Prospectus 2015
www.nuast.org.uk
Welcome
The Nottingham University Academy of Science and
Technology (NUAST) is an exciting new educational
opportunity for any student wishing to study
science, engineering or computer science at GCSE
and Post 16.
NUAST opened in September 2014 and is housed
in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility within a
few minutes’ walk of the University of Nottingham.
With excellent staff and an experienced leadership
team, NUAST has the facilities to deliver a specialist
curriculum, designed to equip its students with all
the skills necessary to succeed in work or higher
education.
Supported by some of the most important science,
technology and engineering companies in the East
Midlands, NUAST combines teaching with unique
industry partnerships and projects. In addition,
the University of Nottingham will offer students
the chance to work closely with an internationally
recognised Russell Group university.
This prospectus is designed to give you an insight
into what NUAST can offer the young scientists,
engineers and computer scientists of the East
Midlands. To apply for a place at NUAST or to keep
up with the latest news and information, please
visit us at www.nuast.org.uk.
We look forward to meeting you soon.
Principal
NUAST
www.nuast.org.uk
Facilities
Housed in a purpose-built, iconic building, NUAST
offers the most advanced GCSE and Post 16 facility
for the teaching of science, engineering and computer
science in the local area.
Industry standard science, IT and engineering facilities
are complimented by a full suite of teaching rooms
covering all key English Baccalaureate subjects.
The NUAST building is designed to provide our
students with all the experiences they will need to
enter higher education or industry.
The building has been designed as a modern
workplace; open, light and attractive with excellent
catering, study and outdoor spaces.
NUAST is a remarkable investment in the young
people of the East Midlands and we hope you will visit
us soon to see what we can offer.
www.nuast.org.uk
Partners
One of the factors that makes studying at NUAST so special
and unique is the outstanding breadth and depth of our
industry and educational partners.
From the very start, NUAST has had the support and
guidance of some of the biggest industry names in
engineering and information technology. Their knowledge
and understanding of the skills and attributes required to
become a future employee in their fields has guided the
curriculum and helped shape the facilities.
As you learn and train at NUAST, you will have the
opportunity to work with these companies. You will gain
experience, insight and form lasting relationships that no
other local academy or college can offer. You will leave
NUAST fully equipped to enter the world of work or higher
education with an enviable set of experiences and contacts.
In addition, NUAST is sponsored by the University of
Nottingham, which provides students with access to
world-class research facilities and staff. The University will
provide opportunities to develop academic experiences and
knowledge. Students wishing to pursue degree level courses
will be given help and support when applying to university.
Finally, the education provision will be supported by the
Torch Academy Gateway Trust. As education partners, the
Trust will deliver exceptional educational support that has
helped Toot Hill School be rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
www.nuast.org.uk
Science
GCSE (Level 2 Qualifications)
At GCSE level, NUAST offers each of the science
disciplines as a discrete subject. This provides you
with an in-depth understanding of the sciences
and allows you to focus on a particular scientific
specialism at A Level.
In addition to physics, chemistry and biology,
computer science is also offered as an option
subject. Combined with English (Language and
Literature), Maths and a Modern Foreign Language,
this suite of subjects delivers a rounded education
for any student seeking a career in science,
engineering or computing.
To complete the curriculum, GCSE level students
will select a specialist pathway. There are two
pathway choices, which will provide additional GCSE
qualifications.
You can choose between Engineering and
Computing/IT. Each course will deliver an
OCR Cambridge National qualification with
the computing pathway also delivering GCSE
computing.
For more information of the Engineering and
Computing/IT pathways, visit pages 10 and 13.
Post 16 (Level 3 Qualifications)
As a Post 16 science student at NUAST you will have
access to outstanding facilities, specialist teaching
staff and the support and guidance of a world-class
university.
Discrete A Levels are available in Physics,
Chemistry and Biology. These core sciences are
complemented by a range of additional A Level
subjects covering the STEM* curriculum.
The A Level subjects currently on offer are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Maths
Further Maths
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Product Design
Computing
In addition to these subjects, you will undertake the
Extended Project Qualification.
The EPQ is a universally recognised additional
qualification that allows students to explore a
particular area of academic study that interests
them. It is equivalent to half an AS Level.
*Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
www.nuast.org.uk
Engineering
GCSE (Level 2 Qualifications)
Post 16 (Level 3 Qualifications)
The opportunity to study engineering at GCSE level
is just another provision that sets NUAST aside from
other local providers.
At Post 16 NUAST offers the BTEC Level 3 Extended
Diploma in Engineering.
You will study the OCR Cambridge National
qualification in Engineering. This course is worth
three GCSE grades and will give you the chance to
work closely with our industry partners.
You will study the following modules:
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Manufacture
• System Control in Engineering
In addition you will study GCSEs in Science, English,
Maths, History and a Modern Foreign Language.
