Academic Programme

 The Business BTEC is equivalent in size to one A Level (Extended Certificate) or 2 A Levels (Diploma) and aims to provide a coherent introduction to study of the business sector, with specialist modules on Business Finance and Marketing for the Certificate qualification, with further modules available in International Business, Event Management and Business Management in the Diploma award.

Throughout the Level 3 Equine Management course, students will develop the riding, practical and theoretical knowledge needed to start a career in the equine industry. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their riding skills on the flat, practical skills on the yard and their overall knowledge and understanding of the horse, choosing units that directly support their career goals. The course also helps develop students’ academic skills and practical experience, which is needed for a profession within the equine industry, as well as gaining valuable work experience within the equine sector.

Options:
Extended Certificate in Equitation (1 A Level)
National Diploma in Equitation (2 A Levels)

This course is designed to give students a broad experience of Fashion and Textiles within an Art context. Students are introduced to a wide range of techniques and processes, designing, planning and producing original Fashion and Textiles pieces in response to a brief. Core skills in drawing and art in context underpin the course, developing recording skills to convey ideas clearly. Students are given the opportunity to explore areas such as fashion design, illustration, upcycling fashion, textile art and fashion production, and at times are required to work to a brief set by an external company.

The course is worth the equivalent of two A Levels, and students will be awarded two final grades which follow the Pass, Merit or Distinction scale.

This course will provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to successfully undertake a future career in the sport and physical activity sector. Students will gain an understanding of the structures and functions of key body systems, as well as looking into sport and fitness training, coaching and sports performance research.

Options:
Extended Certificate (1 A Level)
National Diploma (2 A Levels)
Extended Diploma (3 A Levels)

The British Horse Society examinations system is one of the best and most widely respected in the world. Whether students choose a career in the equine industry, or just have a passion for the horse, these qualifications give a sound base of underpinning knowledge and ensure that they can care for and ride a variety of horses, and offer advice and help to others in the equestrian community.

The BHS Stages two and three in Complete Horsemanship (formerly BHSAI) course consists of three riding and horse knowledge/care examinations, a riding and road safety exam and a coaching qualification (minimum age requirements permitting), and requires a huge commitment to further developing your equestrian ability and knowledge. The syllabus includes subjects such as anatomy and physiology of the horse, feeding and nutrition, and competition preparation.

The exams are very hands on and practical, and while a large amount of theory must be covered and learned, these qualifications are all about being able to care for the horse efficiently and competently following correct techniques and with a strong awareness of safety of self, the horse and others. The course is designed to produce riders who can adapt to any horse or situation, who can ride with tact and feel, with the horses’ welfare always in mind, and can become ambassadors for their sport.

Something I really like about Stonar is the freedom that you get as a student. For my EPQ, I was supported in creating a documentary to explore the links between totalitarian leaders and their economy. I have been given so many opportunities, including going to the 'Globeducate Model United Nations Conference' in Nice. I got to prove my skills as a debater, which has helped me to realise that I want to pursue a career in law.

Daniella

Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification designed for students who want to continue studying Maths after GCSE but do not wish to take A Level Mathematics. It focuses on practical mathematical skills and problem-solving relevant to everyday life, work, and further study, such as personal finance, statistics, interpreting data, and mathematical modelling.

Core Maths is also beneficial for international students who need to continue studying maths to meet the requirements of their home country’s education system but do not wish to take the full A Level Mathematics course. Core Maths carries UCAS tariff points (equivalent to half an A Level) and is highly valued by universities and employers, particularly in sectors where numerical and data skills are essential.

Widely-recognised, the DofE is very popular with our Sixth Formers who can take their Gold Award via the Explorer Scout group. It is a rewarding journey that develops independence, initiative and confidence and can open doors. Comprising five sections: skill, physical, volunteering, residential project and expedition, we organise a comprehensive training program for the expeditions and support for the other elements.

Fortnightly Explorer Scouts (Years 10-13) meetings are within our grounds. Students learn skills such as campfire cookery and night-hiking, as well as taking part in exciting trips such as caving and climbing. 

