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Choosing a One Year Course

Choosing the right course is very important

If you do not get the 8 GCSE results you need to move directly on to a two-year course, the Sixth Form has on offer a wide range of one-year courses designed for you.

Years of experience have taught us that repeating many GCSEs is not the best way forward. Rather than simply repeating everything, much better to study for a one-year level 2 course while, if necessary, taking the key GCSEs of English and Mathematics again.

If you take a one-year level 2 BTEC course and get a distinction or higher merit at the end, you get the equivalent of seven GCSEs at the higher passes of C and above. You can then move on to an Applied GCE course and/or an Applied A Level or BTEC level 3 course.

Normal entry requirements are:

  • For a one-year BTEC a pattern of D and E grades or above at GCSE.
  • For resits in GCSE Mathematics Grade D is required.

Staff will be available to assist you make the right choice

  • Your tutor, Head of Year and Head of Sixth Form are key people.
  • Remember also to consult our specialist careers advisor for Sixth Form only.
  • Your present teachers have a very good idea of your abilities and the courses which will suit you.

Final decisions about which subjects or courses can be followed are made in September in the light of exam results and career aspirations.

Here is an explanation of some of the abbreviations we use

A-levels

Two year Advanced GCE courses are made up of AS modules in the first year leading to an AS-level examination at the end of that year, and A2 modules in the second year ending in the full A-level examination.

AS-levels

One year AS courses with examination at the end of the first year. They can be turned into A-levels by completion of A2 modules in the subject (usually in the second year). Some AS courses run over two years.

Applied A-levels

Applied A-level courses run over two years. We offer Applied A-levels at both single and double award.

BTECs

BTECs can be one year courses in a range of subjects. BTEC First Diploma course level 2 is useful preparation for an Applied A-level course.
BTECs can be two year courses. We offer level 3 in Business Studies.

GCSE

One year General Certificate of Secondary Education courses are available for sixth form students in the key skills of English and Mathematics, to support you in improving your grades in these subjects whilst you take other courses.