Year 10 Options

Maths GCSE or Maths Functional Skills

Why Study Maths?

Mastering the Language of Logic and Problem Solving

“Maths is the language of the universe. The more you understand it,
the more you can unlock the secrets of everything.”
Professor Brian Cox, physicist & broadcaster

Maths is at the core of how we understand the world – from managing personal finances and interpreting data, to designing technology and solving real-world problems. GCSE Maths equips students with essential analytical, logical and problem-solving skills that are crucial for everyday life and future careers.

What You’ll Study

This comprehensive two-year linear course develops confidence and fluency across key areas:

• Number: Calculations, percentages, ratios and proportional reasoning
• Algebra: Expressions, equations, graphs and sequences
• Geometry & Measures: Shapes, angles, area, volume and transformations
• Statistics & Probability: Data analysis, averages, risk and chance
• Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change: Scaling, conversions and real-life contexts

How You’ll Learn

Maths is far more than just learning formulas – it’s about developing a logical mindset and applying methods to solve a range of challenges. Students will:

• Build strong foundations through clear teacher-led explanations
• Practise problem-solving with varied, progressive exercises
• Apply knowledge in real-life scenarios to strengthen understanding
• Use mathematical reasoning to justify solutions and approaches

Assessment & Exams

At the end of Year 11, students will sit three exam papers:

• Paper 1: Non-calculator
• Papers 2 & 3: Calculator allowed
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes each
• Marks Available: 80 per paper
• Question Types: Multiple choice, short answer, structured and multi-step problems

Where Can Maths Take You?

Maths GCSE opens doors to A Levels, apprenticeships and countless careers in fields such as finance, engineering, technology, architecture, healthcare and more. Strong mathematical skills are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

English Language GCSE, English Literature GCSE, or English Functional Skills Levels 1 & 2

Why Study Combined Science Double Award?

Discovering How Life, Matter and the Universe Work

“Science is the pursuit of truth, which in turn allows us to
become closer to nature and to each other.”
Brian Cox, British physicist and broadcaster

At Bredon, Combined Science isn’t just about memorising facts – it’s about exploring the fascinating systems that make up life, the materials all around us and the forces that shape our world. It’s about asking questions, trying things out and making sense of how everything fits together.

Our Combined Science Double Award GCSE gives you a strong foundation across biology, chemistry and physics, opening doors to future study, careers and a deeper understanding of everyday life

What You’ll Study

Over two years, you’ll explore three exciting subjects:

• Biology: Cells, disease, genetics, ecosystems and how living things work
• Chemistry: Atoms, reactions, acids, the periodic table and practical uses of materials
• Physics: Energy, forces, waves, electricity and the science behind technology

How You’ll Learn

• Hands-on experiments that build practical skills and confidence
• Small groups and personalised teaching that works with your learning style
• Clear, step-by-step explanations to make tricky ideas easier
• Real-world links that show why science matters – from tackling climate change to how our bodies stay healthy

Assessment & Exams

At the end of Year 11, you’ll sit six exams (two for each science), each lasting 1 hour 15 minutes. This leads to a Double Award worth two GCSEs, with combined grades like 6-5 or 5-5. You’ll answer a mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer questions that let you show what you really understand.

Where Can Science Take You?

• A Levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics
• Applied science, engineering, sport science or healthcare courses
• Careers in everything from veterinary nursing and conservation to forensic analysis and design

Science helps you stay curious, solve problems and think logically – skills you’ll use wherever life takes you.

Btec Level 2 First award in principles of Applied Science

Exam Board: Pearson (BTEC)

What you’ll study

A two-year linear course that covers topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

What you’ll learn

Students will learn the theory behind key scientific concepts via teacher-led instruction and independent tasks.  They will also undertake numerous practical activities to both consolidate the learning and to hone their working scientifically skills.

Assessment and exams

The course comprises 4 units, 1 of which is externally assessed; the other three are internally assessed.

Why Study History?

Understanding the Past to Shape the Future

“History helps us understand people and societies. If you don’t know
history, it’s like being a leaf that doesn’t know it’s part of a tree.”
Sir David Attenborough, broadcaster & natural historian

At Bredon, History isn’t just about memorising dates – it’s about exploring the stories, choices and turning points that shaped our world. It helps you understand how societies work, why events unfold as they do and how the past connects directly to life today.

