Preview content ahead!

Heads up! The following website content has been accessed through a temporary preview link. The URL contains one a preview token which means the URL is temporary and will eventually expire.

The current URL this page has been accessed with is not for external distribution or usage. It is for previewing or viewing content that is otherwise classified as draft or not published externally yet. The public link to this page should be used instead for distribution:

https://www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk/courses/14-16-level-1-pathway-to-study

Note: The content available through this preview link may not currently be published live until it has received sign off or approval. If you have any questions please contact .

14-16 Core GCSE

Key details

Course area: Foundation Learning
Student type: 14 - 16 options
Course type: Part-time Further Education course
Course level: Entry Level
Start date: Tuesday 1st September 2026
End date: Saturday 15th May 2027
Location: High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
Course code: Parent course code:C054982 Child course code: Q054987

Apply now

Course introduction

Our Core GCSE Programme combines the relaxed and scaffolded approach of our Entry Level 3 course with the academic progression of our Elective Home Educated GCSE Programme in order to provide a unique offer under our 14-16 provision. This course has been designed for those wishing to progress academically, but may need a slower or less intense entry into the classroom.

What will be studied?

GCSE English and GCSE Maths

On our Core GCSE course, students will have the opportunity to study AQA GCSE English Language and AQA GCSE Maths, with students sitting exams in May/June. There will be a strong focus on building knowledge and skills, and giving students vital exam experience. Students will then be able to build on these skills if they need to continue studying GCSE English and GCSE Maths the following year, or they can explore further GCSE or Vocational options if they achieve a grade 4.

Academic Development Sessions

In addition to working towards GCSE English and GCSE Maths, students will also have the opportunity to experience introductions to other GCSE subjects taught within the department. This will give students an understanding of these subjects, enabling them to make informed choices if they wish to continue onto further GCSE study with us. They will also develop core academic skills in these sessions, such as note taking, and organisation, which are fundamental skills necessary for GCSE success. Running over each half-term, students will receive introductions to the following subjects:

Sociology
Religious Studies
History
Psychology
Geography

Personal and social development sessions

Alongside this, students will have a variety of personal and social development sessions, focused on building core skills such as IT skills, communication, and teamwork. There will be a number of project-based tasks throughout the year which will enable students to develop these skills, whilst engaging with a variety of interesting topics.

Examples include:

Designing and maintaining the college garden
Creating a business plan and presenting to others
Sustainability projects including bee hotel building and climate action plans

Students will also have one tutorial session a week with their Personal Tutor. They will be responsible for helping students set targets throughout the year, and work with them to establish how they will achieve them. They will also work with students to establish progression goals, and will work with them when applying for future courses.

What will a typical week look like?

Students will be timetabled for 13 hours a week, which is broken down below. Students will usually have at least one day off a week, and will typically have breaks between lessons throughout the day.

GCSE English Language- 4 hours
GCSE Maths- 4 hours
Academic Development Sessions- 2 hours
Personal and Social Development Sessions- 2 hours
Tutorial- 1 hour

Students will also have the option to study one of our half-day short courses for home educated students (timetable permitting). These include:

Art and Design
Creative Media

Course information

Duration

1 year

Qualification

AQA GCSE Maths
AQA GCSE English
ASDAN Personal Development Programme (Silver)

Entry Requirements

Applicants will need to be registered as Electively Home Educated with their local authority in order apply. Applicants will be invited in to High Pavement to complete an online English and maths initial assessment in order for us to gain an understanding of the applicant’s current level. Our Pre-16 team will then be in touch to offer a place, or to have further conversations about more suitable options.

Teaching & Assessment

Assessment includes externally moderated assessments in ELC English, Maths and Science.

Progression

Level 1 Academic or Vocational study at the college.