The EPQ is a Level 3 (A Level equivalent) qualification offered by the exam boards. It involves choosing a topic, carrying out research, then creating either a 5,000-word report or a 'product' and a 1,000-word report. Students must also deliver a small 10-15 minute presentation to a group of non-specialists about the topic. 

The EPQ allows students to develop their interest in a topic. Universities and employers are increasingly favouring students who have completed an EPQ as it demonstrates project management, analytical and evaluation skills, plus communication and writing skills – all essential qualities required for university and future working life. The EPQ also provides UCAS points towards university entrance.

Previous EPQ reports at Stonar have involved designing an intelligence (IQ) test for horses, developing a conceptual model for dyslexia, investigating bilingual vs. monolingual language development in children, and an examination of the ethical treatment of racehorses.

The Gold Arts Award is a Level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), designed for young  people to develop as artists and arts leaders. It encourages creativity, communication, planning, and leadership skills through personalised projects in any art form, from visual arts to performing arts, digital media, and beyond.

Gold Arts Award also carries UCAS points, supporting progression into higher education or a creative career. The award challenges participants to extend their artistic practice, lead others, and engage with the wider arts world.

International students in the Sixth Form have the opportunity to study for the IELTs qualification. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language and is globally recognised by more than 10,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies.

Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.  

The ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) is a globally respected IT qualification designed to develop essential digital skills for education, the workplace, and everyday life. This Level 3 qualification equips learners with advanced knowledge of widely-used software applications,  improving efficiency, productivity, and digital confidence. ICDL is ideal for students aiming to strengthen their CVs, preparing for careers or further study where strong IT competence is essential. 

Recognised by employers worldwide, ICDL demonstrates practical ability in key computer skills, a valuable asset 
across all industries.

The Leith's Confident Cooking is a three-term practical cookery course for Sixth Form students.  The course will include the opportunity to gain the Leith’s Confident Cooking qualification and a Level 2 Food and Hygiene Certificate. This offers the students the chance to learn how to produce impressive meals for a range of occasions.

This three-term course is designed for Sixth Form students to learn key cookery life-skills through a broad range of ‘go to’ recipes, with a view to embarking upon independent life, but with the benefit of opening the door to part-time work, gap year travel work, or to cook for friends and family. This is an entirely practical course of study which can satisfy silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh skills requirements. The curriculum is global, modern and delicious, instilling a lifelong love of cooking, and providing a broad range of skills. - Leiths Academy

Places are limited and the course will incur an additional cost.
 

The Level 3 Qualification in Sports Leadership is a nationally recognised qualification that enables successful learners to independently lead purposeful and enjoyable sport/physical activity. The qualification aligns with professional standards for sport and physical activity leadership, especially through the focus on leading inclusive sessions to participants. Once qualified, the Sports Leader will be able to independently lead (once 18 years old) and will be responsible for all safeguarding and safety aspects in the future, as certified Level 3 Sports Leader.

The cost of the course is dependent on numbers and will be confirmed.

The Certificate in Languages for Business Level 3 is a practical, work-related qualification designed to develop language skills in a professional context. This nationally recognised qualification equips learners with the ability to communicate confidently in French or Spanish within real-world business scenarios. Focusing on practical application, students will develop key communication skills, cultural awareness, and  language proficiency tailored to workplace situations – ideal for those pursuing careers in international business, tourism, marketing, or customer service.

Successfully completing this qualification demonstrates to employers and universities that you can operate effectively in multilingual environments.

There may be many challenging outdoor events in Britain today, but the Ten Tors stands alone in its scale, ambition and the fact that it is aimed solely at young people. It is an event that will really test the mental and physical resilience of participants and all those who attempt it will undoubtedly remember the Ten Tors for the rest of their lives; and for many it will be a life changing experience. 

Organised by the British Army, with support from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as civilian emergency services and volunteers, it is attempted by 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six. The teams navigate routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (depending on age) over the Northern half of Dartmoor, visiting ten nominated tors  or check points in under two days. 

Teams must be self-sufficient, carrying all that they need to complete their route and stay out overnight safely. We enter teams each year, which are open to Sixth Form students.