Studying History at Bredon builds your ability to question, investigate and argue your point of view – skills that are vital in so many careers and in everyday life.

What You’ll Study

Your GCSE History course takes you on a journey through fascinating periods and ideas:

• Medicine in Britain c1250-present: From superstition to science – how people tackled disease and discovered new treatments.
• Superpower Relations & the Cold War 1941-91: Espionage, nuclear tension and the struggle between the USA and USSR.
• Henry VIII & his Ministers 1509-40: Power, politics and dramatic change in Tudor England.
• Weimar & Nazi Germany 1918-39: Democracy, dictatorship and the events leading to the Second World War.

How You’ll Learn

• Small class discussions that let you explore ideas in depth
• Clear, dyslexia-friendly teaching to help tackle challenging content
• Analysing sources and case studies to bring history to life
• Personalised support to build essay writing and exam confidence

Assessment & Exams

At the end of Year 11, you’ll sit three exam papers covering all these themes. Questions include short answers, source analysis and extended writing to show your understanding and arguments.

Where Can History Take You?

History opens doors to A-levels, university and careers in:

• Law, journalism, politics, business, heritage, teaching and beyond
• Any role that values research, critical thinking and clear communication

Above all, History helps you understand how the world works – and how you can shape its future.

Why Study Geography?

Understanding the World Around You – and Your Place in It

“Geography is the subject that holds the key to our future.”
Michael Palin, British explorer & broadcaster

At Bredon, Geography isn’t just about maps and countries. It’s about understanding how people interact with the environment, how natural and human processes shape our world and how we can solve the big challenges facing the planet. Studying Geography develops your ability to think critically, solve problems and see the connections between global issues and your own life. It’s a subject that’s dynamic, practical and deeply relevant.

What You’ll Study

Your IGCSE course is wide-ranging and engaging, covering:

• Natural environments: Earthquakes and volcanoes, rivers, coasts and weather, climate and vegetation
• Human environments: Population, settlement, urban growth and migration
• Economic development: Industry, food production, tourism, energy and environmental risks of development
• Geographical skills: Using maps, interpreting data, and conducting fieldwork

You’ll explore everything from how volcanoes form, to why cities grow, to the impact of climate change – and what it all means for your future.

How You’ll Learn

At Bredon, our approach is all about making Geography interesting and relevant. Yes, there are keywords and theories to learn but we bring them to life through up-to-date case studies – from overpopulation in Nigeria, to devastating earthquakes in Haiti, food shortages in Sudan and even river flooding right here in Tewkesbury.

An important highlight of the course is our residential field trip to Devon, where students investigate coastal erosion at Slapton and urban deprivation in Plymouth. This hands-on experience helps you see Geography in action and deepens your understanding far beyond the classroom.

Assessment & Exams

At the end of Year 11, you’ll sit three exam papers:

• Paper 1: Geographical themes (45%)
• Paper 2: Skills – map work and data (27.5%)
• Paper 3: Coursework or Alternative to Coursework (27.5%). Depending on the cohort, students either complete a piece of coursework based on the residential field trip or take a fieldwork-based external exam

This balanced structure plays to a wide range of strengths, from problem-solving to using visual information.

Where Can Geography Take You?

Geography keeps doors wide open. It leads on to A Levels and university courses and is valued by careers in:

• Environmental science, conservation and sustainability
• Urban planning, travel, tourism, logistics
• Business, law, international development and more

It teaches you to see patterns, understand people and places, and think about solutions to complex problems.

Religious Education

Exam Board: Eduqas

What you’ll Study

This subject encourages learners to explore religious beliefs, teachings, and practices in depth, helping them understand how different faiths make sense of the world. Students will study two comparative religions to structure their understanding of the beliefs and teachings of religious practices and traditions. This will support their application of ideas of how religious belief can influence individuals, communities and societies in a modern world.

Alongside the study of Christianity and Islam, students will learn:

• Issues of Good and Evil
• Issues of Life and Death
• Human Rights
• Relationships

The course invites meaningful discussions around big questions of divergent beliefs and values. This will help pupils develop critical thinking and writing skills.

