Key Stage 5 Summary

A truly bespoke curriculum offering specialised pathways of highly academic and traditional subjects through to specialist technical courses, or a blend in-between, maximising progression to University, work and apprenticeships.

Bespoke Specialised Pathways.

We ask that all our Year 12 students have 8 GCSE passes at Grade C/5 or above including English and Maths to meet our Minimum Qualification Standard.

Given that A level is a considerable step up from GCSE, we encourage A level students to choose a subject in which they achieved a minimum of grade B/6 at GCSE, and we also expect them to have completed a fair amount of preparation in the summer before they start the courses.

Please note that specific subjects have minimum grade requirements - KS5 pathway leaflet

Key Stage 5 Pathways.

Elite.

  • Excellent reference from your current school
  • Outstanding outcomes on either Academic or Professional pathways
    • Minimum average GCSE score of 7/A
  • High ability and industry courses / placements
  • Tailored support for Oxbridge and elite Universities in partnership with King Edwards Grammar Schools.

  • With new two year courses, 3 A levels are the recommended amount. Consideration will only be given for a 4 A level option for students with Average GCSE score of 8/A*
  • Students with the potential for our elite pathway will also be identified by Aston University Sixth Form staff within the first term at the UTC.

Academic.

  • Choice of  3  A Levels from:
    • Mathematics; Further Mathematics; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Business Studies; English Literature; Product Design; Art, Extended Project.

Entry Requirements

  • Excellent reference from your current school
  • Average GCSE Grade 6/B 
  • At least a Grade 5 in English and Mathematics 
  • A Level Mathematics at least a Grade 7/A (same for Professional+ pathway)
  • A Level Further Mathematics at least a Grade 8/A 
  • A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics at least a Grade 6/B 
    • For Dual award GCSE Science Students, applications will be considered on their merit. 

Elite Professional.

  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering, Science or Business
  • Choice of an A Level
  • Choice of EPQ 

Entry Requirements - Elite Professional + A Level  Pathway 

  • Excellent reference from your current school
  • Average GCSE Grade 6.5
  • At least a Grade 5 in English and Mathematics 
  • A Level Maths requires 7+

Professional

  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering, Science or Business (3 A Level Equivalent)
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering (2 A Level Equivalent)
  • Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths).


Extended Diploma Entry Requirements 

  • Excellent reference from your current school
  • Average GCSE Grade 4.8 
  • At least a Grade 5 in Mathematics and Grade 4 in English

 Diploma Entry Requirements 

  • Excellent reference from your current school
  • Average GCSE Grade 3.8 for Diploma
  • At least a Grade 4 in Mathematics and Grade 3 in English


T Levels

T Level Entry Requirements 

  • Excellent reference from your current school
  • Average GCSE Grade 5.5
  • At least a minimum Grade 5 in Mathematics and English



Technical Baccalaureate

AUEA is delighted to be one of the few schools nationally that offer the Technical Baccalaureate. This is an additional national recognition of those students who have met specific criteria (outlined below) and is highly valued by universities and employers making you stand out from the crowd.

Level 3 Tech Level Qualification
  • Level 3 extended Diploma in your chosen subject area
  • Equivalent to 3 A Levels
  • Specialist units relevant to your chosen subject.
Level 3 Maths
  • Develop industry relevant number skills including budget management and analysing data
  • Maths, not purely theoretical or abstract, but can be applied on a day-to-day basis in work, study & life
  • Equivalent to an AS Level.
Specialist Project
  • Conduct a research project in your chosen area
  • Develop your research skills and analytical skills
  • Equivalent to an AS Level.
Industry Placement
  • Guaranteed work placement with a leading industry employer
  • Support and guidance from your industry mentor.

Extended Project.

The Extended Project Qualification is offered from the spring term of Year 12.

It is an optional dissertation or project based enterprise which equates to half an A level and demonstrates independent learning and research, project management and the critical use of resources.