Subjects & Courses

Learning for Life

Three students wearing aprons sit at a table in a bright, art-filled classroom, smiling and working on creative projects together under slanted windows with sunlight streaming in—showing how they Learn Differently.

Huge Choice of Subjects

Milton Abbey School offers one of the broadest and most flexible academic offerings in the independent sector.

We aim to give every child a chance to study the mix of subjects that they are interested in. Through choice we foster enthusiasm and engagement, which encourages superior academic outcomes.

Subject Choices

Choose one category from below

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Animal Care

GCSE and BTEC Level 2

Animal Care

GCSE and BTEC Level 2

Pupils will develop their skills and knowledge through hands-on learning, inside and outside the classroom. There are three main modules of ‘Animal & Plant Husbandry’, ‘Estate Maintenance’ and ‘Conservation of British Habitats’.

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Art

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Art

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

GCSE pupils can study from the Art, Craft & Design, or Fine Art course specifications. A-Level students can choose from ‘Art, Craft and Design’ and ‘Lens and Light-based Media’. The course encourages students to develop their creative practice through the development of practical skills, alongside investigative and analytical work.

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Biology

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Biology

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Biology is the study of living things and with issues such as GM technology and climate change becoming increasingly prominent, there has never been a better time to study it.

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Capability and Skills Curriculum

Third Form

Capability and Skills Curriculum

Third Form

Students learn about this history of Milton Abbey, while simultaneously learning ways to understand themselves better.

Two people wearing white lab coats and safety goggles work with lab equipment on a bench in a bright science classroom, with one adjusting a burette and the other observing attentively.

Chemistry

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Chemistry

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

The study of this subject at A-Level provides students not only with a glimpse into the underpinnings of the modern work, but also gives them valuable laboratory and analytical skills.

A student in a white lab coat and gloves stands at a science lab table, looking at an instructor who holds a syringe and gestures with his other hand. Lab equipment and an anatomical model are visible in the background.

Combined Science

GCSE and BTEC Level 2

Combined Science

GCSE and BTEC Level 2

Students who are more comfortable studying Science will complete the double Combined Science course. This also covers topics across all three sciences but results in two full GCSEs awards and enables access to study any of the three sciences at A-Level.

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Countryside Management

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Countryside Management

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

The ideal subject for study in a rural environment, such as that found in Dorset. The course takes an informed and practical approach to learning; giving students the opportunity to gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge of the issues facing the rural economy.

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Creative Media

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Creative Media

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

The course gives pupils the chance to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a well-equipped creative studio, plus learn relevant theory and processes. They will develop aptitude in creative media production, including developing an idea, production, and post-production

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Criminology

Sixth Form

Criminology

Sixth Form

Students will look at the intersections between law, psychology and sociology, developing interpretative and analytical skills, as well as theoretical knowledge.

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Critical and Contextual Studies

Sixth Form

Critical and Contextual Studies

Sixth Form

This course asks students to explore artistic movements and contexts, investigating how different artistic modes have developed against their social, historical and political backdrops.

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Design and Technology

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Design and Technology

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

The course gives pupils the chance to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a well-equipped creative studio, plus learn relevant theory and processes •They will develop aptitude in creative media production, including developing an idea, production, and post-production

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Digital Media Skills

Third Form

Digital Media Skills

Third Form

The course gives pupils the chance to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a well-equipped creative studio, plus learn relevant theory and processes.

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Drama

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Drama

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Pupils will develop the practical skills needed in drama, balanced with the theoretical knowledge to understand and analyse scripts and live performances, they will get to exercise and develop their imaginations.

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Economics

Sixth Form

Economics

Sixth Form

Students study the dynamics between consumers, businesses, governments and the finance markets. They learn to understand how these factors influence employment, prices, international trade and the wealth/poverty divide.

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English Language

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Third Form

English Language

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Third Form

Pupils will study a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, develop reading comprehension and analytical skills, write their own fiction and non-fiction pieces, and demonstrate spoken language skills. Some pupils may study a Functional Skills course before sitting their full GCSE.

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English Literature

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

English Literature

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Pupils will study both English Language and English Literature, resulting in two full GCSEs. In addition to the English Language areas, pupils study a wider range of literature, analysing contexts and writers’ intentions.

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Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

This course provides students with these skills, as well as offering them the opportunity to start and run their own business. In an increasingly competitive world this course will equip students with the skills they need to be successful in business.

Equine-Management

Equine Management

Sixth Form

Equine Management

Sixth Form

This course gives students the opportunity to develop the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to start a career in the equine industry. The course exposes students to issues surrounding equine health and care, physiology and behaviour, the racing industry and equine business.

