AQA Unit Award Scheme

This course is offered to identified students as part of the Year 9 Options process. The course provides additional opportunities for students to develop their personal, social and employability skills, build confidence and independence, and prepare for their next steps in education, training and employment.

Students follow a programme of learning through the AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS). The programme allows students to achieve recognition for the knowledge, skills and experiences they develop throughout the course.

Why study the AQA Unit Award Scheme?

The AQA Unit Award Scheme provides a flexible and accessible way for students to have their achievements formally recognised. Rather than working towards one final examination, students complete individual units covering a range of practical and relevant topics.

The course places an emphasis on developing skills that students can use both now and in the future. Activities encourage students to participate, reflect on their experiences, solve problems, communicate effectively and become increasingly confident and independent learners.

Students can build a portfolio of achievements across the course and receive an AQA Unit Award Scheme certificate which records the units they have successfully completed.

What will I study?

The programme is designed around the personal development needs of our students and may include units covering areas such as:

• Personal development and wellbeing – developing confidence, self-awareness, resilience and strategies for maintaining positive wellbeing.
• Communication and social skills – developing effective communication, teamwork, listening skills and positive relationships with others.
• Independent living skills – developing practical skills that support greater independence and preparation for adult life.
• Employability and the world of work – exploring careers, workplace expectations and the personal qualities and skills valued by employers.
• Careers and progression – identifying personal strengths and interests, exploring Post-16 opportunities and planning appropriate next steps.
• Financial awareness – developing an understanding of money, budgeting, income, spending and making informed financial decisions.
• Community and citizenship – understanding responsibilities, contributing positively to the wider community and developing an awareness of the world around us.

The units studied may be adapted to meet the needs, interests and progression pathways of individual students.

How is the course assessed?

There are no formal examinations as part of the AQA Unit Award Scheme.

Students demonstrate their achievement through activities completed during each unit. Evidence may include written work, practical activities, discussions, presentations, research, observations and other appropriate tasks.

Each unit has clearly defined learning outcomes. Students receive recognition when they have demonstrated that they have successfully completed the outcomes for that unit.

This approach allows students to build a record of achievement throughout the course and provides opportunities to recognise progress in practical, personal and academic skills.

What skills will I develop?

Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to develop important transferable skills including communication, teamwork, organisation, problem solving, resilience, independence, decision making and self-confidence.

These skills support students across the wider curriculum and help prepare them for further education, training, apprenticeships, employment and adult life.

Progression

The course supports students in considering their future aspirations and identifying appropriate Post-16 pathways. Students will explore their own strengths, interests and skills and consider how these can contribute towards future education, training and employment opportunities.

By the end of the programme, students will have developed a portfolio of recognised achievements alongside practical skills and experiences that can support their next steps.