Want to study at Blackpool Sixth but not sure you’ll get the grades you need?
Route3 is the ideal option for you.
Blackpool Sixth’s Route3 Programme has been specially created to give students an opportunity to boost their level 2/GCSE qualification profile and prepare them for Level 3 study and future next steps.
As a Route3 Programme student, you will commit to a supportive but challenging programme that has been designed to help you develop as a learner and to support you in achieving your all important GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths alongside other vocational Level 2 qualifications.
What does the Route3 programme involve?
- Study either GCSE English Language or Maths or both, if you haven’t got a grade 4 yet.
- Add one of the options in the blue boxes above which will be equivalent to two GCSE’s: BTEC Business (Single) and BTEC IT (Single) OR BTEC Public Services (Double) OR BTEC Creative Digital Media (Double) OR BTEC Health and Social Care (Double).
- If you have already passed GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 4, then you will take Level 2 Certificate in Financial Education as part of your programme. We can offer Level 2 Certificate in financial Education in place of either BTEC business or IT if you have previously taken one of those courses.
Details of all of these courses can be found on our website in the courses section.
Student Examples
Oli Clegg former Baines School student. Oli had achieved a grade 6 in GCSE English Language at high school. He studied GCSE Maths, BTEC IT, BTEC Business and level 2 Financial Education on the Route3 programme.
Quote from Oli – Route3 was…. “It was great, teachers were amazing and so helpful. Time absolutely flew by and my courses felt easy to pass due to the help of the teachers. Definitely recommend :)”
Oli has now progressed to the lower sixth to study level 3 BTEC in Business (Double) and level 3 Financial Studies.
Jake Wood former St Georges School student On the Route3 programme, Jake studied both GCSE Maths and GCSE English alongside BTEC IT and level 2 Financial Education. Usually students would take BTEC Business alongside IT but Jake had previously studied this at high school.
Quote from Jake- “Route3 isn’t an extension of High School but an opportunity to prepare you for life. You get to achieve extra grades along with the GCSE subjects you are studying. The support offered throughout the programme helps you re-establish what you want to achieve over a 3 years period. So there is no rush if you are unsure of your career path… Enjoy what you choose because this will help you to understand more about the subjects when you study in Lower Sixth.”
Jake is now in the lower sixth studying Level 3 BTEC business, BTEC IT and level 3 Financial Studies with a plan to progress to an NHS apprenticeship afterwards.
What else will the Route3 programme include?
Pastoral Mentoring- All Route3 students are all supported by a pastoral mentor who will provide weekly pastoral sessions and be the first point of contact throughout the year. Click here for more details.
Learning Resources Team– Students will be invited to attend bespoke study skills workshops with the learning resource team based in the FYI, to develop planning, organisation, independent learning, working to deadlines and other skills essential to succeed at college. Click here for more details.
Futures Team and CEIAG– Throughout the year students will be offered independent careers advice from our Futures team based in the FYI to help support decision making for next steps. Click here for more details.
Additional Learning Support- extra support for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities to overcome any barriers to learning or help with transition from school to college. Click here for more details.
6xtra– Students will have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities from the 6Xtra provision and are strongly encouraged to join at least one of these to support their development and enhance their CV. Activities include sports, dance, music, sign language, book club and many more. Click here for more details.
How do I gain a place on the Route3 programme and what are the entry requirements?
To join the Route3 programme you will need 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (or equivalent). One of either or English Language or Maths needs to be a grade 3 whilst the other needs to be no less than a grade 2.
What are the progression pathways after Route3?
To progress to a level 3 vocational programme following your Route3 year you must:
– achieve at least a merit in your level 2 BTEC subject(s)
– achieve at least a C grade in the finance course (if you have taken it)
– have at least a grade 4 in GCSE English or Maths
– have made progress in both GCSE English and Maths
– demonstrte good commitment to your studies
These pathways are not exclusive and just provided here as a guide. For those who have a specialism in Art based subjects, such as A level Photography, A level Graphics, A level Textiles, A Level Art Craft & Design and A level Fine Art pathways are available via the Route3 programme. On rare occasions some students are able to progress on to the combined programme if all Route3 expectations are met along with course specific entry requirements.