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 2021 91% of GCSEs awarded to Abbey College Manchester students achieved grades 9-5 (A** – C).

September 2022 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 2021, 86% of A Levels awarded to Abbey College Manchester students achieved grades A* – B.

September 2022 A Level study options at Abbey College Cambridge

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 2021, Abbey College Manchester students achieved an average overall score of 70% on our International Foundation Programme.

September 2022 International Foundation Programme Study options at Abbey College Manchester

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 makeup 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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These special courses are aimed at students who have a passion for football or basketball, and who want to continue training whilst they study.

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 football or basketball training, which could lead to playing professionally or semi-professionally in the future. Football or Basketball training sessions are added to students’ timetables without impacting on the core study requirements to gain their qualification.

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.

Academic Studies and Football Training can be taken in conjunction with the following academic programmes:

• GCSE
• A-Level
• International Foundation Programme

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.

Facilities

Our student athletes train at purpose-built professional standard training facilities. Training sessions are run by professional coaches. Basketball students train at the English National Basketball Centre alongside the Manchester Giants professional basketball team. For our students who want to take the next step, we organise regular trials with professional football and basketball teams.

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Spend a term improving your English language skills and developing your football or basketball skills.

Why study with us? 

• Improve your written and spoken English
• Live and study in the sporting capital of the UK, the vibrant city of Manchester
• Study in the classroom in the morning and then attend one of our professional sports training facilities in the afternoon – Football or Basketball
• High quality accommodation and pastoral support included

Whilst you study you will become a full member of our diverse student community.

Upon completion of your studies, you will receive a comprehensive academic report and completion certificate to take home. If you enjoy your time here, you can also choose to join the full GCSE or A Level course and complete your university studies in the UK or at home.

Please note that there are limited places on these courses available.

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Tuition Fees

Boarding Fees

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