What Can You Study

Courses are divided into different levels based on the demands of the course. You can work out what level is right for you by looking at your results.

The table to the left sets out the opportunities depending on your success at school. GCSEs are Level 2 courses. If you have achieved good grades at GCSE, and are getting 5 or 6 subjects at Grade 4 or above, you should be moving on to a Level 3 course. If most of your GCSE grades are 3 or 2, with perhaps a couple of 4s, you will need to look at taking a year to strengthen your Level 2 qualifications before you move on to the next level. The aim is to make sure that your course is demanding enough to stretch and motivate you, but also not too difficult so that you struggle right from the start.

Likely GCSE Grades	Programme
At least 8 grade 7 or above including English and Maths	• 4 A Levels or • Level 3 Extended Diploma with an A level • Other extension activities eg: Extended Project Qualification
At least 5 GCSEs grades 5-9 in at least five different subjects, including English & Maths or equivalent. At least one GCSE should be at a grade 6	• 3 A Levels or • A mix of BTEC Extended Certificates and A Levels, or • Extended Diploma • GCSE English or Maths if required
At least 4 GCSEs grades 4-9 or a full Level 2 Diploma preferably with one GCSE at 4 or above	• 3 A Levels or • Extended Diploma • GCSE English or Maths if required
Up to 2 GCSEs grades 4-9 including English or Maths at grade 3	• Level 2 Diploma, English or Maths GCSE if required • Advanced Science Preparation Course
Mostly 3's and 2's	• Level 2 Diploma • GCSE English and / or Maths if required
Mostly 3's and 2s	• Level 1 Diploma • English and Maths

Some courses have specific entry requirements. These details are given in the course section of this prospectus. Remember that at this stage, we are looking at your probable grades when you leave school. We don’t make any final decisions until you have your results.

A Levels

These courses have changed. All A Levels now have final assessment at the end of two years with important exams as a core part of the assessment process, although there will also be coursework in some subjects. Please read individual subject entries to tell you how they will be structured.

BTEC Extended Diplomas / Subsidiary Diplomas / Certificates

These vocationally based courses cover work-related areas and they have a strong emphasis on coursework. The Diplomas equal three A Levels and take up most of your timetable. The Subsidiary Diploma equates to two A Levels and the Certificate is equivalent to one, so other subjects can be studied alongside them. Many are set up to include work placements and real work projects. We have a long history of students from these courses going on to exciting higher education places. They are also highly regarded by employers because they demand high level study skills, personal organisation and academic study.

T Levels

These are also Level 3 vocational programmes. They are exciting but demanding courses which include a significant element of work experience which is undertaken alongside the academic study to be able to achieve the qualification. Students should have achieved a 4 or above in English and Maths to be able to join a T Level course.

First Diploma & Certificate Programmes

These are equal to three or four GCSEs and are offered in a range of work-related areas. All of these courses have a strong emphasis on coursework and are an ideal preparation for Extended Diplomas. You should normally have GCSE grades averaging a 3/2 for these courses.

Level 1 courses

There are a number of Level 1 courses which give you a taster of different work areas as well as improving your study skills. They are all full-time courses which will prepare you well for a full Level 2 programme.

Individual GCSE Re-sits

Research shows that students who have achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths do better at advanced level study. All students without a 4 or above in English and/or Maths will be required to resit these GCSEs or an equivalent qualification. In addition, the College offers a resit in GCSE Biology or a double GCSE in Science for students who need a 4 or above in GCSE Science for their career.