Notre Dame Pathway

WHAT IS THE NOTRE DAME PATHWAY?

The Notre Dame Pathway is designed to help students boost their GCSE profile after year 11 by studying level 2 BTEC/ CTEC qualifications and retaking GCSE English Language or GCSE Maths if required. Students on the pathway become level 2 students for one year before progressing to a level 3 study programme at Notre Dame.

To take a BTEC/CTEC level 2 qualification, you should have at least four GCSEs at grade 3 or equivalent qualifications, including at least a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE Maths. Students who haven’t already achieved a minimum of grade 4 in either GCSE English Language and Maths will continue to work towards this.

Please note: Our ND Pathway is only available to students who have received a conditional offer of place, attend their enrolment appointment in August, and meet the entry requirements for the pathway year. Offers will not be made at interview to enrol on the ND Pathway.

WHAT LEVEL 2 COURSES ARE AVAILABLE AT NOTRE DAME?

BTEC/ CTEC Level 2 courses include:

• Level 2 First in Applied Science (equivalent to two GCSEs)
• Level 2 First Certificate in Business (equivalent to two GCSEs)
• Level 2 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (equivalent to two GCSEs)
• Level 2 Diploma in IT (equivalent to two GCSEs)

PROGRESSION TO LEVEL 3

These level 2 qualifications provide excellent preparation for entry to level 3 BTEC/CTEC courses. To progress onto a level 3 programme, you will need to achieve at least a merit in your level 2 BTEC/CTEC qualification, achieve at least a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Maths (please see individual subjects for specific entry requirements), and have demonstrated a commitment to study at Notre Dame through outstanding attendance, behaviour and attitude.