Swinton Academy 16-19 Study Programme
At Swinton Academy, our aim is that all Post 16 students will be supported in selecting a study programme which meets their individual needs based on their prior attainment, their strengths and interests, their aspirations and career goals. Through a careful recruitment and enrolment process involving open evenings, preliminary interviews, taster lessons and a final enrolment interview, we are able to provide a personalised programme for each of our students.
The core aim of our Post 16 offer is a level 3 study programme comprising of a range of A level and vocational qualifications:
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A level Biology Chemistry English Language English Literature Film Studies Fine Art French Geography History Mathematics Philosophy Physics Spanish Sociology
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Applied Vocational Applied Science** Business Studies* Health and Social Care** Sport and Physical Activity** . * Single award * Single or double award . . . . . . . |
Alongside our core academic qualifications, our students also have the option to study for the AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This is the equivalent of half an A level in terms of UCAS points and enables students to conduct research into an area of interest, demonstrating their broader independent research skills to universities and/or future employers.
Students who have not achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language or Mathematics are provided with timetabled lessons with subject specialists to support them in achieving these qualifications as soon as possible.
All students benefit from our extensive Post 16 PSHE curriculum, which is delivered through tutor periods and assemblies. Students cover the themes of health and well-being, relationships and living in the wider world. Within these themes, they learn about CV writing, interview skills, higher education and employment opportunities, employment rights, finance, mental health, personal safety, sexual health and much more. Our aim is to ensure students are well-equipped for entry to adulthood. In addition, students have a personal tutor and attend one-to-one tutorials with them on a rota basis to ensure they are given the personalised support and guidance they need to succeed in their Post 16 studies.
Finally, we are very proud of our enrichment programme. All students are expected to complete a minimum of fifty hours of enrichment activities each year across the four elements of the enrichment programme:
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT e.g. Sheffield University Discover Programme EPQ DriveStart University visits Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award World Challenge Learning a new skill |
ACADEMY RESPONSIBILITY e.g. KS3 reading mentors Library volunteers Subject ambassadors Senior student ambassadors Student council Open evening guides Fundraising events |
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT e.g. Community litter pick Fundraising events Sports events at local primary or special schools Attendance at Remembrance parade and service Volunteer work |
WORK EXPERIENCE All students are supported in finding suitable work experience placements. This may be a block placement or a regular placement around timetabled lessons or in the evenings/at weekends. |
Compulsory activities organised by the Post 16 team on Wednesday afternoons count towards a student’s enrichment hours. These may include EPQ sessions and/or presentations delivered by guest speakers such as DriveStart, NHS, local businesses, alumni or higher education institutions.
Overview of Swinton Academy 16-19 Study Programme (per academic year)
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Planned qualification hours per academic year (core aim): |
Planned non-qualification hours per academic year: |
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A level or Vocational 1 5 hours per week |
195 |
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A level or Vocational 2 5 hours per week |
195 |
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A level or Vocational 3 5 hours per week |
195 |
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Enrichment (including work experience) |
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50 |
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PSHE 40 minutes per week |
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52 |
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Tutorial 20 minutes every 3 weeks |
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9 |
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TOTAL |
585 |
111 |
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EPQ |
78 |
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TOTAL WITH EPQ |
663 |
111 |
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GCSE Maths or English |
78 |
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TOTAL WITH GCSE Maths or English |
663 |
111 |
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TOTAL WITH GCSE Maths or English and EPQ |
741 |
111 |
DfE funding expectation: minimum of 540 planned hours per academic year (full-time study programme for 16-17 year olds expected to be on average 600 hours)