What you’ll learn

Students will build on the knowledge and understanding developed through the KS3 curriculum. Teacher-led instruction will be supported by structured small-group discussion, particularly for Year 10 students.

To support progress, students will regularly practise and refine their extended writing and exam-based skills, developing confidence and familiarity with exam questions.

Assessment and exams

Students will complete three exam papers:

• Paper 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World (50% overall grade, 2 hours)
• Paper 2: Study of Christianity (25% overall grade, 1 hour)
• Paper 3: Study of Islam (25% overall grade, 1 hour)

Why Study Art, Craft & Design?

Bringing Your Creative Ideas to Life

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
Albert Einstein

At Bredon, we believe art is more than just a subject – it’s a powerful way to express who you are, explore ideas and develop practical skills that can lead to exciting careers. Whether your passion lies in fine art, textiles or a combination of both, our Art, Craft & Design GCSE gives you the freedom to shape your own creative journey.

What You’ll Study

This flexible course allows you to focus on a single discipline or blend art and textiles, matching your interests and aspirations. You’ll explore:

• Art, Craft & Design: Drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media
• Textile Design: Fabric manipulation, dyeing, surface embellishment and
• Learning traditional techniques alongside contemporary practices
• Investigating the history of art and textiles, plus modern cultural trends

You’ll build a broad foundation across artistic disciplines, or dive deep into your chosen specialism, developing innovative, multidimensional work.

How You’ll Learn

At Bredon, our approach is dynamic, hands-on and student-centred, encouraging you to experiment, take creative risks and develop your unique artistic voice.

• Practical workshops and studio sessions that build technical skills and confidence
• Theoretical studies that help you understand cultural and historical influences
• Guidance on professional presentation and communicating your ideas – key for future work in galleries, freelance art, fashion or design
• Real experience managing creative projects from concept to completion, preparing you for professional practice

This is a course that lets you grow creatively, think critically and see the world through new eyes.

Assessment & Exams

Your work is assessed through two complementary parts:

• Portfolio (60%)
  A collection of your best work, showing your skills, ideas and personal style across your chosen disciplines. This is your chance to demonstrate depth, creativity and progression
• Externally Set Task (40%)
  A practical challenge set by the exam board, where you’ll create a final piece in response to a brief within a 10-hour practical exam. It’s an opportunity to pull together everything you’ve learned into a sophisticated, complete work

Where Can Art Take You?

Art, Craft & Design build skills that are valued far beyond the studio. They prepare you for A Levels, art college and careers in:

• Fashion, interior or textile design
• Illustration, fine art, gallery or museum work
• Theatre, set design, media, marketing and creative direction

You’ll also develop problem-solving, project management and communication skills that open doors in any industry.

Why Study Graphic Communication?

Designing the Images and Messages That Shape Our World

“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.”
Paul Rand, legendary graphic designer

At Bredon, Graphic Communication opens the door to a vibrant world where art meets technology – and where powerful images and clever design solve real problems and shape how we see things. This course is your gateway into advertising, branding, digital design and multimedia, giving you the skills to create visuals that don’t just look good – they communicate.

What You’ll Study

Graphic Communication is all about crafting impactful visual messages that work across different media – from traditional print to cutting-edge digital platforms.

The course covers:

• Core design fundamentals: Typography, layout, colour theory
• Digital techniques: Working with industry-standard software and digital imaging tools
• Practical design challenges: User interface design, branding, advertising strategy
• Current and future trends: Exploring how digital technologies are changing visual communication

You’ll build a strong foundation in both the creative ideas and the technical know-how needed for success in the competitive graphic design world.

How You’ll Learn

Learning is hands-on and future-focused.

You’ll:

• Combine theory with practical projects that let you experiment and discover your personal style
• Work with a wide range of materials and digital tools
• Take on collaborative projects and real-world assignments that mirror industry scenarios – managing client needs, tight deadlines and budget considerations
• Master the art of visual storytelling, learning how to create content that not only grabs attention but also informs and persuades

By the end, you won’t just be a designer – you’ll be a visual communicator, ready to shape how people see and interact with the world.