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Extended Project Qualification

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form

Extended Project Qualification

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form

Equivalent to half an A-Level, it allows students to develop their passions and learn a range of transferable research and project management skills.

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Fashion

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form

Fashion

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form

Studying Fashion Design allows students to develop their creative and aesthetic awareness and to gain the skills needed to create fashion products. The course combines practical workshop time with research and theoretical understanding.

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Film and TV Production

Sixth Form

Film and TV Production

Sixth Form

Film & TV Production offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of film editing, practical film-making and media content production.

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French

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

French

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Pupils taking French GCSE continue from Third Form materials, studying eight modules on practical topics like travel and employment. In the Sixth Form, pupils enhance language skills and cultural understanding through film, literature, and social issues. Language proficiency is increasingly valuable in today’s globalised world.

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Geography

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Geography

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Pupils will develop their knowledge of locations, places, environments and processes – at different geographical scales – in within different social, political and cultural contexts. They will gain understanding of the interactions between people and environments.

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History

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

History

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

The GCSE syllabus focuses on 20th Century history, as this is accessible and relatable to the present. Sixth Formers study the people, events and decisions that have shaped Britain, Europe, and the world.

Two chefs in white uniforms and dark aprons prepare food together in a commercial kitchen. One mixes ingredients in a bowl while the other gestures and speaks. Various utensils and ingredients are on the stainless steel counter.

Hospitality

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Hospitality

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Pupils will develop their skills and knowledge through hands-on learning, inside the classroom and the kitchen. The modules studied are ‘Introducing Hospitality’, ‘Planning, Preparing, Cooking & Finishing Food’, ‘Food Safety and Health & Safety’, ‘Working in Hospitality’.

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Maths

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Maths

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Maths is an essential and compulsory subject at GCSE, as it has so many applications in other subjects and the wider world. The syllabus we follow develops mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, providing excellent progression to A-Level study and practical use after school.

A man in a gray suit and striped tie sits at a grand piano inside a spacious, well-lit room with stone walls and large windows. He appears focused, with his hands near the keys.

Music Performance

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Music Performance

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

The course allows you to engage with the music industry, developing a range of practical and technical skills. There are three compulsory modules on ‘Exploring Music Products & Styles’, ‘Music Skills Development’ and ‘Responding to a Commercial Music Brief’.

A young person wearing a suit and striped tie plays a drum set in a music studio, holding drumsticks and looking focused. There is a window and soundproofing foam on the walls behind them.

Music Technology

Sixth Form

Music Technology

Sixth Form

As a practical introduction to life and work in the industry, students will develop transferrable skills including teamwork, leadership and communication; develop and perform music to a brief, and analyse, evaluate and enhance their work.

A young person with blond hair and a white shirt is holding a camera, focusing intently on photographing white objects arranged on a table in front of them. The background is dimly lit and out of focus.

Photography

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Photography

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

GCSE topics explored include; landscape, natural form, portraiture and movement. The A-Level course encourages students to develop their creative practice through the development of practical skills, alongside investigative and analytical work.

A teacher conducts a dramatic science experiment in a classroom, creating tall flames and sparks, while three students watch with surprised expressions in the background.

Physics

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Physics

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Students get to explore these astonishing phenomena, as well as how our understanding of physics can be used in the everyday world. Students explore the wave, particle and field mechanics, along with astrophysics and thermo-nuclear physics.

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PSHE

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

PSHE

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

The curriculum is created with pupils to consider their personal needs and interests around the realities and abstractions of life. The core themes identified are: health and wellbeing, relationships, careers and beliefs & values.

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Spanish

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Spanish

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Lower School pupils continuing Spanish GCSE will build on prior materials, studying eight modules on practical topics like travel and education. A-Level Spanish boosts language confidence while exploring global Spanish-speaking cultures through film, literature, and social issues.

A young female tennis player in a yellow and white uniform prepares to hit a tennis ball with her racket on an outdoor court at Milton Abbey, with the net and green background highlighting sport at Milton Abbey.

Sport

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

Sport

GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Sixth Form Third Form

This course will equip pupils with the theory, industry knowledge and practical skills to pursue further study or a career in the sports industry. Modules covered include ‘Fitness’, ‘Practical Performance’, ‘The Mind & Sports Performance’ and ‘Leadership’.

Third Form Curriculum Booklet GCSE and BTEC Level 2 Course Booklet Sixth Form Course Booklet
I graduated this week from King’s College London with a First Class degree, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of many of the teachers at Milton Abbey School!

– Fleur H (OM’22)