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Choosing a Two Year Course

Choosing the right course is very important

The Sixth Form is able to offer a particularly wide, and well-supported, range of AS-level and A-level, Applied GCE and BTEC courses. These courses provide the natural means of progression after successful completion of a range of GCSE subjects. As you will see there are subjects which will be familiar to everyone, like the Sciences and History and French; in addition, there are new subjects like Psychology and Sociology, and subjects combined in practical ways into courses like Health & Social Care.

Which subjects are best for you?

Different kinds of courses suit different students. Please look at the course content and assessment criteria and consider combinations of courses.

What form of assessment do you prefer?

Applied A levels are just as valuable when it comes to going to college or university. They suit some people better than AS-levels followed by A2 modules leading to A-levels. They do have tests throughout the course, but the emphasis is much more on your own planning, research and project work. The courses are under the direction of an expert member of staff.

Would an Applied A-level course structure or A-levels suit you best?

Entry Requirements: Students taking an Applied A-level course and/or AS-level courses leading to A-levels, will normally proceed to university degree courses afterwards.

A-level students will normally be expected to study four AS-level subjects in their first year.

Normal entry requirements are:

  • Applied A-level course plus one A-level - at least eight GCSE passes at grade C or above, including a B in the subject or related subject.
  • For 3 A-levels OR a double award Applied A-level course plus one A-level - at least five GCSE passes at grade C or above, including a B in the subject or related subject.

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).

Applied A-levels

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

BTECs

BTECs are one year courses in a range of subjects. BTEC First Diploma course level 2 is useful preparation for an Applied A-level course.

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.

Diplomas

Higher Diploma

These are equivalent to 7 A* - C

Advanced Diplomas

These are worth the equivalent of 3 A Levels