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Sixth Form

Pathways

There are many pathways through Sixth Form Education at Plympton Academy, all of which provide a wide range of choice and opportunity.

Generally students will choose a programme of either: Advanced Level Study, Additional Level 3 Courses, a combination of these two types of course or a Vocational course. The choice is dependent on the student’s likely GCSE grades and their career aspirations. However, there is flexibility in the system which enables students to mix and match between these programmes allowing students to follow the programme which best suits their interests, skills and career aspirations.

Programmes can also include additional courses such as GCSE English and Maths re-sits. There is also the opportunity to be involved in community voluntary work and work experience. We provide support  to pupils who wish to attend the Sutton Trust Summer School Programmes as well as working with Villiers Park Educational Trust to prepare pupils for applying to top universities.

Advanced Level Pathway/Additional Level 3 Qualifications

Plympton Academy offers one of the widest choices of Level 3 courses in the city. A levels and BTECs are Level 3 qualifications that allow access to university and high level apprenticeships. The minimum requirement for Level 3 courses is 5 GCSEs at grade 5 and above including English and/or Maths - some A level courses have additional requirements (see prospectus entry). All Students are expected to study 3 subjects in Year 12 and Year 13.  This can be a combination of A levels or BTECH, 3 A Levels or 3 BTECH Some students may wish to take Double Performing Arts or Sport, which will count for 2 of these three blocks.  For our students taking A Level Maths we offer the option of Additional Maths.  Finally, students in year 12 can also opt to complete the Extended Project Qualification.  Students may also choose to take Core Maths - a bridging qualification between GCSE and A Level which supports subjects with a mathematical component such as psychology. 

A Levels

  • Fine Art
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Drama & Theatre Studies
  • English Literature
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy and Ethics
  • Photography
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Spanish

Additional Level 3 Qualifications

  • Business Studies - BTEC Level 3
  • Criminology - WJEC Level 3
  • Dance - BTEC Level 3
  • Engineering - BTEC Level 3
  • Health and Social Care – BTEC Level 3
  • Performing Arts - BTEC Level 3
  • Applied Science - BTEC Level 3
  • Sport - BTEC Level 3

Vocational Pathway - Level 1 or 2 qualifications

From September 2021, Plympton Academy will be proudly welcoming a vocational cohort of students.  This pathway is for students who prefer a hands on approach to learning and for whom the Level 3 pathway is not appropriate.  We use a range of training providers from across the city to ensure you get the best experience possible.  This includes:

  • Achievement Training
  • Norpro Training Ltd.

There are a wide range of courses on offer, ranging from Motor Mechanics, Marine Engineering, Plastering, Carpentry, Bricklaying, Electrical installation, Hair and Early Years.  For more information, see our application details.

If students choose to take this route then they will have one day of schooling at Plympton Academy, including English and Maths where needed, two days with  a training provider and two day work experience.

Students will be overseen by our dedicated vocational lead who will visit them at their college and work experience placement.  

Through the support of Plympton Academy students will gain an excellent knowledge of their chosen field as well as the skills needed to thrive in their chosen area.