Two year Courses
A Level qualifications lead to a range of Higher Education and employment options – you can see some possibilities by looking at the individual subject descriptions.
Most students will embark on the A Level pathway and choose only 3 subjects in Year 12 and commit to these for the whole 2 years. There are exceptions to this, possibly taking more or fewer subjects, and starting off with an AS qualification. Talk this through with us, and with your teachers.
A Year 12 student will sit internal assessments at strategic points in the year. They will normally continue with the three subjects into Year 13, at the end of which, they will sit the full A Level examination in those three subjects.
Do I Qualify?
Students wishing to apply for A Level courses should have achieved at least two GCSEs at grade 6, and three GCSEs at grade 4 (or equivalent) – including at least a grade 6 (or equivalent) in the subject you wish to study, or a related subject. Normally you would also be expected to have achieved a grade 4 (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
For A Level Maths and Computing a grade 7 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths is required; for A Level Psychology and Science subjects a grade 6 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths is required.
Talk to your teachers – or ask us at interview – whether you think this pathway would be right for you.
One year Courses
To study the ABC Level 2 Diploma in Motor Vehicle Studies or the BTEC Level 2 in Workskills, students need at least four GCSEs at grade 3. Students who choose either of these courses in our Sixth Form will also be expected to continue with Maths and English – unless a GCSE grade 4 (or equivalent) has already been achieved.
The courses involve the opportunity for 1 or 2 days per week work experience placement. Success in these Level 2 courses can give you the equivalent of four GCSEs at grade 9 – 4 (or equivalent). That would then enable you to progress to Level 3 courses (AS levels, BTEC National or Advanced Diplomas) and then on to Higher Education.