Assessment & Exams

Your skills are assessed through two key components:

• Portfolio (60%)
  A collection of your best projects, showing your journey as a designer. You’ll demonstrate how you combine creativity with technical skill to tackle various briefs and solve real design challenges
• Externally Set Task (40%)
  A practical design brief set by the exam board. You’ll have a set period, just like in industry, to respond with an innovative solution – testing your ability to think fast and apply everything you’ve learned under pressure

Where Can Graphic Communication Take You?

Graphic Communication is the perfect foundation for A Levels, college and beyond into careers in:

• Graphic design, branding and advertising
• Web and app design, digital media, animation
• Marketing, publishing, journalism and creative direction

It builds creative problem-solving, project management and visual literacy – skills that are invaluable in any field.

Why Study Photography?

Capturing Stories, Emotions and Ideas Through a Lens

“A camera doesn’t just capture what’s there. It captures how you see it.”
Rankin, British photographer and director

At Bredon, Photography isn’t just about taking pictures – it’s about learning to see the world differently. This course opens up the fascinating world of photographic arts, giving you the skills and creative freedom to tell powerful stories, explore personal ideas and capture moments that truly matter.

What You’ll Study

The course gives you a broad foundation in traditional and digital photographic techniques, helping you build both artistic and technical expertise.

You’ll explore:

• Genres: Portrait, landscape, street photography, documentary and still life
• Techniques: Lighting, composition, editing and creative manipulation
• Themes: Using images to express personal ideas, explore cultural topics or highlight contemporary issues
• Context: Studying historical and modern photography, and how it shapes the way we see the world

Whether it’s photojournalism, studio work, experimental imagery or digital editing, you’ll develop a versatile portfolio of skills.

How You’ll Learn

Photography at Bredon is dynamic, practical and built around your creativity.

You’ll:

• Balance hands-on technical learning with exploring the ideas behind images
• Experiment with classic darkroom processes and cutting-edge digital tools
• Learn to critique your own work and that of others, sharpening your artistic eye
• Dive into personal projects and workshops that encourage you to tackle themes that matter to you – from social change to personal stories

You’ll be supported to take creative risks, challenge conventions, and develop your own photographic style.

Assessment & Exams

Your work is assessed through two complementary components:

• Portfolio (60%) A collection of your best work showing how you use photography creatively and technically, engage with themes and narratives, and grow as an artist.
• Externally Set Task (40%) A project based on a given theme, culminating in a 10-hour practical session. This tests how well you can pull together your skills and ideas under focused, timed conditions – just like in the professional creative world.

Where Can Photography Take You?

Photography GCSE sets you up for A Levels, art college and careers in:

• Photojournalism, fashion or commercial photography
• Media, marketing, publishing and social media content creation
• Fine art, exhibitions or using photography as a tool for social impact

It also develops broader skills in project management, critical thinking and visual storytelling – valuable wherever life takes you.

Why Study Agriculture?

Learning by Doing – Right Here on the Farm

“Farming is hard. Really hard. But it’s also
the most important job there is.”
Jeremy Clarkson, TV presenter and farmer

At Bredon, Agriculture is all about getting hands-on with the land and animals – learning real skills that open doors to careers in farming, land management or the broader countryside industries. You’ll gain the key knowledge, understanding and practical experience that underpin modern agriculture, all while working closely with our own livestock and estate.

What You’ll Study

This course gives you a strong foundation in agriculture, covering:

• Livestock husbandry: Caring for and managing farm animals
• Plant science & husbandry: Understanding crops and grassland
• Estate skills: Taking care of farm buildings, fencing and equipment
• Practical projects around the school site and trips to working farms to see how large-scale operations run

You’ll learn how to handle animals, maintain land and tackle the challenges that come with running a farm – all skills that are vital in the agriculture industry.

How You’ll Learn

This is a highly practical course where you learn by doing. You’ll spend time:

• Working with large animals on our school farm
• Getting stuck into estate maintenance tasks – sometimes at break times
• Studying key principles in the classroom, then applying them outside
• Going on visits to commercial farms to see agriculture in action

Because it’s 100% coursework, you’ll need to be ready to complete written and independent assignments alongside your practical work. You’ll have three lessons a week, plus take on extra farm duties. You should enjoy being outdoors in all weathers, working closely with animals – and not mind getting your hands dirty!

