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Pathways

Pathways

Get ahead
at St John Rigby

Building upon our market leading elective programme and in response to the increased competition for university places and employment opportunities we will be offering students the opportunity to follow one of our new Pathways to Success.

Pathways to Success combines the study of traditional academic A levels or Vocational Qualifications with a programme of enrichment opportunities, work experience and dedicated careers guidance to get you ahead of the crowd.

Whether you are thinking of Oxford or Cambridge Universities, a Modern Apprenticeship or employment after sixth form, our Pathways to Success programme offers something for everybody.

How is your programme constructed?

Our Pathways to Success programme provides students with a flexible choice of course to suit a wide range of progression opportunities.

You will be able to discuss your options during your course discussion appointment and then again at your enrolment interview in August when you have received your GCSE results.

At St John Rigby College, you will be able to follow a core subject programme comprising of the following:

  • Three Advanced Level Subjects
  • An Extended Diploma
  • A Diploma + 1 Advanced Level Subject
  • A Diploma + 1 Extended Certificate
  • 2 Advanced Levels + 1 Extended Certificate
  • 1 Advanced Level + 2 BTEC Extended Certificates
  • 3 Extended Certificates


An Extended Diploma is equivalent to studying three Advanced Levels, a Diploma is equivalent to studying two Advanced Levels and an Extended Certificate is the equivalent of one Advanced Level.

In addition, students with exceptional GCSE grades can opt to take a fourth subject if they so wish.

What else will I be able to do alongside my academic programme?

For the equivalent of four days each week you will be studying your core programme of academic and vocational courses.

You will attend a programme of career focused activities with your progress tutor and follow a course called values for living. In this 45-minute lesson, you will explore a range of topics such as politics, current affairs, religion, spirituality, and self-awareness to develop important transferable skills that will equip you for further study and the world at work, enabling you to make a positive contribution to the society in which you live.

You will also be able to follow one of our elective programmes where you will be able to develop your interests and explore further the opportunities open to you after your time at College. Our electives bring you into contact with academics, professionals from the world of work, employers and apprenticeship providers who seek to widen your experiences and raise your aspirations.

Finally, as your programme is organised over the equivalent of four college days, you will have time each week where you can organise work experience or employment to gain a greater understanding of your chosen career. You will have access to our dedicated Careers Adviser and Work Experience Coordinator who will provide help and guidance in seeking out appropriate placements. Our work placement officer has an extensive list of work placement providers and many of our pathways have dedicated work placements integrated into your studies.

A typical Pathway timetable

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

College based study of your academic or vocational subjects

In College subject teaching and enrichment day to include:

Careers Advice and Guidance

Values for Living

An Elective Programme

Subject based trips and visits

College based study of your academic or vocational subjects

College based study of your academic or vocational subjects

Work placement

Or

Should you choose a fourth subject, your college-based studies will require another day in College.

Entry Requirements

To follow a pathway composed entirely of advanced level subjects, students must achieve two grade 6s and four grade 4s including English Language at GCSE and must meet the individual subject requirements for each of the subjects chosen To follow a pathway composed of a Diploma and an Advanced Level or Extended Certificate students must achieve five grade 4s including English Language at GCSE and must meet the individual subject requirements for all chosen courses. Students following an Extended Diploma pathway should have a minimum of five grade 4s including English Language at GCSE
Student

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Level 2 entry requirements

If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.  

Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment. 

As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4. 

Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.

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