Curriculum
Your programme of study
One of the most exciting aspects of Post 16 education is the opportunity to specialise in the subjects that interest and inspire you most. Most students study three subjects, although some may choose or be eligible to study four. Your programme of study is designed to provide a balance between academic excellence, personal growth and preparation for your next steps after sixth form. Alongside your chosen qualifications, you will participate in a range of additional activities and sessions, including Enrichment, PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and Personal Development.
These elements help to develop the wider knowledge, skills and experiences that universities, employers and apprenticeship providers value, ensuring that you leave Post 16 as a confident, informed and well-rounded young adult. Further information about these aspects of your programme can be found below.
Enrichment
In Year 12, students not studying a subject in Block E choose an enrichment activity to be added to their timetable. For the 2026/27 academic year, the options were:
- ACS Core Maths
- ACS Engineering EPQ
- ACS EPQ
- ACS First Aid/Sign Language
- ACS Gold DofE
- ACS Fitness
- ACS Volunteering
PSHEE
Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education is part of the study programme for every student at Abbeywood Post 16. It teaches the essential knowledge and skills to stay healthy, safe, and prepared for life and work in modern society. It covers four main areas: personal development, social skills, health education, and economic wellbeing, including careers guidance.
Our dedicated Post 16 PSHEE page details the PSHEE curriculum content in more detail
Research shows that pupils who engage in PSHEE are better equipped to handle personal challenges, maintain healthy relationships, and achieve their academic potential. To support this, a dedicated team of Post 16 PSHEE teachers deliver the curriculum in smaller, and year-specific, groups. Each group is taught by their teacher for two terms, before rotating onto the next teacher for a different set of PSHEE topics.
Personal Development
As part of our commitment to developing well-rounded, informed and future-ready young people, all Post 16 students take part in a weekly Personal Development session every Wednesday from 8.30am–8.55am. These sessions provide opportunities to broaden your understanding of the world beyond your academic studies and support your personal growth. The programme includes assemblies, careers information, advice and guidance, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) education, participation in the House system, and exploration of key local, national and global events. Through these sessions, students are encouraged to develop their confidence, character, cultural awareness and understanding of the wider world, helping them to make informed decisions about their future education, training and career pathways.
Independent study
A key expectation of Post 16 study is the ability to work independently beyond your timetabled lessons. As a guide, students should aim to complete a significant amount of independent study each week, using study periods effectively to review classwork, complete assignments, undertake wider reading, and prepare for future lessons. Independent study is essential for developing the knowledge, skills and resilience needed for success in examinations, coursework and future pathways. Students who make the most of this time are better organised, more confident in lessons, and achieve stronger academic outcomes. By taking ownership of your learning, you will develop valuable habits such as self-discipline, time management and initiative, all of which are highly valued by universities, apprenticeships and employers.
The Engineering Centre is the primary place where you can complete independent study. There are three zones for study:
- Red Zone - (ES05) - This is a silent working environment.
- Amber Zone - (ES Study Area) - This is a quiet working environment.
- Green Zone - (Common Room and Restaurant) - This is a more relaxed zone, but please be aware of others.
Changing a subject
Students can change a subject in the first four weeks of the first term in Year 12. Changes must be approved by the Post-16 team and are subject to meeting the minimum entry criteria, suitability for the course and available places. There is a waiting list system for courses that are oversubscribed.
We do not permit course changes after this point, except in exceptional circumstances due to the significant pressure it places on students to catch up.
Please also note that all students are required to study a minimum of 3 Level 3 courses. Students are not permitted to drop subjects at any time during the two years of study. If a student feels that they are struggling with a particular course, it is important that they discuss their concerns with their teacher as soon as possible.
Mock exams and progress reporting
It is important that you know how well you are doing and we use two key mechanisms to help you understand this. Firstly, we formally report on your progress three times a year - terms 2, 4, and 6. There are also two mock exam periods (term 2 weeks 2 and 3, and term 3 week 4) where you sit mock exams in your subjects. Where this is close to a formal reporting period, this information is added to your report.
After each reporting point, the Post 16 team review your progress, alongside attendance records, to determine if any support is required.
