At Thomas Telford UTC our curriculum is different to other schools and traditional types of learning. Students follow the core academic subjects of English literature and English language, maths and combined science alongside subjects which deliver technical knowledge and practical learning, through which they will also work with local employers on projects using industry-standard equipment within our Design, Build, and Innovate programmes. Students also have the option to choose a third science, art or humanities GCSE, and a BTEC option in ICT, Sport, or Business to complete their Level 2 set of qualifications.
Students will take part in enrichment activities that encourage interests beyond the normal Thomas Telford UTC curriculum – this can include sport and outdoor activities, voluntary and charity work, art, music and creative activities, and can also include projects and school competitions.
The GCSE AQA English Literature papers are designed to give students a broad and balanced knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of English Literature. Students will study a range of literary works from a great literary heritage including works by William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens to more contemporary authors such as J.B Priestley. They will be expected to read and respond to a range of texts and develop a critical style that develops an informed, personal response. Students will also read and study a poetry anthology that covers a wide range of poems around the theme of Power and Conflict.
Students will be expected to write analytically about these texts, giving insightful meanings and interpretations. The GCSE AQA English Language papers enable students to develop their reading and writing skills. Both papers asks students to read different styles of texts from a range of contemporary authors and use the skills from English Literature to identify and interpret meaning and authorial methods within the extract.
At Thomas Telford UTC our aim is to make the study of Mathematics enjoyable and relevant for all pupils. Mathematics is one of the best subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem solving skills. Not only will studying mathematics give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, manging budgets and even debating effectively.
All students will follow the AQA Linear GCSE Mathematics specification at either Higher or Foundation level, as is applicable to each individual ability. The assessment will follow 3 external examinations, 2 calculator papers and a non-calculator paper. Each paper is equally weighted and can contain any of the topics from the Mathematics curriculum for their respective tier. Students will sit the examination at the end of Year 11.
The study of science is the study of the world around us. By covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology topics students will gain an understanding of how many every day processes occur. Through practical investigations students will become familiar with scientific techniques and procedures. Science helps to develop both numeracy and literacy ability, fundamental to success in employment and higher education.
The Combined Science will equip learners with desirable, transferable skills such as research and analysis, working with others, planning and investigating as well as being able effectively communicate scientific ideas. The core practicals are designed to help bring science learning to life and the assessments are shaped to encourage all students to best show what they know and can do.
This qualification will open up the world of the built environment sector, which covers all aspects of the creation of our towns and cities, and is fundamental to creating a sustainable future. The WJEC Construction Awards provide a fantastic springboard for those wishing to pursue a career within this exciting and progressive industry. These qualifications are based on industry approved content, provide the opportunity to inspire the next generation of young people considering a construction career path.
Students will develop skills needed for progression to further education, employment and training, apprentices & vocationally related and occupational qualifications. Students will learn in a practical environment. The programme is facilitated via close links with industry providers and employer sponsors and projects. Students have the opportunity to regularly visit live construction sites, exploring domestic, industrial and commercial sub and superstructures. Students will learn an array of practical skills in our well-equipped workshops.
Geography is an exciting and relevant subject. The AQA syllabus has a balance of physical and human themes and investigates the link between t them. Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs).
The syllabus has a good overlap with Construction and will provide you with excellent skills with urban planning, sustainability and resource management. It is issue based so you will be investigating real issues in real places. Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes
During the course students will explore a range of two and three-dimensional media, techniques and processes, experimenting with both traditional and new technologies, building a controlled assessment portfolio. Main specialisms include architecture & interior design, fine art and photography. Students will develop a personal response, theme or intention with an emphasis on developing and realizing their ideas.
Experimenting with state of the art, industry standard equipment and processes, students will develop key skills that not only satisfy the course content but will also provide the key skills that are required for professional employment. From traditional hand sketching, painting and drawing techniques to the use of CAD CAM including AutoDesk Revit, Google Sketchup, laser cutting and 3D printing technologies.
BTEC Level 1 Construction offers students the opportunity to be more hands on. The combination of practical units enables students to build up the required skills that the industry would look for if thinking of a career within the trades. Alongside this are the core units which help students to develop their employability skills.
The qualification prepares students for progression to Level 2 BTECs or other study programmes. They provide for progression by either meeting entry requirements in their own right or by being accepted alongside other qualifications at the same level and adding value to them.
The Business Studies course will give you the opportunity to prepare for a career as a business professional by deepening your understanding of how organisations function, and developing the practical skills needed to succeed. Owners, managers and employees at all levels have an important part to play if business objectives are to be realised. Understanding the importance of effective communication, marketing activities, quality and, of course, customer care is essential if organisations are to compete successfully.
Our specialist, knowledgeable and approachable subject teachers will work closely with you to help you develop yourself in preparation for a business career and expert guest speakers will be invited to share their insight with you. Furthermore you will have the chance to develop your teamwork and communication skills through group work activities within a very supportive environment.
Design Technology (Product Design) allows students to subjectively develop key principles of design and technology and develop an appreciation for the processes involved in creating a successful prototype. The relationship between design, materials, manufacture and marketing becomes apparent through students work, resulting in a cohesive design portfolio and product that is fit for purpose. This course has 50 per cent controlled assessment in order to recognise the importance of design and make work within this subject.
Design Technology will equip learners with sound skills in a variety of areas, including practical tasks, CAD CAM, problem solving and creativity. These skills will be valuable in everyday use and each students’ future. The course will also provide opportunities to develop in context those desirable, transferable skills such as planning, research and analysis, working with others or communicating technical concepts effectively. Students will have to demonstrate all of these skills in order that they may successfully complete a prototype that is of retail quality.
The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 in Sport has been designed to encourage personal development through practical participation and performance in a range of sports and exercise activities and give students a wider understanding and appreciation of health-related fitness, sports and exercise through a selection of optional specialist units.
BTEC Sport encourages students to develop their people, communication, planning and team-working skills by having the opportunity to select from optional units available in the qualification structure.
Triple Science encourages students to develop their people, communication, planning and team-working skills by having the opportunity to select from optional units available in the qualification structure. GCSE study in Biology, Chemistry and Physics encourages curiosity in the natural world and provides the foundations for understanding universal processes and concepts. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the worlds prosperity. Students will learn how complex phenomena build on key ideas in science and how these ideas build upon prior learning.
These key ideas include the use of conceptual models, how change is driven by differences and the scientific model of investigation. Students will develop their literacy and numeracy skills as well as improving practical skills through their science lessons and through the eight compulsory practical tasks for each of the Sciences.
ICT will give students programming skills that are essential for success in employment and higher education, and are among the fundamental transferable skills required by employers. ICT delivers these skills across a range of learning styles and abilities, effectively engaging and inspiring all students to achieve great things.
The BTEC in ICT will equip learners with sound programming and ICT skills for everyday use, providing opportunities to develop, in context, those desirable, transferable skills such as planning, research and analysis, working with others or communicating technical concepts effectively.