Key Stage 5 · Years 12 and 13

A sixth-form student at BTE Academy could choose how much of their programme to devote to engineering. The archived course material describes a mix of A levels, BTEC engineering qualifications and an investigation into environmental sustainability, linked to time spent in industry.

Single, double or triple engineering

Three course sizes appeared in the academy's published options. The BTEC Subsidiary Diploma was described as single engineering, taking up roughly the space of one A level. The Diploma occupied two such slots. The Extended Diploma occupied three, leaving less room for other subjects but more time for engineering. These comparisons described the size of the course. A university or employer could still require a particular subject or grade.

The curriculum overview included A-level mathematics on the university and higher-apprenticeship route. The options page named physics, chemistry, biology, further mathematics, computer science and product design. It also described a Level 3 Certificate in Environmental Sustainability and a two-week industrial placement. Students following a different route could progress to City of Bristol College.

Linking a placement to study

The sustainability certificate included an extended investigation. The distinction matters when reading an old record. Completing an investigation meant framing a question, gathering evidence and presenting findings. Attending a workplace gave that work a practical setting. The 2018 inspection also recorded a sixth-form programme called World of Work in which employers introduced their industries.

Comparing routes now

For today's local offer, start with the Olympus sixth-form centres. The trust publishes course information for the current intake. Our apprenticeship guide helps explain the employer-led route.