The Curriculam

The College concentrates on providing a range of academic and general vocational courses for full time 16-19 year old students. We are committed to ensuring that all students follow a programme from which they can benefit and progress. At Sir George Monoux College, you will be expected to participate in a structured and balanced learning programme which is the equivalent to 19 hours contact time a week as a minimum.

You will have:

• a main programme of usually 4 A levels, a BTEC National or BTEC First to suit your needs
• opportunities to develop appropriate learning skills via subject support workshops
• a personal tutor and tutorial programme to provide you with support and guidance
• help with improving your communication, numeracy and/or study skills from a specialist teacher
• accredited short courses to support your main programme
• access to a range of enrichment programmes which include sport, drama, music and other activities proposed by students
• access to learning resources and IT facilities to support your studies
• the opportunity to re-sit GCSE English or Mathematics for those students where it is appropriate.

 

BTEC First Diploma

A BTEC First Diploma is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. It introduces you to the employment area you have chosen and
provides a good basis to go on to a more advanced work related qualification, such as the BTEC National Certificate or Diploma. A BTEC First Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs grades A*- C and is a full-time course.
You can choose from Applied Science, Art & Design, Business Studies, Health & Social Care, IT, Travel & Tourism and Media studies.

Entry requirements

You will normally need to have at least one of the following:

• A BTEC Introductory Certificate at merit grade or GNVQ Foundation in a related subject
• 4 GCSEs at grades D-E (to include English Language).

 

BTEC National Certificate/Diploma

A BTEC National is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you
develop the skills you need to start a career. This is a full time, 2 year course, equivalent to 3 ‘A’ levels for the BTEC National Diploma and 2 ‘A’ for the BTEC National Certificate. This means that when you have finished, you can get a job straight away or
go to university first. You should choose one subject from the following list: Art & Design, Business, Health & Social Care, IT, Media and Travel & Tourism. If you are taking a BTEC National Certificate you will need to take an additional course to make
sure you have a full programme, you will be advised of this at interview when you apply.

 

Entry requirements

You will normally need to have at least one of the following:

• A BTEC First Diploma at merit grade in a related subject
• An Intermediate GNVQ (at minimum Merit grade) in a related subject
• 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (to include English Language)

 

Extended Project

The EPQ is a new equivalent qualification which can be taken as a free standing part of your level three programme. If you have a keen interest in a topic or issue, if you are involved in voluntary work or an extra-curricular activity, you may be able to
develop it into a project. All projects involve writing a report of up to 5000 words. The qualification is awarded UCAS points for university entrance.

 

Project Students:

• choose their own topic to study
• plan, research and carry out their own work
• prepare a presentation at the end of the work
• get help and support from their project supervisor
• keep a log book and review their performance

 

Last year’s projects included:

• an anthology of poems illustrated with photographs
• an investigation into the safety of students in college
• research into teenage stress

 

The Extended Project develops and assesses:

• planning and research skills
• analysis and critical thinking
• evaluation and presentation skills
• the ability to think creatively and solve problems

 

Functional Skills

If you do not have a GCSE (grade C or above) in English, Maths or IT, you will have the opportunity to study an appropriate functional skill. These are:

• GCSE English
• Communications Key Skills
• GCSE Mathematics
• Financial Maths
• ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence)
• ICT Key Skills

You will be advised at interview and at enrolment which functional skills would be best for you.

 

The AQA Baccalaureate (AQA Bacc)

This is an overarching qualification which includes:

• Three GCE A Levels giving depth of study
• An AS in either Critical Thinking or Citizenship
• An extended project involving- independent learning
• Enrichment which develops personal skills

This qualification lets you develop more skills and personal qualities than straight A levels do and it recognises wider achievement. This helps to give you an advantage when applying for university or employment. It also enables you to gain more UCAS points. We will talk to you about the best A Level subjects to include. You can choose between Citizenship and Critical Thinking for the AS subject. Either of these will
broaden your studies. The extended project gives you the opportunity to study and research something you are particularly interested in. There are lots of different opportunities for enrichment but you need to choose two of the following
three:

• Work related learning- including paid employment
• Community participation e.g. voluntary service-peer mentoring
• Personal development activities e.g. Sport, drama, Duke of
  Edinburgh award, IT skills