Students studying an A-Level, Vocational or Mixed Pathway can take one of Priestley’s specialism as one of their four courses.
Priestley’s specialisms are designed to provide the in-depth knowledge and skills linked to a potential career or progression route. We have split these into different areas of expertise to support your academic programme and bolster your prospects after college.
| ACADEMIC SPECIALISMS | WHAT - AND WHO - THIS SPECIALISM IS FOR |
|---|---|
| High Achievers' Programme | The High Achievers' Programme is a dedicated support programme for Priestley's most able students, designed to develop the skills necessary for academic success both at college and beyond while building the skills and confidence needed to apply to the most competitive universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group institutions. |
| Core Maths | This is a one-year course and 4.5 hours a week. Core Maths is a Level 3 course enabling students to develop their application of maths skills, particularly useful if you are studying Science, Geography, ICT, Business Studies, Economics or Psychology. Second Years can pick this up as a one-year course. UCAS points are equivalent to AS points tariff. |
| MDV Programme (Medicine, Dentistry Veterinary) | This programme prepares students for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary careers. Benefits include talks from doctors, dentists and veterinarians. We also stage medical ethics debates as well as pose problem-based learning and critical thinking challenges. You will receive support with work placements, support with personal statements, UCAT and interview techniques. |
| Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) | EPQ is a one-year course equivalent to half an A-level and worth up to 28 UCAS points, where students choose their own research topic related to future career plans, study, or personal interests to develop crucial academic research and writing skills.The course involves 2-3 hours per week lesson time plus independent learning to complete projects for assessment. Students choose from five pathways:
Dissertation (General) - Developing academic research skills including referencing, literature reviews, and using academic sources to produce a 5000-word research project. Artefact - Planning, developing and creating art such as installations, paintings, short stories, animations, or documentaries with a 2000-word report. Product Design - Designing and making a product with a 2000-word report on the design and creation process Sustainability - For students interested in Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Geology, Geography, Chemistry, and Engineering, offering climate and sustainability research through fieldwork investigation or 5000-word dissertation. Cyber Security - Enabling Computing and ICT students to focus on cyber security aspects including computing history, cryptography, digital forensics, and human elements in cyber security. |
| CREATIVE ARTS SPECIALISMS | WHAT - AND WHO - THIS SPECIALISM IS FOR |
|---|---|
| Oxygen (Dance Rambert Grades) | Rambert Associates is a dance training programme that runs every Thursday from 4:15-5:30 at Priestley College. As part of the Rambert Associates programme students will study the Rambert Grade 4 syllabus and will be trained by a fully-qualified Rambert Grades teacher. This is a fantastic opportunity to study a fully funded qualification (exam fee additional) which is recognised by Ofqual. |
| Respiration Theatre Company | Develop performance skills for the stage, including vocal and physical techniques. Develop two performances across the year, one for the Winter Showcase and one for Summer. This course is 1.5 hours per week in a workshop with additional independent rehearsal, approximately two hours per week. |
| Acting for Camera | This course teaches the essential skills needed for TV and film acting, including vocal, physical, and character techniques specifically for camera work. Students learn to access the growing screen acting industry through Trinity's 'Acting for Screen' qualification, attending one hour of weekly workshops plus three hours of independent study. |
| CAREER READINESS SPECIALISMS | WHAT - AND WHO - THIS SPECIALISM IS FOR |
|---|---|
| NHS Cadet Programme (Advanced Pathway) | This is a one-year course running two hours per week focusing on a key skills module that introduces essential skills for both NHS Cadet work and future healthcare roles. Students receive an overview of the pathway and St John's values while getting to know other cadets in their group, and attend sessions developing awareness of practical skills including moving and handling, GDPR, safeguarding, and First Aid. All useful in future healthcare careers.Topics include:
Key clinical skills Healthcare and the bigger picture Well-being and empathy Understanding care Leadership and career skills |
| Journalism | For those considering a career in journalism. This course will develop your journalistic skills and give you experience in writing articles for different genres. Alumni have gone on to prestigious apprenticeships including with the BBC. We recommend reading the full course profile for more details and additional requirements for joining this course. |
| French & German for Business | This professional accreditation is aimed at boosting students’ employability prospects and is designed to give learners an insight into the world of international business. This course can count towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award and 16 UCAS points. Two lessons per week. |
| L2 Certificate in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community | This course provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in teamwork, communication, employability - and a context in which to focus their personal development. The course involves volunteering. |
| SPORT SPECIALISMS | WHAT - AND WHO - THIS SPECIALISM IS FOR |
|---|---|
| Sport Academies | At Priestley we offer an unrivalled range of sports teams and clubs that students can join as part of their study programme, with qualified specialist coaches to bring out their best. |
| Elite Sport + / TASS | Sport Priestley leads the way in supporting talented athletes in England. We are accredited by the Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and students can opt into our Elite Sports+ Programme, which is designed for athletes competing at the highest levels to ensure they can excel in both their chosen sport and their academic studies. |
| Certificate in Gym Instruction | Students will be taken through a mixture of theory and practical learning. Topics will include; anatomy & physiology, professional standards in the workplace, and practical delivery of coaching skills. |