Sixth Form Options

A Pathway to Your Future

Sixth Form at Bredon, gives students the opportunity to become more independent and begin focusing on their future goals. With support from our experienced teachers and tutors, students can choose from four pathways:

Academic – building strong subject knowledge and preparing for higher education
Creative – encouraging imagination and self-expression through creative learning
Vocational – developing practical skills and hands-on experience for future careers
Vocational Plus – combining career-focused learning with specialist industry and workplace preparation

Every student’s programme is tailored to suit their strengths and future career ambitions. Whether students are aiming for university, apprenticeships or the world of work, with the support of our careers team, we help them build a pathway that feels right for them.

Small class sizes and a supportive environment allow students to take an active role in lessons, receive individual guidance and grow in confidence. Sixth Form students are encouraged to take greater responsibility for their work, manage independent study time and develop the organisational skills needed for life beyond school. Our students are treated with maturity and respect, helping them prepare for university, employment and adult life with confidence.

Students also have the opportunity to resit GCSEs in English, Maths and Biology, with timetabled lessons throughout the week delivered by our specialist staff to help support preparation and build confidence ahead of exams.

Academic Pathway

Courses that provide depth, challenge and preparation for higher education.

Applied Science BTEC
Maths A Level
English Literature A Level
Core Maths

Creative Pathway

Subjects that allow students to express themselves, develop originality and showcase their artistic and design talents.

Art A Level
Art, Craft & Design Unit Award Scheme
Graphic Communications/Content Creation
Photography A Level

Vocational Pathway

Practical, career-focused qualifications that build real-world skills, industry knowledge and clear routes into employment, apprenticeships or further study.

Agriculture Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma
Agricultural Engineering Level 3 Certificate
Animal Management Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma
Business Cambridge Technicals Diploma
Engineering First Award
Engineering & Maintenance
Extended Project Qualification
Hospitality Level 2 First Award
ICT Systems & Principles Level 2 Diploma
ICT Systems Level 3 Diploma
Personal Effectiveness ASDAN Certificate
Sport & Physical Activity Level 3 Certificate
Certificate for Entry to Uniformed Services Level 2

GCSE Resit Options

Biology

Biology
GCSE
AQA

Qualification Overview

This course is an opportunity to continue to investigate the living world around us and to focus on the biological processes which are essential to life. With a focus on practical work and learning through investigations, studying Biology gives pupils an exciting and broad understanding of living things which they can relate to the world around them.

Approach to Learning

Pupils will be taught by subject specialists. Our small class sizes allow pupils to develop their confidence in science by being able to fully investigate the topics that they cover. Regular feedback will be given to pupils allowing them to track their progress over the period of the course. Pupils will be coached in effective exam techniques.

A Closer Look

This is a two year course where pupils are able to concentrate on Biology as a single science to achieve a single GCSE qualification. The content is split into seven topic areas which will be split over the two years.

The topics include:

Cell Biology
Body systems
Human defence systems
Bioenergetics
Evolution and Inheritance
Ecology

Regular opportunities for practical activities will be integrated into the programme of study so that pupils can learn through their practical experiences.

English

English
IGCSE
Cambridge International

Qualification Overview

English Language IGCSE encourages pupils to become appreciative and critical readers, writers, speakers and listeners. The skills gained from the course will assist pupils in their future careers.

The course gives pupils the opportunities to understand a variety of reading texts and to use their knowledge to inspire their own written work. Pupils are also required to write texts for different purposes. Pupils are required to deliver a presentation and respond to questions to showcase their communication, listening and speaking skills learnt in the course.

Approach to Learning

Pupils are encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE develops general analysis and communication skills such as inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively. The course is assessed through an examination and coursework. Pupils are coached in effective examination techniques.

A Closer Look

The course enables pupils to:

develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing
use a wide range of vocabulary
use the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation

Maths

Mathematics
GCSE
Edexcel

Qualification Overview

GCSE Mathematics is offered at Higher or Foundation Level depending on a pupil’s prior performance at Key Stage 3. Both levels are taken as a linear course which is assessed via examination. Pupils sit three papers; one non-calculator and two calculator papers.

Approach to Learning

The course is classroom based, usually with a variety of tasks depending on the topic being studied. The course is assessed through an examination and coursework. Pupils are coached in effective examination techniques.

A Closer Look

Both Higher and Foundation levels cover topics across the five main areas of
mathematics;

Number
Algebra
Shape and Space
Data and Probability
Ratio and Proportion

Foundation GCSE topics include:

Area and Circumference of a Circle
Two-Way Tables
‘Recipe’ Proportion
Laws of Indices
Solving Simple Equations

Higher GCSE topics include:

Circle Theorems
Conditional Probability
Direct and inverse Proportion
Fractional and Negative indices
Quadratic Equations

Vocational Plus

From September 2026, we are delighted to launch the Vocational + Pathway, which focuses on developing industry-relevant, career-ready skills, giving students practical experience and preparing them confidently for the world of work:

Professional Cookery with Leiths
Outdoor Education & Fitness Instruction
Land-Based Estate Studies, including Countryside Management, Engineering and Agriculture

The Vocational + subjects sit seamlessly alongside our established subjects within the Academic, Creative and Vocational Pathways.

The wonderfully diverse breadth of offer ensures that each of our oldest students can choose the courses that inspire them, play to their strengths and build confidence. Students are also able to resit GCSEs in English, Maths and Biology.

