Our curriculum

Core knowledge. Creative practice. Clear progression.

A holistic, experiential curriculum that develops qualifications, confidence and the practical skills young people need beyond school.

A performer speaking to BCIS students during a music workshop

Our Curriculum

BCIS aims to provide a holistic, experiential and immersive learning opportunity that encompasses all aspects of a young person's education.

Through creative subjects, students develop personal, social and functional skills that support their wider growth and future success. Personal and social development is central to the student experience, ensuring learning extends beyond qualifications and is embedded through a strong ethical and values-based approach across the school.

Students are supported to learn from their experiences, make informed decisions and build positive relationships, helping them become more confident, resilient and prepared for life beyond education.

  • Personal, social and careers development
  • Achievement of the core of Mathematics and English
  • Solid progression routes
01Maths and English GCSE and Functional Skills02Combined Science03Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development Level 204Physical Education05Creative Digital Media Level 206Creative Music Industry Level 2
01

GCSE Grades 1-9 and Functional Skills Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2

Maths and English GCSE and Functional Skills

Maths and English are fundamental to students' success, providing the essential skills needed for further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Our personalised programmes are tailored to individual needs, enabling students to build confidence, develop key literacy and numeracy skills, and achieve nationally recognised qualifications that support their future aspirations.

All students complete an initial assessment on entry to identify their current level of learning. This enables staff to develop a personalised learning plan that builds on individual strengths, addresses areas for development, and supports each student in achieving their personal, academic and career goals.

LiteracyNumeracyGCSE preparationFunctional SkillsIndividual initial assessment
English previous results2024/25
93%

achieved Level 1

36%

achieved Level 2

14%

achieved Grade 5

Maths previous results2024/25
43%

achieved Entry Level 3

21%

achieved Level 1 and Level 2

14%

achieved Grade 4

14%

achieved Grade 5

02

Contributes towards the Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development

Combined Science

Science enables students to develop an understanding of the world through practical investigation and enquiry.

Students explore forces, energy, electricity, space, biology and chemistry, applying their knowledge through hands-on experiments and practical activities.

The course develops scientific knowledge, curiosity and transferable skills that support future learning and employment.

ForcesEnergyElectricitySpaceBiologyChemistryPractical investigation

Beyond the classroom: Educational visit to the Science Museum

03

Level 2 Award or Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development

Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development Level 2

This programme equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress into further education, employment and independent adult life.

Students develop their ability to make informed decisions, build positive relationships and become responsible members of society.

Students also complete the AI and its Everyday Use module, developing an understanding of how to use artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively to support learning, enhance productivity and prepare for the evolving digital workplace.

Personal goal settingRights and responsibilitiesRelationships, sex and health educationOnline safetyAI and its Everyday UsePreparation for education and employmentIndependent adult life
Previous personal and social development result2024/25
100%

achieved a Level 1 Award

Result from the qualification that preceded the new Level 2 programme
04

Contributes towards the Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development

Physical Education

Physical Education encourages students to lead healthy, active lifestyles while developing confidence, resilience and teamwork.

Students improve their fitness, coordination and understanding of physical wellbeing through a range of practical activities.

Through sport and physical activity, students also develop communication, leadership and interpersonal skills that support success in further education, employment and everyday life.

FootballBasketballCardio fitnessSupervised gym sessionsTeamworkLeadership
EHCP learner outcomes2024/25
100%

of learners with an EHCP achieved a qualification

40%

of learners with an EHCP chose to remain with BCIS or BCT for the following academic year

05

Level 2 Award or Certificate in Creative Digital Media

Creative Digital Media Level 2

Creative Digital Media enables students to develop creative and technical skills through the production of digital content including video, graphic design, photography and podcasts.

Students gain experience using industry-standard software and equipment while building valuable digital and communication skills.

The course is enhanced through educational visits and guest speakers, providing students with insight into careers and opportunities within the creative industries.

Video productionGraphic designPhotographyPodcastingDigital communication

Beyond the classroom: Educational visits · Creative-industry guest speakers

Previous results2024/25
64%

achieved a Level 2 Certificate

56%

of Level 2 Certificate achievers reached Merit standard

14%

achieved a Level 2 Extended Certificate at Merit standard

06

Level 2 Award or Certificate in the Creative Music Industry

Creative Music Industry Level 2

The Creative Music Industry Level 2 course enables students to develop their creativity while gaining an understanding of the music industry and its career opportunities.

Students build practical skills in songwriting, music production, recording, beat making, DJing and sound engineering using industry-relevant equipment and software.

The course also explores the business of music, including marketing, contracts, career pathways and revenue generation, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the creative industries.

SongwritingMusic productionRecordingBeat makingDJingSound engineeringMusic marketingContractsCareer pathwaysRevenue generation
Previous results2024/25
71%

achieved a Level 1 Certificate

Result from the qualification that preceded the new Level 2 course
80%

of Level 1 Certificate achievers reached Distinction standard or higher

Qualifications

Students work towards nationally recognised qualifications that support progression into further education, training, apprenticeships and employment, providing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to achieve their future goals.

SubjectQualifications available
English and Maths GCSEGrades 1-9
English and Maths Functional SkillsEntry Level 3 · Level 1 · Level 2
Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development Level 2Level 2 Certificate · Level 2 Award
Creative Music Industry Level 2Level 2 Certificate · Level 2 Award
Creative Digital Media Level 2Level 2 Certificate · Level 2 Award

Progression at Big Creative Education

BCIS offers excellent internal progression routes into post-16 creative pathways, allowing students to continue developing their skills through a range of specialist courses.

Music Performance and Music Production

Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3

Games Design

Level 2 · Level 3

Esports

Level 2

Music Events Management

Level 3

Media Production

Level 1 · Level 2

Film and Content Production

Level 3

Events and Venue Technician

T Level

Fashion Business and Fashion Design

Level 3

Art and Animation

Level 3

Art and Design

Level 2 · Level 3

Software Development

Level 3

Performing Arts

Level 2 · Level 3

Exploring the Creatives

Entry Level

100%

of retained learners progressed into further education

2024/25