A’ levels are ‘modular’ and involve up to four examinations well spaced throughout the two years of the course.
Some students will take a combination of BTEC courses and 'A' levels. All advanced courses can lead to Higher Education.
BTEC First courses will also be available for students who do not obtain 5 A*-C passes at the end of Year 11, as well as re-sit GCSE courses in Mathematics and English.