Creamy orange pumpkin soup topped with croutons and chopped herbs in a speckled white bowl on a gray surface.

Culinary Course – With Leiths Education

Main Qualification
Leiths CTH Level 3 Extended Certificate in Professional Cookery

What Students Will Learn

Butchery (local artisan butchers and industry-acclaimed chef)
Patisserie
Bakery
Fish preparation and cooking
Presenting fine dining food
Producing food for the Shop Hut & Bredon Catering Kitchen

Progression

KS5 Diploma in London (for distinction students) with top restaurant work experience
Becoming a trained chef
Working on film sets & food styling shoots
Product development teams
Events & hospitality careers

In Summary

Learning through practical menus, demonstrations, portfolio building & work placements
Guest chefs & industry professionals (including Lee Hallford & Ben Crease)
Highly practical course with limited written work – suitable for L2 & L3 learners
Includes specialist lessons, real-world experience & placements
87% Merit to Distinction pass rate

Mountain valley with a winding road along a blue lake, green hills, under a heavy gray clouded sky.

Outdoor Education

NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors)

Units of study

Exercise, health and lifestyle
Skills for water-based outdoor and adventurous activities
Leading water based activities
Skills for land-based outdoor and adventurous activities
Leading land based activities
Work experience in sport
Principles and practices in outdoor adventure
Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity
Outdoor and adventurous expeditions

What students will learn in addition

Climbing (Indoor Climbing Wall Assistant)
Hiking (Navigation Award Scheme – Lowland Leader)
Mountain Biking (Off Road Leader)
Paddlesports (Paddlesports Instructor)
Archery (Archery Instructor Award)
Sailing (Assistant Instructor Qualification)
First Aid (Emergency First Aid in the Outdoors)

Progression

Outdoor and public service sectors
Outdoor activity instructor
Climbing instructor
Emergency services

In summary,

Students will take part in theory-based lessons together with other pupils studying NCFE Sport.
Students on the V+ pathway will use remaining lesson times to develop their professional skills, understanding and qualifications ready for employment. This will include one dedicated practical day per week across a range of Outdoor Adventurous Activities.
Work experience will be achieved in school through the support and delivery of Outdoor Adventurous groups as well as with local businesses.
Professional qualifications are run externally and will involve days out of the curriculum and some weekend courses.
All pupils to be in CCF and working towards Gold DofE

V+ Pathway Fitness Instructor

NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Coaching)

Units of study

Exercise, health and lifestyle (M)
Fitness training and programming (E)
Principles of anatomy and physiology (E)
Instructing physical activity and exercise (E)
Sports Coaching (P)
Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity (M)

What students will learn in addition

CIMSPA Accredited L2 Fitness Instructor
CIMPSA Accredited CPS Units
Kettlebells Coach
Spin Cycling
Boxercise Classes
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
- Kettlebells Coach
- Spin Cycling
- Boxercise Classes
First Aid in the Outdoors Qualified
National Governing Body Coaching and Refereeing Qualifications
For example England Rugby Coaching Awards

Progression

Foundation degree in Sports Coaching or PE
Roles within community or 1:1 fitness coaching sessions
Employment opportunities across the sports and leisure industries

In summary,

Students will take part in theory-based lessons together with other pupils studying NCFE Sport.
Pupils on the V+ pathway will use remaining lesson times to develop their professional skills, understanding and qualifications ready for employment. This will include timetabled sessions in the gym as well as allocated coaching sessions within our games provision.
Further work experience will be achieved in school through developing links to Tewkesbury Leisure Centre or could be done as sport-specific experiences at local businesses such as Sherdon’s Golf Club.
Professional qualifications are run externally and will involve days out of the curriculum and some weekend courses.
Being in CCF and working towards Gold DofE is recommended but not compulsory

Bees on a honeycomb frame inside a beehive, with capped cells visible

Land-based Estates Studies

Country-side management

What students will learn

Countryside Estate skill activities
Managing environmental habitats
Gamekeeping skills

Progression

Underkeeper
Beat Keeper
Forestry worker
Estate worker

In summary,

With a mix of theoretical and practical learning through work experience, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of countryside management

Engineering

Level 3 Land-based Engineering Qualification

What students will learn

Practical land-based engineering skills including thermal joining and cutting (welding), safe workshop practice and equipment repair.
Health, safety and welfare requirements in an engineering and land-based workplace.
Use of tools, materials and techniques to safely maintain, repair or replace worn or damaged components.
An understanding of the land-based technology sector, job roles and real working environments.

Progression

Equivalent to half an A-Level (AS) and forms part of a Vocational Pathway.
Supports progression into further vocational study, apprenticeships or employment within the land-based technology and engineering sector.
Helps students assess their aptitude and interest for careers in agriculture, engineering and environmental industries.

In summary,

A coursework-based qualification made up of three internally assessed units – no final exam.
Ideal for students with an interest in engineering, agriculture and practical, hands-on learning (Level 2 preferred but not essential).

Agriculture

What students will learn

Anatomy and physiology
Livestock Health
Livestock Production
Crop Husbandry

Progression

Employment within the land-based sector
Higher education within Agriculture

In Summary,

Students will take part in theory-based lessons together with practical courses in each area
Opportunity to complete work placement within the land based sector
Develop underpinning knowledge whilst practising skills that could be used within employment in the agriculture industry
Assessment is through coursework and practical skills