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 Types of courses at Aquinas

We offer courses in over 50 subject areas which are taught by well-qualified specialists within high quality, purpose built classrooms.

“The dedicated and passionate teaching staff take the time to know who you are as a person and offer you fantastic support to achieve your potential”
Carys (student)

A-Levels

A-Levels are two-year courses; the majority are 100% examined with exams at the end of the second year. In some subjects there is a small coursework component, please check the individual subject pages via the sixth form course directory.

Level 3 Vocational Courses

Vocational Courses have the same equivalence as A-Levels; eg both a Distinction * and A level A* are worth 56 UCAS points. They are assessed by a combination of exams, controlled assessment and coursework. These assessments take place throughout the two-year period of study; for the majority you will complete exams or controlled assessment, alongside coursework in both the first and second year. The results of these assessments count towards your final grade. Please check the individual assessment arrangements on the subject pages via the sixth form course directory.

Level 2 Courses

We only offer a limited number of GCSE and other level 2 courses. If you do not achieve a grade 4 or above in English and/or Maths, you will need to enrol on the appropriate GCSE course. This is to ensure your progression, either to Level 3 courses at Aquinas or to access other options, as many routes require you to have GCSE Maths and English plus three other grade 4 or equivalent passes. Level 2 courses are completed within a one year programme.

AAT: Bookkeeping & Accounting Levels 2 and 3

These courses are offered as introductory courses to students interested in working in accounting or as a progression route to further levels of study in bookkeeping. They are suitable for[...]

Photograph of a student studying with a calculator

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Are you looking for a fast-track route to university? Our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses allow you to get to university in one year Our Access programme is a[...]

Photograph of a student studying

Baking for Beginners *Starting January 2025*

On this course you will be making; scones, biscuits, cookies, cupcakes, shortcrust pastry, Victoria Sandwich, bread, sweet pastry and festive baked items. Each week, you will need to bring an[...]

Photograph of some baked cakes

Ceramics

On this course you will learn basic techniques and good working practice in order to achieve well made and successful work with this versatile material. The course focuses on the[...]

Photograph of a student making pottery

Creative Stitches and Textile Art

On this course you will learn basic techniques and good working practice in order to achieve well made and successful work with this versatile material. The course focuses on the[...]

Photograph of students work

Creative Writing

Writing develops creativity and allows us to tap into our inner world to enjoy exploring our ideas. Sometimes getting things down in black and white can even help sort out[...]

Crochet for Beginners

This course is for total beginners. You will learn all crochet stitches, how to increase and decrease, pattern reading and understanding.

Dressmaking

This class is designed for total beginners and those at intermediate level. We will start with the basics, and you will develop your skills over the course. You will learn[...]

Photograph of dresses created by Aquinas students

English / Maths GCSE

Each GCSE course is taught as a one year part-time course, designed for those who: May have been out of education for a while and would like another opportunity to[...]

Photograph of a student holding a calculator

ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages

You will study English/ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) at Pre-entry, Entry level 1- 3 or Level 1 or 2, dependant on the outcome of your language assessment, which you[...]

Essential Digital Skills

Essential Digital Skills Qualifications are modern qualifications designed to enable adults to develop their knowledge and skills to use in their personal lives, or to support them in their careers.[...]

Photograph of a man operating a computer

Floral Design

This course is designed for anyone who is new to floristry or for those who have prior experience and want to perfect their designs for special events and occasions. Beginners[...]

Photograph of some flower designs produced by students

French

We offer a range of French language levels to suit beginner through to a higher conversation level. You will be taught a range of topics designed to help you when[...]

Cropped photograph of a French teacher teaching in a classroom.

German

We offer a range of German language levels to suit beginner through to a higher intermediate level (see below). You will be taught a range of topics designed to help[...]

Photograph of a student studying German

Italian

We offer a range of Italian language levels to suit beginner through to a higher intermediate level (details below). You will be taught a range of topics designed to help[...]

Mathematics Foundation GCSE – Edexcel

Each GCSE course is taught as a one year part-time course, designed for those who: May have been out of education for a while and would like another opportunity to[...]

Photograph of a student holding a calculator

Men’s over 50 Fitness Class *NEW for January 2025*

This course is designed to help you improve your own health and fitness by taking part in group and individual exercise activities. There will be opportunities for you to work[...]

Painting & Drawing

This is a one-year course paid termly which covers the basic techniques in Drawing, Painting and simple printmaking. This course is designed for those who have little or no knowledge[...]

Photograph of a student painting on canvas.

Painting for Pleasure

This course is ideal for those who have never painted before but would like to learn in a friendly and supportive environment with an experienced teacher. The course starts with[...]

Photograph of a student using water colours to create a painting.

Pilates

Pilates exercises strengthen and tone muscles and can improve flexibility, balance and posture. The class is suitable for all levels including beginners and all exercises can be adapted for individual[...]

Science Combined GCSE – double award (Trilogy) – AQA

Each GCSE course is taught as a one year part-time course. To apply for this course you must already hold Level 2 Functional skills OR a Grade C (4) or[...]

Photograph of a student holding a calculator

Sewing for Beginners *New for January 2025*

You will be doing hand and machine sewing. We will be making bags, purses, pencil cases and cushion covers.

Spanish

We offer a range of Spanish language levels to suit beginner through to a higher conversation level (details below). You will be taught a range of topics designed to help[...]

Photograph of a Spanish icon on the wall.

Watercolours (Beginners and Improvers)

This course is ideal for those who have never painted before but would like to learn in a friendly and supportive environment with an experienced teacher. The course starts with[...]

Photograph of a student using water colours to create a painting.

Yoga: Iyengar Beginner Level 1 & Intermediate/Advanced

Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.