Subjects and Qualifications
Each student curriculum is as individualised as possible, with a key focus on the student's academic attainment as well as vocational learning. We want all students to reach their potential through the following timetabled lessons:
GCSE English
GCSE English Literature (additional)
GCSE Mathematics
GCSE Statistics (additional)
GCSE Science
Level 1 & 2 Child Development
GCSE History
GCSE Geography
Cambridge Nationals Level 1 & 2 ICT
GCSE Art
Hair & Beauty
Sport
SMSC
PSHE
Food Technology
Careers (additional)
Baselining at The Fermain Academy
Here at the Fermain, we baseline pupils in most subjects during their induction. This gives us a better idea of their ability in each subject, giving teachers the opportunity to challenge each pupil.
Certain subjects use a past GCSE paper to give a good representation of what grade the pupils are currently working at. We also use an online baselining tool for maths and English called BKSB. This involves pupils answering a range of levelled questions, which when completed gives a level and percentage. Pupils are given their results once completed.
Below is a table, showing how each level equates to each grade in GCSE, as well as the old style GCSE grades.
For example, Pupil A scores 64% on the Level 1 BKSB test in maths. The table would show that Pupil A would currently be working at a GCSE Grade 2.
| % Score | Old Style GCSE Grade | New Style GCSE Grade | Baseline Equivalent |
| 91<100 | U | U | < Entry 3 (85%) |
| 81<90 | G | 1 | Entry 3 (86%) - Level 1 (20%) |
| 71<80 | F | 1.5 | Level 1 (21% - 50%) |
| 61<70 | E | 2 | Level 1 (51% - 80%) |
| 51<60 | D | 3 | Level 1 (81%) - Level 2 (10%) |
| 41<50 | C | 4 | Level 2 (11% - 40%) |
| 31<40 | B | 5/6 | Level 2 (41% - 70%) |
| 21<30 | A | 7 | Level 2 (71% - 93%) |
| 11<20 | A* | 8/9 | Level 2 (94% <) |
| 0<10 |
