Choosing the Right Course
At Nottingham Academy all post 16 provision is 'Level 3' this means qualifications at an advanced level; it is the step up after GCSE. There are different qualifications at this level, they include:
- GCE A Level
- BTEC National Extended Certificate
- OCR Cambridge Diploma
The offer of the place is conditional on achieving the necessary grades this year:
- 5 or more 9 – 4 grades at GCSE (or equivalent)
- At least a grade 4 in English and mathematics
- Specific requirements for individual courses (see online prospectus for guidance).
Please note that your subjects will only be confirmed once you have enrolled. Subjects you study will be subject to the grades you achieve and the curriculum timetable.
We expect you to take three subjects and each course takes two years to reach the full qualification.
Academic
These courses are traditional courses that deal with more theoretical ideas. You will need to process information and usually need to present ideas in written form, often as short or extended essays. These courses will be externally assessed in Year 2. If you want to go into a traditional career such as medicine or law, you will need academic subjects.
Vocational
These courses are work-related qualifications. They are designed to allow you to learn in a way that suits you, and give you the skills that employers are looking for. There will be more practical activities and you will produce a portfolio of coursework. These courses will have a combination of both internally and externally assessed units. Vocational qualifications can lead on to training, employment as well as university.