intro

In Upper School, students embed and develop their academic and character development by applying their knowledge and skills to practical, real-life scenarios through the material they engage with. This not only prepares students for the best possible outcomes in terms of their examination results, but also prepares students to take on the role as civic leaders in their community. 

The narrative of ‘shaping our future and influencing the ever-changing world around us’ runs across both Years 10 and 11. Similar to the GCSE specifications, we commit to equipping our students with a depth and breadth of relevant future skills over their two journey in Upper School.

For support with online learning, please refer to this guide.

Curriculum Types

GCSE Subjects

Character Development

Future Skills

Ark Boulton Virtual Academy

We have a brand new virtual academy where students gain access to lessons and resources put together specifically for them by their teachers. Access the virtual academy here, or watch the video below for more information.

ABVA Video

Consolidating Your Learning

We know that revision can be challenging. You need to decide what it is that needs revising, the method of revision to choose and the resources to use to undertake that revision. To make things a little bit easier we have created an independent learning and revision materials section below to help you navigate you through the revision process. We have also invested in a number of resources below to support your ongoing learning process.

Upper School is a really important time of your life and we know that the time up to the completion of your final examination can be stressful. Research shows that the most effective revision technique is to complete examination questions. Your teachers have collated these for you. Part of the revision process is ensuring that you identify questions that you find difficult and use your revision guides to help you fill the gaps. Sitting and reading a revision guide for hours on end is not an efficient revision technique, great revision means applying the skills that you have learnt.

Independent Learning and Revision

Year 10 Independent Learning

Ark Boulton Virtual Academy

Year 11 Independent Learning

Ark Boulton Virtual Academy

GCSE Revision Resources

Ark Boulton Virtual Academy

Revision Apps

What do top students do differently?

Post 16 Support

Professional Pathways

With the Ark Trust

Ark Alumni

Stay in Touch

Post 16 Support

Ark has launched an alumni programme which will enable former pupils to keep in touch with their old school, inspire other pupils, be an Ark amabassador and network with other former students.

After completing their GCSEs, our Year 11 students can join the online platform and download the app which offers a wide range of benefits and resources.

With over 5,000 former Ark students, the programme can support ex students by providing financial assistance, help to develop skills, and provide an invaluable peer network. It can also assist in finding graduate jobs, internships and apprenticeships with over 300 of the world’s top employers

In addition, Ark Alumni is offering a number of students work experience this summer, where you could gain valuable marketing, communications and program design skills and experience, and help to further develop the platform. You will also be able to engage with your peers in contributing and expanding the community.

Every student is offered a chance to sign up when they collect their GCSE results.

To stay connected go to the Ark Alumni site, fill in the online form and submit. Your request will be approved within 24 hours and you will receive an email with a link to activate your profile. You can also download the mobile app, and log int to access resources and opportunites and post on the platform.

You can also visit Amazing Apprenticeships or contact College and Careers Guidance Birmingham for more information via: BCareers@Birmingham.gov.uk / 07864926905