Approach to Assessment

There are no formal exams on this course. Instead, you’ll build up a portfolio through:

• Written coursework and evidence of practical tasks
• Graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction based on how well you meet set criteria for each unit

If you do well, you can go on to further study in Agriculture at Level 3.

Where Can Agriculture Take You?

This course prepares you for:

• Further study in Agriculture or Land-Based Industries
• Apprenticeships and work on farms, estates or in agri-business
• Careers in animal husbandry, land management, conservation or rural enterprise

You’ll also build skills in teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving – all vital wherever life takes you.

Why Study Animal Care?

Learning by Doing – Caring for Animals Every Day

“Every animal matters. Every single one.”
Chris Packham, wildlife expert and TV presenter

At Bredon, Animal Care is all about developing the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience you need for working with animals – whether on farms, in rescue centres, kennels or beyond. It’s a practical, rewarding course that helps you build confidence and responsibility, while exploring the wide world of animal health and welfare.

What You’ll Study

Throughout the course, you’ll cover the key principles, understanding and skills relevant to the animal care industry.

Topics include:

• Feeding: Meeting the nutritional needs of different animals
• Accommodation: Creating safe, healthy living environments
• Behaviour: Understanding how animals communicate and what they need to thrive

You’ll gain direct experience by:

• Working with our small animal collection at school
• Caring for ponies and livestock on Bredon’s farm
• Taking part in animal-related trips and visits to see professional care in action

How You’ll Learn

This course is highly practical and 100% coursework-based, so you’ll spend plenty of time outside and hands-on:

• You’ll have three lessons a week, plus complete extra duties with the animals during some break times
• You’ll need to enjoy being outdoors in all weathers, working closely with animals and not mind getting your hands dirty!
• Alongside practical work, you’ll complete written and independent assignments that show your understanding of key animal care principles

By working this way, you’ll build not just technical skills, but also critical thinking, independence and the confidence to handle real-life animal care situations.

Approach to Assessment

• No formal exams required
• All units are assessed through practical work and coursework, graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction based on meeting clear criteria throughout.

Where Can Animal Care Take You?

This course is a brilliant first step into further study at Level 3 or into animal-related apprenticeships and careers, including:

• Veterinary nursing support, animal rescue, kennel and cattery management
• Farming, equine management, dog grooming or working in pet retail
• Conservation or wildlife rehabilitation roles

Why Study Business Studies?

Understanding How Businesses Work – and How You Could Run One

“It’s the business of business to improve life, to solve
problems and to do it better than anyone else.”
James Dyson, businessman and entrepreneur

At Bredon, Business Studies is all about exploring how businesses start, grow and succeed – and what it takes to make your own ideas work in the real world. This course gives you a solid foundation in business knowledge, plus the practical and technical skills that employers and future courses value.

What You’ll Study

You’ll cover the key principles that underpin all businesses, with a course that’s the same size and level as a GCSE. It’s perfect for anyone curious about how companies operate, or thinking about starting something themselves one day.

You’ll explore:

• Introduction to Business – How businesses are set up, organised and managed
• Finance for Business (externally assessed) – Understanding costs, revenues, profit and financial documents
• Enterprise in the Business World (synoptic) – Bringing together all your learning to look at how businesses develop and grow.
• (Optional) Promoting a Brand – How marketing works and why brands matter.

How You’ll Learn

This is a practical course where you’ll carry out tasks and assignments throughout. You’ll get regular feedback so you can keep improving, learning by doing in a supportive environment.

You’ll build skills in:

• Analysing and reviewing key financial statements
• Understanding the responsibilities of running a business
• Applying business models to real situations
• Communicating ideas clearly and confidently

Unit 3: (Enterprise in the Business World) is designed so you can draw on everything you’ve learned across the course, bringing it all together to show how businesses operate as a whole.

Approach to Assessment

• Tasks & assignments: Completed throughout the course, with ongoing teacher feedback
• External assessment: Unit 2 (Finance for Business) is tested via an online exam
• Synoptic assessment: For Unit 3, you’ll show how you can apply your combined business knowledge, skills and understanding

Where Can Business Studies Take You?

