Optional courses are available from Year 10 for GCSE subjects and Years 12 and 13 for Level 2 BTEC and Level 3 (Advanced) at AS/2 .

Two GCSE subjects are offered: Business Studies and Health & Social Care. Both subjects are two-year courses with Health & Social Care allowing students to gain two GCSE grades (double award).

Progression in the sixth-form allows further study in both subjects, with one-year BTEC and AS courses. Students continuing to A2 achieve the full ‘A level’ qualification. The Double Award Advanced Health & Social Care gives students two full A level grades.

In addition, Vocational Studies offers advanced courses in Social Science subjects. Both Sociology and Politics are offered as sixth-form options.

The department has a strong commitment to fulfilling its obligation to the vocational ideal, with many students benefitting from work placement experience to enhance and support their courses. The department also offers students the opportunity to visit New York as part of the sixth-form extra-curricular programme.

The department has three full-time teaching staff and two part-time. Presently located in three, fully ICT equipped, dedicated teaching rooms in the main building, the department are preparing to move into the new sixth-form and administration centre currently under construction and due for completion in summer 2010.

For more information about the range of courses and opportunities available in the department, follow the links below:

• GCSE Business
• GCSE Health & Social Care
• BTEC Business (Retail)
• BTEC Health & Social Care
• AS/2 Business
• AS/2 Health & Social Care
• AS/2 Politics
• AS/2 Sociology
• New York Trip