In this section you will find information about the courses we offer at Coombe Dean, including outlines of the course content and details of exam boards and how the course is assessed. 

• All students must study three full-time A-level or Level 3 Applied General (BTEC,CTEC) courses. Some students may take on an additional course which could be another full-time Level 3 course, or a part-time course such as Maths Studies or the Extended Project. This is a self-led research project which results in a qualification equivalent to half an A-level. 

• Students without a level 4 in Maths GCSE and English Language GCSE or English Literature GCSE are required to have an additional 1-2 hour session per week towards achieving level 4 at GCSE English and/or Maths. 

Some subjects require you to have already achieved a particular grade in specific GCSE subjects in order for you to be ready to embark on the course. You can check the grade requirements for all subjects in the course information.  

Plymstock:

• English Language and Literature A level
• Photography A level (same as our Art qualification but with a photography focus)
• Religious Studies A level
• PE A level
• IT BTEC
• Health and Social Care BTEC

Details can be found here: https://plymstockschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Pages-Course-Guide-2023-for-PDF.pd

Hele's:

• Digital Media BTEC
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• Product Design A level
• Travel and Tourism BTEC
• PE A level
• Media Studies A level
• Religious Studies A level

Details can be found here: https://www.heles.plymouth.sch.uk/page/?title=Course+Information&pid=58

Students do not need to apply to the schools directly - we sort that all out from our end once we've interviewed and discussed plans with students.

• In addition, students will experience one hour per week of study skills/critical thinking to help master the independent skills and critical thinking that facilitate success at this level, plus one hour per week volunteering/work experience to ensure students are well-prepared for making decisions about work or higher education. There is also a weekly opportunity to arpticpate in sports activities.

• The remaining hours are dedicated to independent study in our post 16 study pods, common room and classrooms. 

• All students start the day with a daily tutor session enabling us to monitor welfare and progress, as well as: weekly careers advice; university and apprenticeship applications support; mental health, relationships and wellbeing education; opportunities to discuss current events; and support with study and organisational skills.