Business is everywhere – and the skills you build on this course open doors to:

• Further study at A Level or vocational Level 3 qualifications
• Apprenticeships in finance, retail, marketing or admin
• Future careers in business management, entrepreneurship, sales or running your own venture

You’ll also develop problem-solving, analytical and communication skills that are essential in any job.

Why Study Food Preparation & Nutrition?

Turning a Love of Food into Skills for Life

“Cooking is about passion, patience and love. It’s about
taking ingredients and turning them into memories.”
Jamie Oliver, Chef, TV presenter and entrepreneur

At Bredon, Food Preparation & Nutrition is more than just a cookery class – it’s a journey into the science, creativity and skill behind great food. This course helps you become an independent, confident learner, ready to take on the demands of GCSE study and enjoy one of the most rewarding subjects we offer.

What You’ll Study

The course runs over two years, each with a different focus:

• Year 1 (Foundation year):
  Each half term, you’ll explore a different commodity – like eggs, flour or meat. For five weeks, you’ll cook a set dish, mastering techniques and understanding nutrition. In the sixth week, you’ll design and make your own dish, making that commodity the star. Alongside this, you’ll dive into the science behind food.
• Year 2 (Action-packed GCSE year):
  You’ll start by investigating a cooking process – like which flour makes the best pasta or which raising agent is best for scones. Then in December, you’ll begin your main coursework: planning, preparing and cooking a three-course meal in three hours. Previous themes have included brunch, street food and Valentine’s Day. After your practical exam in March, you’ll focus on revision for your final written exam in June.

How You’ll Learn

The ethos of this course is to develop you not just as a cook but as a confident, independent learner. You’ll need to be ready for the challenge: this is a demanding GCSE that covers a wide range of topics, requires excellent time management and a real passion for food.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn through:

• Weekly practical cooking sessions
• Quizzes, discussions and demonstrations
• Presentations and question & answer activities
• Investigations that blend food science with hands-on skills

This course consistently achieves some of the best pass rates at Bredon – because students love it and put in the effort to succeed.

Approach to Assessment

• Year 1: A blend of assessments, with practical work each week plus quizzes, tests and project work
• Year 2:
  • 50% coursework: including an investigation (15%) and your three-course practical exam (35%)
  • 50% written exam on nutrition and catering

Where Can Food Preparation & Nutrition Take You?

This course gives you skills that are valuable everywhere – at home, in hospitality or preparing for further study in food technology, nutrition, catering or event management. You’ll build creativity, precision and the ability to plan and meet deadlines – vital in any future career.

Why Study Sport?

Building Skills, Strength and Confidence for Life

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.”
Billie Jean King, US champion tennis player

At Bredon, our Sport qualification isn’t just about developing physical ability – it’s about building teamwork, resilience, discipline and confidence. This practical, engaging course is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of sport, exercise and the body, while preparing for further study or active careers.

What You’ll Study

The NCFE Level 2 in Sport gives you a solid foundation across key areas of the sports industry.

You’ll explore topics such as:

• Understanding how the body works during exercise – learning about anatomy, physiology and fitness
• Improving your own performance through training, technique and personal goals
• Planning and leading sporting activities – developing leadership and organisational skills
• Exploring health, nutrition and injury prevention

It’s a perfect next step if you enjoy PE and want to keep growing your practical and theoretical knowledge.

How You’ll Learn

The course is hands-on and varied, taught in small groups where you’ll get plenty of support.

You’ll learn through:

• Practical sessions and sports performance assessments
• Coursework assignments that let you show your understanding in different ways
• Opportunities to lead activities and work on communication, planning and teamwork

At Bredon, we make sure your learning is relevant, enjoyable and linked to your interests, helping you gain skills that last well beyond the classroom.

Approach to Assessment

There are no formal written exams

• The course is assessed through coursework and practical demonstrations, building a portfolio of evidence across the year.

This means you can focus on showing what you know and what you can do, with regular feedback to help you improve.

Where Can Sport Take You?

