At Thomas Telford UTC our curriculum is different to other schools and traditional types of learning. Our post-16 pathways combine academic subjects with practical learning, with traditional subjects being taught alongside a number of level 3 vocational courses.
The Sixth Form curriculum provides considerable breadth and depth for students through a range of vocational and academic courses. There is something for everyone irrespective of ability. Students will study three or four A Level’s or vocational courses. The pathways that a student can take are flexible and all students will receive full support when making decisions.
The course involves a study of a range of literature texts including: poetry, Shakespeare, drama and novels through the lens of historicism to explore character, plot and themes and develop independent study.
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 uthors and use the skills from English Literature to identify and interpret meaning and authorial methods within the extract.
A-level Mathematics provides a thorough grounding in the mathematical tools and techniques often needed in the workplace. It provides a foundation for further studies in a variety of subjects including construction, science and engineering subjects. The logic and reasoning skills developed by studying A Level Mathematics makes sure the qualification is widely respected even in non-mathematical areas.
There are two pure units which make up two-thirds of the qualification and teach the core techniques in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus that form the fundamental building blocks of the subject. Mathematical applications make up the remaining third of the qualification. This is made up from the following: Mechanics – forces, energy, motion Statistics – probability, data handling, testing hypotheses.
Core Maths is an enjoyable and exciting course for all pupils. Core Maths will develop your analytical and problemsolving skills further than that of when studying GCSE Mathematics and look at developing skills in project planning, managing budgets and analyzing data. The skills learned during this course is now favorably looked upon from employers who wish to employ students who have the analytical skills to analyse data and information.
The Core Maths content is mix of higher GCSE knowledge and A Level knowledge. The course aims to develop maths skills by involving reallife contexts, such as finance and construction, as well as a major emphasis on problem-solving. The course can also be used as support for other post- 16 subjects that require maths knowledge, such as Science, Geography, Business Studies, Construction, Economics and Information Technology.
The course looks at a number of topics ranging from particles and radiation to electricity and from nuclear physics to thermal physics. In developing its new specifications, AQA has worked to ensure that the subject content is relevant to real world experiences and is interesting to learn. This Physics course is a stepping stone to future study, which is why AQA also consulted universities, to ensure these specifications allow students to develop the skills.
This approach has led to specifications that will nurture a passion for physics and lay the groundwork for further study in science or engineering based roles. An A Level in physics demonstrates not only sound mathematical competency but also the ability to clearly explain some of the most challenging oncepts around.
During the course students will produce a practical and critical/ contextual work in a specialist area including three dimensional design: architectural design, fine art and photography. There will be a variety of experiences that employ a range of traditional and more contemporary media, processes and techniques appropriate to the study of art design facilitated by the very latest industry standard professional equipment and software.
This qualification is suitable for candidates wishing to peruse careers in Architecture, Interior Design , Urban Design & Town Planning, Gaming Design, Illustration and many other creative subject areas. Knowledge of art and design will be developed through research, the development of ideas and making, working from first-hand experience and understanding of a range of designers, artists and architectural theories and processes.
Product Design (3D Design) helps students take a broad view of design and technology, develop their capacity to design and make prototypes and appreciate the complex relations between design, materials and manufacture. This course has 50 per cent controlled assessment in order to recognize the importance of design and make work within this subject. The A Level in Product Design will equip learners with sound skills in a variety of areas, including practical tasks, use of 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 demonstrate all of these skills in order to successfully complete a product that is of retail quality. The course has a great balance of theoretical work, application of maths & science and practical work and suits a wide range of learners.
Ever wondered how we developed into the society we are today? How the way you see yourself determines the way people identify you? Whether men or women are more likely to commit a crime?
Sociology will help you to make sense of the society we live in and understand the cultural and identity issues which affect us all. You will learn a number of skills including the use of evidence to support your arguments, how to investigate facts, and critical thinking. It is relevant to the society you live in so you are bound to enjoy learning about topics that are relevant to everyday life; plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers.
The study of Applied Science explores the links between Science and the vocational sector. Covering not just Science at an advanced level, links are made through use of real life applications such as how modern communication systems work, accurately making chemicals and microscopy to explore cell structure and function. Students will take part in a huge range of practical activities and will learn the skills needed to plan and analyse the results they collect as they would in a vocational setting.
The course encourages development of literacy and numeracy skills in addition to progression in scientific understanding and practical skills. The course is designed for learners who are interested in learning about the sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses.
Qualifications in ICT and Computer Science are aimed at those who are interested in working in Business/ICT related areas such as Programming, Analysist, Economics, Finance, Sales and Marketing and Human Resources. However, due to the knowledge you acquire on this course, you will become an attractive candidate for many job roles.
The course helps students develop project management; organisational, creative and technical ICT skills; and it uses a range of software currently used in industry. You will study computer systems and networking concepts; hardware, software and applications of ICT; business software packages; the use and impact of ICT on business and everyday life; and you will also complete a project based on real business situations.
During the course you will explore the many diverse areas of business such as marketing, accountancy, human resource management, business strategy and planning. This advanced qualification is designed to reinforce your business focus and strengthen your career prospects.
Business will give students a financial skill that are essential for success in employment and higher education, and are among the fundamental transferable skills required by employers.
Our specialist 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 insights with you.
The Extended Certificate is for learners who are interested in learning about the construction sector alongside other fields of study. The course aims to give students a broad introduction to a range of content to enable access to Construction professional roles.
Course content includes Planning Permission, Revit, Manual Drawing, Building Design, Building Elements, Health & Safety and Construction Maths. Assessment is varied and includes written reports for internal assessments, traditional examination questions and the production of CAD and Manual drawings.
The National Diploma aims to give students a depth of knowledge by building upon the covered by the Extended Certificate alongside the introduction of some more specialist units. This is a great option for students serious about a future within the industry who may go to University or pursue a Degree Apprenticeship.
Topics include Graphical Detailing, Building Control, Offsite Manufacturing, Land Surveying, BIM and Renewable Energy in Housing introduce students to a wide range of possible professional roles that require specialised knowledge and understanding.
The National Extended Diploma is for students who have a strong desire to be employed in the construction industry, it is highly desirable when applying for Degree Apprenticeships and accepted by Universities for Construction related courses. The combination of units across the three courses gives students a highly detailed breadth and depth of knowledge to enable access to the majority of construction roles.
Topics include Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Tendering and Estimating, Project Management and Planning Control tie the knowledge from the other two courses together and prepares students well with theoretical knowledge as well as the practical skills to undertake construction projects.