We offer a mix of subjects at Alpha, the subjects you take will depend on your age, the number of days you attend with us and your ability. Below is a full list of subjects we offer is an example timetable and following this we will write down which subjects you can expect to be doing as you start with us, this may change throughout your time with us if your days change, or your interests change etc.

Please scroll down to read further information about each subject and qualification.

Maths

At Alpha Learning, a full Mathematics Curriculum is offered, which includes GCSE and Functional Skills qualifications. This curriculum is offered across KS3 and KS4. Each student will complete an Access Mathematics Test, at the start of their placement, and this will provide a baseline by which we be able to track their progress, on a termly basis.

Topics covered includes;

• Number
• Algebra
• Multiplicative reasoning
• Geometry & Measure
• Probability & Statistics.

English 

The English Curriculum offered at Alpha Learning, at KS3 and KS4, aims to inspire and motivate students through relevant and engaging lessons. They will read a wide range of texts, understand the correct use of grammar, improving spelling and punctuation. Students will study creative writing and will be able to use descriptive techniques in their completed work.  GCSE and Functional skills qualifications are taken at Alpha Learning at the end of Year 11.

English Literature 

English Literature is offered at KS3 and KS4, with a GCSE qualification at the end of Year 11. Students will study,

• A work of William Shakespeare
• A 19^th Century Novel
• Modern Texts and Poetry.

Science

Alpha Learning offers an established Science Curriculum across KS3 and KS4. Whilst KS4 (GCSE) will complete a curriculum aimed around Biology only; including topics such as Cell Biology and Infection and Response, KS3 students will have a broader Science Curriculum that includes Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Topics within these subjects will include,

• Biology: Evolution, Living organisms and Nutrition.
• Chemistry: Atoms, Acids/Alkaline, Salts and States of Matter.
• Physics: Forces and Movement, Space and Energy.

BTEC Sport

Alongside the extensive practical work which is offered within the gym, and other off-site sporting activities, students at Alpha Learning are given the opportunity to study the BTEC (Level 1 and 2) in Sport. Theory lessons are delivered for the course, alongside numerous practical activities. Units studied for this course are;

• Fitness for Sport and Exercise
• Practical Performance in Sport
• Applying the Principles of Personal Training
• The Mind and Sports Performance
• The Sports Performer in Action
• Leading Sports Activities.

Music

Alpha Learning has now introduced a BTEC First Award, in Music, working closely with a local recording studio. Students are given the opportunity to create their own lyrics and develop the music to go with these. The units they will cover include;

• The Music Industry
• Managing a Music Product.

Arts Award

Alpha Learning has recently introduced the Bronze, Silver and Gold Arts Award. This award allows students to express themselves in a practical manner. The courses require students to collate a portfolio of work, which is then moderated and graded accordingly. The quality and detail of the portfolio will determine if each student receives a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. As part of the Arts Award, students will;

• Develop their interests, knowledge, and skills through actively participating in any art form.
• Experience of at least one arts event/experience as an audience member and carry out a review of that event/experience.
• Research the career and work of an artist or craftsperson that inspires them.
• Experience the passing on of an arts skill.

Humanities

Alpha Learning offers a project-based Humanities Curriculum, in which small projects will be planned around topics in Religious Studies, Geography and History. Projects in these subjects include;

• World Wars I and II
• Ancient Wonders of the World
• World Religions
• Countries of the World
• Weather & Global Warming.
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PSHE

 Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education, is an important and necessary part of all student’s education, at Alpha Learning.  The PSHE Curriculum aims to equip students with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions. Topics covered include;

• Drug Education
• Financial Educatio,
• Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)
• Healthy Lifestyles.

Students will be encouraged to share knowledge and opinions and listen to and accept the opinions/beliefs of others.

Preparation for Work

We employee external providers, who offer our students accredited courses that both inform and increase awareness of practical aspects of life. Whilst doing so, these courses also arm them with accreditations that are desirable to employers, should they chose to follow the path of apprenticeships, when they leave us. Courses include;

• First Aid
• Fire Safety
• Conflict Handling
• Manual Handling.