Completing this course is a brilliant stepping stone towards:

• Further study at Level 3 in Sport, Coaching or Outdoor Education
• Apprenticeships or work in sports coaching, fitness instructing, leisure or outdoor activity centres
• Building vital personal qualities like leadership, communication and resilience – skills that are valued in any career

Why Study Uniformed Protective Services?

Building Skills, Character and Readiness for Service

“Discipline, teamwork and resilience – these are the
foundations not only of uniformed services but of life.”
Bear Grylls, adventurer and writer

Uniformed Protective Services is designed for students with a real interest in the world of disciplined service, from the military to emergency response. This course is more than just classroom learning; it’s about developing the mindset, skills and physical preparation needed to succeed in demanding roles that keep people safe.

What You’ll Study

This qualification is tailored for students who are already part of Bredon’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and who are working towards their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. It’s a perfect next step to deepen your understanding of what it takes to thrive in uniformed service environments.

Over two units, you’ll explore:

• Introduction to Uniformed Protective Services Skills:
  Understanding the core attributes, responsibilities and expectations in services like the armed forces, police, fire or rescue teams.
• Physical Preparation for the Uniformed Protective Services:
  Developing the fitness, stamina and mindset needed to perform in physically demanding situations.

How You’ll Learn

This is a course built around practical learning and personal growth, assessed through a wide range of activities over two years.

You’ll build and demonstrate:

• Planning and research skills: Tackling scenarios and preparing action plans
• Communication: Working as a team and leading others
• Problem-solving: Overcoming challenges in dynamic, often outdoor settings

Whether you’re completing field exercises with the CCF or planning expeditions for your Duke of Edinburgh, every part of this course is aimed at strengthening your readiness for the future.

Approach to Assessment

• There are no written exams
• Instead, you’ll complete practical assessments and coursework tasks that test your planning, communication, research and problem-solving skills throughout the two years

Where Can Uniformed Protective Services Take You?

This course is an excellent foundation for:

• Further study in public services, outdoor leadership or security
• Entry into cadet schemes, military careers or uniformed apprenticeships
• Any path where resilience, leadership and teamwork are highly valued

You’ll leave with greater confidence, discipline and a clearer sense of what a career in service might involve.

Why Study Engineering?

Designing, Building and Solving Real-World Problems

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”
Albert Einstein, Theoretical physicist

At Bredon, Engineering is about turning ideas into reality – learning how things work, why they sometimes don’t and how to fix or improve them. This practical, vocational course gives you the knowledge and hands-on skills to explore an exciting field that underpins everything from cars and planes to renewable energy and smart tech.

What You’ll Study

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Engineering is designed particularly for students who want a more practical, work-focused route through Key Stage 4.

It gives you:

• A broad understanding of the engineering sector: What engineers do and why their work matters in everyday life
• A more focused look at key areas of engineering: By choosing optional specialist units, you’ll explore areas that really interest you
• Opportunities to develop personal and technical skills: from using tools and machinery safely to working through problems logically and creatively

This means you’ll build a strong foundation, whether you want to continue onto Level 3 study, an apprenticeship or eventually a technical or engineering career.

How You’ll Learn

The course is built around core units that give you essential knowledge and practical skills valued by the engineering sector. One core unit covers the fundamental concepts you’ll need, while the other puts your skills into action through hands-on vocational tasks.

At Bredon, you’ll learn by:

• Completing practical projects in the workshop
• Tackling real engineering problems and designing solutions
• Building teamwork, precision and problem-solving abilities that employers look for

Approach to Assessment

There are three key units:

• Two coursework units: Done at school, these let you demonstrate your practical skills and understanding through projects and assignments
• One online exam: A final one-hour assessment that tests your core engineering knowledge

This balanced approach means you’re assessed both on what you can do and what you understand.

Where Can Engineering Take You?

This course is an ideal starting point for:

• Further vocational study, such as a Level 3 Engineering qualification
• Apprenticeships in mechanical, electrical or civil engineering
• Careers in design, manufacturing, construction or maintaining the systems that keep the modern world running
• You’ll also develop problem-solving, analytical thinking and practical skills that are valuable wherever life takes you.

