Join Abbey College Manchester

General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSE) represent the first stage on the path to study at a UK university. Many institutions will ask for at least 5 GCSE passes for entry, including English or IELTS and Maths.

In 2022 79% of GCSEs awarded to Abbey College Manchester students achieved grades 9-5 (A** – C).

September 2023 GCSE study options at Abbey College Manchester

Why study GCSEs?

Depending on the duration of studies, GCSE students will take between 5-6 subjects. GCSEs provide an introduction to the UK education system, offering students a breadth of subjects, time to familiarise themselves with the academic rigor of the UK education system and improve their English (English Language or IELTS is a compulsory GCSE subject). GCSEs also provide a natural pathway to A Levels, and students who have taken GCSEs tend to perform better in higher level examinations.

How are they taught?   

GCSE course content is broken up into topics, with an emphasis on understanding the connection between topics within the wider context of the subject.  The exams are linear which means they are all taken at the end of the course.

Assessment

GCSEs are assessed by an end of course exam. Some subjects will also by coursework or practical work.

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Advanced Level courses, commonly known as ‘A-Levels’ are the most widely recognised qualification for entry to UK universities.

In 2022, 64% of A Levels awarded to Abbey College Manchester students achieved grades A* – B.

September 2023 A Level study options at Abbey College Manchester

IELTs is an additional subject taught alongside A-Levels for those who require it.

Why study A-Levels?

Most students will take three A-Level subjects over the duration of their studies. A-Levels offer a good balance between subjects specialisation and choice, allowing students to focus on the subject that really interest them with the option of maintain breadth of subject choice. A-Levels offer progression to the widest range of universities, both in the UK and abroad.

 How are they taught?

Course content is divided into different topics, and students are encouraged to develop and understand the links between them. Learning is underpinned by the key concepts of the skills of the subject, with a strong focus on their practical real world application.

 Assessment

A-Levels have a linear structure, which means that all exams take place at the end of the final year. Most A-Level subjects are assessed by written examination unless the course has a large practical element (such as in Art or Photography) or coursework such as Geography.  All science A-Levels have a practical endorsement which does not contribute to the final score, but is compulsory to pass the A-Level.

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Our International Foundation Programme (IFP) is an intensive year 13 academic programme that offers international students direct entry to a wide range of UK universities.

In 2022, Abbey College Manchester students achieved an average overall score of 64% on our International Foundation Programme.

September 2023 International Foundation Programme Study options at Abbey College Manchester

*Sport Foundation pathway is only available for Academic Studies with Sport Students

Why study International Foundation Programme?

One advantage of our foundation programmes is that the destinations are not limited to a choice of one or two partner universities. This means students are able to progress to all but three UK universities, including many top-ranked Russell Group institutions.

How are they taught?

Students choose two subject strands to make up the pathway, e.g. maths and physics for engineering.  Key skills in taught alongside the main subjects.  Each subject strand is modular with the examinations taken in December, March and June.  there is the opportunity to resit up to two units in June.   The medicine pathway has a slightly different structure because three subject strands are chosen.  IELTS is taught alongside the IFP for those who require it.

Assessment

Students will achieve a percentage score for the programme; typical offers from universities require 45% – 85% for entry to degree programmes.

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This exciting course is aimed at students who have a passion for sports, and who want to continue training at a high level whilst they study.

Sports available:

• Basketball
• Cycling
• Football (Development & Elite Pathways)
• Tennis

Students will study on our GCSE, A Level or International Foundation Programme in the morning and have training sessions led by professional coaches in the afternoon.

Why study Academic Studies with Football or Basketball Training?

This is a unique opportunity for students to gain qualifications for entry to university alongside intensive sports training, which could lead to playing professionally or semi-professionally in the future. Training sessions are added to students’ timetables without impacting the core study requirements to gain their qualifications.

For football students, there is a choice between two pathways, ‘Development’ and ‘Elite’ with the elite programme offering a more intensive training and playing schedule aimed at students who want to go on to play at professional or semi-professional level.

Football Programmes and Features

Basketball Training

Basketball training takes place at the British National Basketball Centre and is led by former Great Britain basketball international Jamie Edwards. Training sessions are delivered each afternoon by professional and experienced coaches at the Manchester Giants practice facilities. Students are taught to integrate ‘on court’ basketball skills together with ‘off-court’ life skills to secure academic and sporting success.

Cycling

We are thrilled to be working with Manchester Cycling Academy to offer this innovative course, which will be the first of its kind in the UK and possibly Europe. Students on the pioneering programme will attend academic classes in the morning where they have flexible options to study A-Levels, GCSEs, or International Foundation programme, and then have the invaluable opportunity to participate in cycling coaching at the National Cycling Centre or on the lanes of leafy Cheshire in the afternoons.

Tennis

This is a unique opportunity for students to gain qualifications for entry to university alongside structured tennis coaching which could lead to students pursuing careers in professional tennis. Whether you’re aiming to be the next Wimbledon champion, or looking to develop your tennis skills to play ay the next level, our coaches are experienced at working with all abilities.  Coaching will follow the latest Lawn Tennis Association guidelines and sessions are delivered by licensed and registered LTA coaches.

Facilities

Football training takes place at our modern, state of the art training facilities located a short drive from the college. Basketball training takes place at the home of the British Basketball League club Manchester
Giants. Cycling training takes place at the Manchester Cycling Academy. Tennis training takes place at high-quality court facilities in Manchester.

How is it taught?

Students will study on our GCSE, A-Level or International Foundation Programme in the mornings and have football or basketball training sessions led by professional coaches in the afternoon.

Assessment

Assessment will follow the specifications of the academic course students choose to pursue, these are GCSE, A-Level and International Foundation Programme.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for this programme students will need to meet the academic and English level requirements of the course they wish to study (GCSE, A Level, or International Foundation Programme).
To be considered for our Elite Football Programme, students need to provide evidence that they have previously played football and have a commitment to the sport.

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