Abbey College Manchester is marking a decade of resounding success of its Combined Studies programme, with its relaunch as Preparation Pathway for University.
The programme offers a unique and exciting pathway onto a highly competitive university degree course and a welcome alternative to the traditional two-year linear A-Level, and over the past 10 years, its students have secured much coveted places at well-respected UK universities. These include King’s College London, Lancaster University, University of York, Aston University and University of Aberdeen, to name but a few.
Ideally suited to students who benefit from a modular course structure, with termly exams, the unique format has been newly relaunched as Preparation Pathway for University to reflect its incredible results on securing first choice university entry for Abbey College Manchester students.
The course is recognised by a large number of top flight academic institutions and leads directly onto a university degree or a degree with foundation year.
It can be undertaken over one or two years, and comprises two optional subject strands, each worth 37.5% of the overall score, and a compulsory key skills strand worth 25%. Alongside subject content, the breadth and structure of the course develops language, knowledge, research and learning skills, which are essential skills for degree level study.
In accordance with its modular format, examinations are taken in December, March and June with one re-sit opportunity in the June series. This allows students to build up their score and have a good idea of the level they are achieving as the course progresses.
Academics from several universities visit the college and run workshops in subject areas such as Business, Product Design, Engineering and Science.
A number of pathways are offered and the flexible modular structure allows for the combination of two subjects, ranging from Business and Economics to Creative Arts and Humanities. Engineering, Environmental Science and Science are also offered.
Abbey College Manchester alumna Wesaal, who is now studying Biology at Keele university, spoke about her experience and said: “When I first joined the college, I was unconfident with the process of applying to universities, as I had been out of school for three years and studying independently. The Combined Studies Programme, now Preparation Pathway for University, was truly the best option and I am grateful that the college provides this.
“In one year, I was able to apply, receive offers and grow in confidence. I’m excited to move on to the next chapter of my academic journey.”
Chris Randell, Principal at Abbey College Manchester, commented: “We are thrilled to look back and reflect on the phenomenal 10-year success of our pioneering university pathway programme, which has secured wide recognition from many universities attended by our alumni. As a result, we felt its new name, Preparation Pathway for University, is more apt in reflecting just how pivotal it has been for many of our students.
“This practical and distinctive offering enables us to widen participation and inclusion, which is paramount to allowing each and every student to achieve their full potential, enabling them to thrive and achieve their dreams. We are looking forward to building on this programme further and seeing many more of our students pursue their ambitions of securing a place on their preferred course, at their first-choice university.”
Abbey College Manchester, part of the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges, is a thriving independent college in the heart of Manchester city centre, with a fast-growing and vibrant community of students aged 15-19.
With a teaching philosophy based on small classes and highly personalised learning in an academically rigorous but informal setting, the college focuses on the transition from school to university, working with students individually to achieve the academic standards and social skills required by their target and world-class universities. Abbey College Manchester also expertly prepares students for challenging courses such as medicine. The flexible programmes and personalised learning, combined with a strong academic ethos, offer a unique alternative to traditional schools.
There are 220 students at the college, comprising a mix of students from the local area and other countries. As well as the Preparation Pathway for University Programme, the college offers A-Level, GCSE and International Foundation Programmes.
For more information on Abbey College visit www.abbeymanchester.co.uk, or call 0161 817 2700.
Categories: Abbey College Manchester