Digital Information Technology

Exam Board: Pearson

Level 1 and 2

What you’ll Study

This qualification is designed as an introduction to developing skills which would be used within the work environment.  This course is ideal for any student who may want to pursue a career in a job requiring IT skills. Units can be taken at a variety of levels, which gives flexibility to enable the qualification to match job roles. The qualification will allow learners to apply knowledge, understanding and skills to a level recognised by employers, thus proving competency in a future job role. This qualification is suitable for learners using IT systems in a wide range of job roles.

What you’ll learn

The qualification emphasizes building applied knowledge and skills, such as project planning and data management, to demonstrate an aptitude for the digital sector. Learning is structured through three interrelated components that act as an integrated whole, promoting deep learning by connecting conceptual knowledge with practical, sector-specific tasks. Ultimately, this approach aims to prepare learners for informed post-16 progression, whether into academic A-levels, vocational Level 3 qualifications, or technical apprenticeships.

Assessment and exams

• 60% coursework (2 Units)
• 40 % exam

Woodwork and Construction

NCFE – NCFE Level 2 Award in Creative Craft (Construction)

What you’ll Study

This course introduces students to the fundamental skills and knowledge required to Design, make and finish timber products. Students will develop their understanding of workshop safety, timber properties and the safe use of woodworking hand tools, while developing practical skills in measuring, marking out, cutting, joining, assembling and finishing timber.

A key focus of the course is traditional timber joints and the development of the hand skills, accuracy and knowledge required for woodworking. Students will apply these skills through the design and manufacture of a simple wooden box with a working hinge, followed by the design and manufacture of an upholstered stool. These projects will develop students’ skills and confidence before progressing to a personal project, where they will independently design, plan and manufacture a product of their own choice. Throughout the course, students will develop problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate and evaluate their ideas.

Hospitality and Tourism

Exam Board: Pearson – BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism

What you’ll Study

This is a level 1 programme designed to give students a really good insight into the hospitality and tourism industries. This course is open to all learners as long as they have a love of cooking. It has proved an excellent course for those who are doing the core GCSE subjects but then want to choose a course that has less written demands and a more practical element, or those who want a subject that will give them an excellent foundation at level 1 that will enable them to progress on to level two courses in the future.

What you’ll learn

Over both years, the learners will study units that look into the world of hospitality and tourism. They will be a mix of both theory and practical. The theory work is much more manageable than the GCSE. There will be a practical cooking element each week that will keep the learners challenged and engaged. There will be a lot of opportunities for learners to research and choose their own

dishes throughout the course. The course also contains units that cover organisational skills and progression onto the next level of study.

Units covered include:

Hospitality and Tourism Visitor Attractions

Preparing and Cooking Food

Serving Food and Drink

Planning and Managing a Hospitality Event

Personal Progression Plan.

Assessment and exams

The work is all coursework with no external exams. The works are assessment based and the assessment methods will vary across different units and are designed to make it as accessible as possible for our learners. Assessment methods will include practical work, portfolio work, presentations, video and photographic evidence, debriefs and reports.

The overall course is graded, and learners can achieve a pass, merit or distinction. The course is made up of 6-8 individual units. To gain an overall merit in the unit, all the merit criteria for that unit must be achieved, and similarly for the distinction, all merit and all distinction criteria must be achieved. The overall grades for each of the units are then added together, and an overall grade is generated.

There is also an opportunity for learners to complete additional units to upgrade the course into a diploma.

Personal and Social Development

Exam Board: ASDAN – EL3

What you’ll Study

The course encourages students to prepare for adult life, giving students knowledge, skills and confidence. It is a supportive, hands-on course design to help students to grow, both academically and personally

What you’ll learn

Units are broken down into smaller, manageable tasks.

Students work through a series of units /challenges and can choose some of the activities that they want to do. For example, in Environmental Awareness, students have to do an environmental project. In the past, they have chosen to do a beach clean, make bird boxes, upcycle glass jars and cuddly toys, and use the cappings from the Bredon hives to make wax food wraps.

Challenges are relevant to today’s society and as such, are relatable for students.

Dishes throughout the course. The course also contains units that cover organisational skills and progression onto the next level of study.

Assessment and exams

There are no exams.

Assessment tasks could be

• Annotated photographs
• Witness statements
• Adapted worksheets

Whatever works best for the students on the course.