Pathways

Introduction to the Pathways Process

Park Lane Academy offers a rich and deep curriculum which combines a rigorous focus on acquiring important knowledge in a variety of subject disciplines, developing key skills, along with participation in an exciting range of activities, both within lessons and in extra-curricular time. As you will be aware, there is a core curriculum for all students which includes: English Language; English Literature; Maths; Science; History or Geography; Religious Education and Core Physical Education. The core subjects develop key skills, which provide the essential foundations upon which other disciplines build student knowledge and understanding in specialist areas.

In addition your child has the opportunity to study a diverse and exciting range of optional courses across Key Stage 4 that are delivered by well qualified, experienced staff at the Academy. The Academy offers a dynamic, innovative and motivational curriculum which engages students and allows them to achieve their full potential.

Students are able to study a wide range of GCSEs and a small number of the vocational qualifications as part of the Academy’s options programme, details of which are provided in this booklet. At Park Lane Academy staff and parents/carers work together to promote the education and well-being of every student whatever their ability.

Choosing options can be a daunting task for a student. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you need to know that what you choose will suit you in terms of how it is assessed and their style of delivery as well as the course content. In order to ensure you are properly supported and guided to make a choice which will enable you to achieve the very best of your ability, Park Lane Academy provides a challenge for students of all abilities.

Park Lane Academy Curriculum Model

Options	RED Pathway	AMBER Pathway	ATTAIN Pathway
	Examined	Examined	Examined
	English Language	English Language	English Language
	English Literature	English Literature	English Literature
	Maths	Maths	Maths
Sciences	Separate Sciences	Trilogy Science	Trilogy Science
MFL	French	N/A	N/A
OPTION A: Humanities Option	Geography or History	Geography or History	N/A
OPTION B: EBACC or BTEC/ Vocational	Art, Craft and Design Photography Citizenship History Geography Hospitality & Catering Sport Creative iMedia Business Enterprise Health & Social Care Travel & Tourism	Art, Craft and Design Photography Citizenship History Geography Hospitality & Catering Sport Creative iMedia Business Enterprise Health & Social Care Travel & Tourism	Art, Craft and Design Photography Citizenship Hospitality & Catering Sport Creative iMedia Business Enterprise Health & Social Care Travel & Tourism
	Total Qualifications = 9	Total Qualifications = 9	Total Qualifications = 7
	Non-Examined	Non-Examined	Non-Examined
	Physical Education	Physical Education	Physical Education
	Religious Education	Religious Education	Religious Education

BTEC Courses

BTEC qualifications have been in place for over 25 years and are extremely successful and popular courses.

The key difference in BTEC subjects is that much of the assessment is coursework. Student’s work will form a portfolio which will then be graded. This can help students organise their workload throughout the year rather than being assessed only at the end of the course.

All BTEC courses are offered as a Level 2 qualification.

All BTEC courses form a firm foundation for progression to college and work. Employers and colleges are familiar with the benefits of BTEC qualifications:

For employers, BTEC qualifications show that pupils can organise their own workload.
Most colleges offer a range of BTEC qualifications at Level 2 and 3. This allows students to continue studying a subject when they leave school. Studying a BTEC qualification at school will therefore allow students to become familiar with the college assessment process.

Universities accept BTEC Level 3 as an entry requirement for several degree level courses.

Progress 8 Required Choices

Every student’s progress is measured based upon performance in a suite of eight subjects. We will therefore require students to choose options according to this Progress 8 measure by choosing at least one from Geography, History and French.

All technology subjects are limited to 20 students per group for reasons of health and safety.

Please note that it may not be possible to run an option subject if too few students choose it. The Academy reserves the right to make the final decision about the availability of the courses.