Programme of Study
Typical Student Programmes
Year 1: AS + AS + AS + AS + General Education Programme
Year 2: A2 + A2 + A2 + General Education Programme
OR
Year 1: AS + AS + AS + AS + AS + General Education Programme
Year 2: A2 + A2 + A2 + A2 + General Education Programme
OR
Year 1: BTEC National Diploma + AS + General Education Programme
Year 2: BTEC National Diploma + General Education Programme
OR
Year 1: GCSE + GCSE + GCSE + GCSE + GCSE + General Education Programme
Year 2: AS + AS + AS + AS + General Education Programme
You may also consider a one year GCSE programme or a one year AS programme. Qualifications below A2 level can be a good foundation for further (vocational) study and/or employment. Some higher education institutions recognise two AS levels as equivalent to one A level.
In general, a student studying at AS or the BTEC National Diploma will be expected to have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C including English Language.
A and AS Levels
Most students are expected to study four or five subjects at AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level in the first year, allowing a wide breadth of studies. In the second year of your course you are likely to follow a reduced number of subjects which will lead to full A levels.
AS Level + A2 = A Level
GCSEs
You may wish to improve on your GCSE performance. Some of you will need to resit Mathematics or English alongside an AS/A level programme. Others will want to take four or five GCSEs in a one year programme which can lead onto an AS/A level or the BTEC course the following year.
General Education Programme
The General Education Programme comprises A Level General Studies and a course entitled Progression Studies. This course includes careers education and examined, accredited units in Healthy Living, Health & Safety, Environmental Sustainability and Personal Finance.
Critical Thinking
Many Students take an additional AS or A2 in Critical Thinking alongside their other subjects.
Enrichment Activities
The College has a reputation for its excellent enrichment activities available to all students. You will be encouraged to participate in a variety of these, for example: the Debating Society, Drama, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Music, Sports and Young Enterprise. GCSEs in Latin, Russian and Spanish are also available to extend those with an interest in culture and languages. Please see the Student Life section of the website for examples of some of the College's enrichment activities.