GCE Advanced Level (A-Levels)
The College has a national reputation for its successful teaching of advanced level programmes and is frequently asked to contribute to national conferences. It has received additional funding to disseminate good practice to other schools and colleges.
All A-level courses are divided into two parts. In the first year you will study two* units of a subject leading to an AS (Advanced Subsidiary) qualification. In the second year, you can take a further two* units at A2 in the same subject to achieve a full A level. (In some subjects, the courses are divided into 3 rather than 2 units at AS and A2.)
Because A level courses are broken into units in this way, you will take examinations contributing towards your final grade throughout the course rather than only at the end. The first unit assessment will probably take place in January followed by the second unit in the summer.
AS and A2 course are modular
The AS is marked out of 200; the A2 out of 200.
The total A level is marked out of 400.
The new A* grade will be awarded on performance in the A2 units.
Information Technology - Key skill for all
Whatever you study at the College, you will be encouraged to develop your IT skills. You can expect IT to be an integral part of all your courses.
Subjects and combinations
The standard programme is equivalent to 4 A-levels - normally three subjects to full A-level and an additional two subjects to AS-level. Some students will do more than this, depending upon their ability and aspirations.
AS Courses: Breadth and Balance
We encourage students to choose at least one AS course to provide breadth to their studies. For example, you may choose to take a language alongside sciences or one of the performing arts alongside a choice from the humanities or social sciences; the possibilities are enormous. The full list of subjects is given on page 12 of the College guide.
The two year assessment cycle, 2008 - 2010
