Key Stage Five

Key Stage 5 at QE Faculty

Preparing yourself for the world beyond Queen Ethelburga’s.

At Key Stage 5, QE Faculty offers an additional option block alongside the traditional four subject choices. This fifth option allows you to pursue an extra qualification, train in a chosen sport, or receive additional support in creative subjects.

"Leaders ensure pupils' life skills, including financial and economic understanding, are developed through the personal development and general studies programme. Leaders have developed effective transition processes to support the next steps for pupils at each stage of their education so that pupils feel well prepared for the next stage of their lives."

 The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga's ISI Inspection Report, October 2023

Performance Sports Programme

Train to a professional level in football, cricket, netball or basketball. The Performance Sports Programme involves strength and conditioning, nutrition, and lessons in sport psychology.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Lead your own research project on a topic that you are passionate about. QE Faculty provides lessons on completing the EPQ along with the support of an experienced supervisor. 

Previously, one of our students achieved 100% in their Extended Project Qualification and received a reduced offer at university as the project related to their degree course. 

QE Faculty student performing on stage

Choose a mix of A Level and BTEC courses at The Faculty.
Queen’s Academy

The Creative Arts department runs the Queen’s Academy to receive extra time and support in any creative subject, whether you are taking the subject, or simply enjoy the arts. 

A Level In Your Native Language

If English is your second language, you have the option to study your native language at A Level. QE Faculty offers lessons to help you prepare for both exam papers and practical assessments.

Preparation For The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

If you are an international student, then you can receive tailored classes to prepare you for the IELTS which is vital for university entry. Topics cover technology, geography, culture and society. 

Subjects

You will have access to a broad curriculum and the choice of a minimum of three A Levels and/or BTEC subjects, plus a super-curricular subject. You should choose QE Faculty if you wish to follow a wholly A Level or BTEC route or combine A Level with BTEC qualifications. 

We advise you to consider BTECs if you wish to specialise in a particular subject as the courses go into greater depth for subjects such as Art and Design, Business, Music, Performing Arts, Science and Sport

Applied Science Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate

Applied Science covers chemistry, physics and biology to give a broad background in science. The BTEC course is based on real life scenarios and is a vocational and practical course. 

Biology AS/A Level
Learn the details of genetics and DNA, how energy transfers and the role of organisms within their ecosystem. What better subject to study to understand the building blocks of life on Earth?
Chemistry AS/A Level
Physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry are the foundations of life. Chemistry A Level is a practical and relevant subject and is essential for anyone considering a degree in medicine. 
Mathematics  AS/A Level
Learn pure mathematics, statistics, and mechanics as an A Level qualification. As technology continues to advance, so too does mathematics, increasing its essential role in both every day and corporate life. 
Further Mathematics AS/A Level
Study a broader range of pure and applied mathematics, such as logic, statistics, mechanics, and pure maths. If you choose to study Further Mathematics, you will need to complete A Level Mathematics as a one-year course in Year 12 and achieve an A to A* grade.
Physics AS/A Level
If you love Mathematics but prefer to see how it works in the real world, then Physics is for you! It is an essential subject if you are considering a career in engineering or technical design as it provides the knowledge and skills needed in understanding mechanics.
Statistics A Level
Learn the techniques for understanding and analysing data with an emphasis on understanding the implications and limitations of the various statistical techniques in the context of practical situations. 
Business AS/A Level or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/National Diploma
At QE Faculty, you can study Business as an A Level or a BTEC qualification. Business A Level teaches how a business functions and is a heavily essay-based course. In contrast, Business BTEC covers the functions and skills needed in business and is a more vocational course that develops your skills in research, presenting and assignment writing.
Computing BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Computing BTEC is an introduction to the principles of computer science, the fundamentals of computer systems, IT systems security and encryption and (most excitingly) computer game development. 

Alternatively, you can study Computer Science as an A Level in the College

Economics AS/A Level
Studying Economics will help you understand issues such as inflation, unemployment, pollution, demand and supply, exchange rates, interest rates, and the difficult decisions the UK Government face when they steer the economy in a chosen direction.
Esports BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
Explore the structure of the Esports industry and the various roles associated with the business before investigating specific tactics and strategies used by high-performing Esports teams. 
Marketing BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
Understand the marketing side of a business strategy by studying careers, marketing principles and customer communications.
Applied Law BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
Learn the relevance and role of law in real-world situations. Applied Law BTEC teaches how to apply legal concepts, principles, and rules to a range of situations. 
English Language AS/A Level
Learn the theories and concepts behind everyday language. English Language teaches you to understand how and why we speak the way we do.
English Literature AS/A Level
Literature is the source of understanding and analysing culture, history and how humans communicate. It is a facilitating subject that develops transferable skills in analysis, critical thinking, and written/spoken communication.
French AS/A Level
Learn French whilst studying France’s heritage, music, and cinema. A Level French brings the language to life and opens new opportunities to study or work abroad.
Geography AS/A Level
Understand the physical and human processes taking place in the world. Topics cover tectonic processes, coastal landscapes, globalisation, the water cycle, carbon cycle and migration. 
German AS/A Level
Develop your German language skills by studying Germany’s culture, politics, and media. Proficiency in German opens new opportunities to work and study abroad. 
History AS/A Level
Learn about Tudor England, democracy and dictatorship in Germany, and civil rights in the USA. History develops critical and reflective thinking with an understanding of historical topics and issues. 
Psychology AS/A Level
Seek to understand why people behave in the ways they do. Psychology applies concepts and theories to explain real life phenomena, covering topics like cognitive, developmental, social psychology and psychopathology.
Spanish AS/A Level
Practise your Spanish speaking skills while studying Hispanic society. Spanish A Level covers political life, artistic culture and the contrast between modern and traditional society in Spain.
3D Design A Level
Experiment with a range of 3D media, materials and processes exploring traditional and new media techniques. There is no AS course as all work is produced as a portfolio that is assessed at the end of Year 13.
Art, Craft and Design A Level
An advanced art course to explore a range of 2D and 3D media, processes and techniques. Art, Craft and Design is a highly practical course with all work assessed in sketchbooks/portfolio work. 
Art and Design Practice BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma and Extended Diploma
Develop work practically by completing a mixture of practical projects, briefs and workshops. The BTEC Art and Design Practice has developed alongside experts from the creative industries and features one large teaching module: Exploring and Developing Art and Design Skills.
Creative Media Practice BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma and Extended Diploma
Explore and develop creative media skills to plan and produce film and television. 
Fashion/Textiles A Level
Use the dedicated textile and fashion studio to explore different textile design techniques and create fashion, textiles, costumes, or interiors.
Music BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma and Extended Diploma
Develop your musical performance and creation techniques by relating them to the music industry. You will work on a series of projects in music skills development, the music industry, personal music profile and a collaborative music project.
Performing Arts BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma and Extended Diploma
Performing Arts BTEC Level provides a varied insight into the performance industry and offers students the opportunity to study classic and contemporary mediums of performance such as site-specific theatre, musical theatre, or stand-up comedy.
Photography A Level
Study digital and traditional photography using a variety of creative techniques. Photography offers a way to explore the world and its people through artistic expression and unique perspectives.
Physical Education A Level
Test your love of sports by studying Physical Education. The A Level qualification covers the body’s anatomy, physiology and the psychology of sport in society.
Sport BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and Diploma
Understand human physiology and partake in exciting practical assessments, such as fitness testing and training, analysing athlete performance, giving job interviews and player feedback meetings. 
Do you want to study Computer Science, Law or Music?

Visit QE College’s Key Stage 5 page to see other courses available at Queen Ethelburga’s.

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