Broken down into 18 units, this course is designed
to give you a firm grounding in engineering
principles through practical experience.
Supported by our industry partners, you will be
taught over 20 teaching sessions a week, leading to
a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels.
To further support your study and provide you
with an opportunity to explore ideas beyond the
curriculum, you will take the Level 3 Extended
Project Qualification.
The EPQ is a universally recognised additional
qualification that allows students to explore a
particular area of academic study that interests
them. It is equivalent to half an AS Level.
Opportunities to study A Level Mathematics are
also available.
www.nuast.org.uk
Computing
GCSE (Level 2 Qualifications)
Post 16 (Level 3 Qualifications)
Cambridge National qualification in IT/Computer
Science.
At Post 16 you will have the chance to study a
Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in IT.
This course covers three subject areas and is the
equivalent to three GCSEs.
This innovative vocational course is delivered over
20 taught periods a week and is the equivalent of
three A Levels.
You will study:
• GCSE Computing
• Cambridge National iMedia
• Cambridge National ICT
You can also choose as an option:
• Cambridge National Systems Control
This will provide you with a set of qualifications
widely recognised by employers and universities as
the best vocational training at this level.
You will also be working with industry partners
throughout the course gaining invaluable
experience of workplace practices.
During the course you will study 18 units,
supported by industry partners, providing you with
a comprehensive grounding in the professional
working practices of an IT or Computer Science
professional.
To further support your study and provide you
with an opportunity to explore ideas beyond the
curriculum, you will take the Level 3 Extended
Project Qualification.
The EPQ is a universally recognised additional
qualification that allows students to explore a
particular area of academic study that interests
them. It is equivalent to half an AS Level.
Opportunities to study A Level Mathematics are
also available.
www.nuast.org.uk
Life at NUAST
Pastoral Care and Behaviour
The Academy Day
At NUAST your well-being is of primary importance
to us. As a small academy we can offer a high level
of care and guidance. You will have a learning
mentor who you will meet with regularly during
the week. It is their role to guide and support you
throughout your time at NUAST. You will also be
offered specialist career advice and support as you
begin to look for employment or a university place.
To ensure that NUAST can offer the broadest set of
experiences for each of its learners, the academy
operates an extended working day. Starting at
8.15am, the academy works until 5.00pm with
additional after-school study provision available at
the academy’s discretion. This extended day allows
us to deliver our unique curriculum and provides
you with the opportunities to access a wide range
of enrichment activities.
In terms of behaviour, we have a very simple
approach. Work hard and conduct yourself as you
would in a workplace. In a facility where complex
engineering and scientific work is being undertaken
your health and safety will be our utmost priority.
Timetable
NUAST has an innovative timetable mixing taught
lessons with supervised study periods, sporting
and enrichment tasks. This model makes full use of
our extended school day and provides you with a
varied and interesting range of activities. Individual
timetables are issued at the start of term.
www.nuast.org.uk
www.nuast.org.uk
Uniform
Transport
Travel details for students
NUAST is housed in a state-of-the-art building
situated in Dunkirk.
Transport access to the NUAST building is excellent,
with cycle paths and tram / bus stops within easy
walking distance.
Package details and other
benefits
To enable us to ensure that NUAST is available
to all students with a passion for science,
engineering and computing, we have put
together a package of benefits for September
2015 applicants.
This package includes a free uniform (GCSE
and Post 16) consisting of a grey business suit,
tie and NUAST sports top. Shirts (white) and
PE shorts and socks (black) can be purchased
independently.
Additional items of uniform are available to
order.
In addition every student will be loaned a laptop
for the full duration of their time at NUAST and
each student will have their own locker on site.
Our address is:
93 Abbey Street
Nottingham
NG7 2PL
www.nuast.org.uk
How to Apply
We are currently accepting applications for
September 2015 for Year 10 and Year 12 students.
In addition, we will be accepting mid-year transfers
until the end of November 2014.
We understand that choosing the right academy is
a very difficult decision. In fact we would encourage
you to come and meet us before making a final
decision. The Principal or one of the leadership
team is always available to meet parents/carers and
students.
By meeting one of the team you can talk through
any questions you might have and provide you with
all the latest news regarding our new building and
our developing curriculum.
The actual application process for a Year 10 or Year
12 place at NUAST is very straightforward. You
can apply directly for Year 12 places through our
website at www.nuast.org.uk/apply.
For Year 10 applications, visit our website or contact
a member of our team at enquiries@nuast.org.uk,
who can talk you though the process.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Nottingham University
Academy of Science & Technology
93 Abbey Street
Nottingham
NG7 2PL
Telephone: 0115 859 2040
E-mail: enquiries@nuast.org.uk
Website: www.nuast.org.uk
Building images courtesy of Bond Bryan Architects Ltd and BAM Construct UK Ltd