KS5

Post 16 Study Programme

At Elizabeth Woodville School, our post 16 study programmes are carefully designed to support students’ development and progression in line with their individual career aspirations. These programmes are structured to provide students with the necessary qualifications, skills, and experiences to prepare them for further education or employment.

The study programmes include substantial qualifications that challenge students and prepare them for the next stage of their education or career. These qualifications, include A-levels, BTECs, or Level 3 equivalent qualifications.

For students who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4 in English or Maths, the school offers opportunities to retake these vital subjects. This ensures that students meet the required standards for progression to further education or the workplace.

EWS also places a strong emphasis on work experience, recognising its importance in helping students develop a clearer understanding of their career interests. Through work placements, students are able to apply their academic learning in a real-world setting and gain valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

In addition to academic qualifications and work experience, the study programmes at EWS include a wide range of non-qualification activities. These activities help students develop broader skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential for personal and professional growth. These opportunities also contribute to building students' confidence and attitudes, supporting their transition to higher education or employment.

Overall, the 16 to 19 study programmes at EWS are designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges ahead, with a balanced approach that promotes academic excellence, personal development, and career readiness.

 

Core Aim

The core aim of a study programme is central to the structure of a student’s educational experience and is recorded in the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). It represents the principal focus or purpose of the programme, typically involving the component with the greatest number of planned hours.

For most students at Elizabeth Woodville School, the core aim will be one or more substantial academic, applied, or technical qualifications. These qualifications are approved by the Department for Education (DfE) and are designed to prepare students for further education or employment. In some cases, the core aim might also involve a substantial work placement that prepares the student for an apprenticeship or other employment opportunities.

The core aim is agreed upon at the outset of the programme. It will generally remain unchanged throughout the year, although there may be exceptions. For example, a student might change their core aim if they realise they have made the wrong programme choice and transfer to an alternative programme, or if they transition to a traineeship following an initial period of vocational training or employability support.

The rest of the study programme is designed to complement the core aim, with additional activities, qualifications, or work experience that support the student’s development and progression towards their career or educational goals.

 

Planned hours

Study programmes at Elizabeth Woodville School are designed to be full-time. The expectation is for study programmes to average around 640 hours per academic year. This provides sufficient time to deliver the key principles of the study programme, ensuring that students receive the necessary academic, practical, and developmental support to prepare them for further education or employment.

 

Substantial Qualifications

At Elizabeth Woodville School, Post 16 students are expected to follow a minimum of three A-levels or their equivalent, which are recognised as substantial qualifications. Our study programmes also include additional activities to extend or develop students' skills. This includes; PSHE, tutorials, work experience, personal or study skills, all of which support students’ progression to employment or higher education (HE).

EWS also offers Applied General qualifications at Level 3, which allow students to develop transferable knowledge and skills. These qualifications are aimed at post-16 students who wish to continue their education through applied learning. They fulfil entry requirements for a range of higher education courses, either by meeting the entry criteria on their own or by complementing other qualifications like A-levels.

For students interested in specialising in a specific industry, occupation, or technical role, EWS offers Tech Level qualifications. These Level 3 technical qualifications are on par with A-levels and are recognised by employers. They equip students with the specialist knowledge and skills needed for apprenticeships or employment, as well as progression to related higher education courses. In some cases, these qualifications provide a ‘licence to practise’ or exemption from professional exams.

 

Delivery

At Elizabeth Woodville School, it is expected that the majority of planned hours for all 16 to 19 study programmes, including the components that make up the study programme (such as substantial qualifications), are delivered face-to-face. This ensures that students are fully engaged with their learning and receive the necessary support. As part of this approach, students are expected to attend on-site every week during term time, ensuring they benefit from direct interaction with their teachers and peers, and making the most of the learning opportunities available to them.

 

English and Maths

At Elizabeth Woodville School, as part of the maths and English condition of funding, students are required to study maths or English as part of their study programme each academic year. This requirement applies to students aged 16 to 18 (and 19 with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan) who do not hold a GCSE grade 9 to 4 (a standard pass grade) or an equivalent qualification in these subjects.

The qualifications that meet this funding condition include GCSEs, Functional Skills level 2, and other ‘stepping stone’ qualifications. For students who have a grade 2 or below in maths or English, they can work towards achieving a pass in Functional Skills level 2 or continue studying for a GCSE grade 9 to 4. Once they have achieved the required qualification, there is no further requirement to study maths or English to meet the condition of funding.

Students who have already achieved a grade 9 to 4 in maths or English at a previous institution do not need to continue studying these subjects at EWS. However, students studying an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualification will be expected to progress onto an approved English or maths qualification to meet the condition of funding.

Achieving a level 2 qualification in both maths and English is essential for students’ progression to further study, training, and skilled employment. The maths and English condition of funding ensures that all 16- to 19-year-olds have the opportunity to reach this standard and receive the support needed to do so. EWS works with students to determine the appropriate time for them to sit their exams, ensuring they are fully prepared for success.

 

Work Experience

At Elizabeth Woodville School, work experience is a key component of the 16 to 19 study programmes. The term work experience encompasses all forms of work-related activity, including work tasters, running a student enterprise, participating in social action projects, volunteering, or undertaking placements with external employers. The purpose of work experience is to provide students with the opportunity to explore and develop their career choices, gain a first-hand experience of the workplace, and acquire the critical employability skills needed for real-world working environments.

All students at EWS are expected to engage in work experience or work-related training as part of their study programme. This experience plays an integral role in helping students make informed decisions about their future career paths and equips them with valuable skills that enhance their employability.

  

Other Non-Qualification Activity

At Elizabeth Woodville School, students are expected to engage in meaningful non-qualification activities alongside their study programmes. These activities support personal growth and preparation for adult life, and may include:

  • Confidence and Resilience: Activities aimed at developing character and emotional strength.

  • Teamwork and Leadership: Group work to enhance communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

  • Life Skills: Teaching essential skills such as independent travel, cooking, healthy living, and managing finances.

  • External Programmes: Opportunities like the National Citizen Service, the Climate Leaders Award, or The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, designed to build skills, character, and confidence.

These activities also help students build experience for their CVs and personal statements.

 

Sexual and Reproductive Health

EWS provides education on healthy relationships and sexual health, recognising the importance of supporting students to understand what respectful relationships look like. This includes:

  • Developing knowledge and confidence around relationships and sex.

  • Access to sexual and reproductive health services and information.

  • Signposting to local and national sexual health resources for support.

The aim is to equip students with the knowledge to make informed choices, preventing unwanted outcomes like unplanned pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections.

 

Participation Age

In line with national requirements, all students at EWS are required to continue in education or training until their 18th birthday.