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Here at The Bedford Sixth Form we offer a large range of A-Level subjects, Diploma courses (which are equivalent to A-Levels) and a GCSE Foundation Programme for those who need to secure the grades to move on to A-Level study. Those studying A-Levels or Diplomas (Level 3) will typically study here for two years. Those studying the GCSE Foundation Programme (Level 2) will study for one year before moving on to the next level of study (Level 3), typically for two more years.
A-LEVELS AND DIPLOMAS
A-LEVELS A-Levels are academic, examinationbased qualifications recognised as traditional qualifications to gain entry to university and higher education. A-Levels focus mainly on academic subjects and qualify for UCAS points (maximum 56 UCAS points per A-Level).
DIPLOMA COURSES Foundation and Extended Diplomas are equivalent to A-Levels but are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams. Foundation and Extended Diplomas enable you to progress on to university, higher apprenticeships or employment. The Foundation Diploma can be gained as a qualification at the end of the first year of the Extended Diploma course. It is possible to earn 168 UCAS points from our Cambridge Technical Extended Diplomas and BTEC National Diplomas. Please note that courses are subject to change. Please visit:
www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/courses
for the latest list of courses we offer.
Typically you study here for two years.
In your first year you have the opportunity to take a combination of A-Levels, or an Extended Diploma with one A-Level. If you choose to study A-Levels you may sit one or more AS exams at the end of your first year. This depends both on your performance and whether or not AS exams are available in the subjects you have chosen. Typically you will complete three A-Level subjects or the Extended Diploma plus one A-Level over the two years. Some students will complete four A-Level subjects. Whether you can start with three or four A-Levels will depend on your GCSE results, as explained below.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All students must meet the minimum entry requirements, which are: • At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (one
Vocational or Technical qualification at Merit or above may be counted), one of which must be GCSE English
Language or English Literature AND • A minimum of a grade 3 in GCSE Maths (if you have a grade 4 or above in Maths this can count as one of your five GCSEs above) AND • At least grade 4 (or Merit for Vocational or Technical qualifications) in any subject(s) that you have taken at
GCSE and wish to continue studying at A-Level. • In addition, some subjects have special entry requirements which you need to meet in addition to the above. For the most up-to-date information on subject specific requirements please visit:
www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/downloads
If you wish to start with four A-Levels, rather than three, then the following entry requirements apply: • At least 8 GCSEs at grades 9-6, including English
Language and Maths, and at least four GCSEs at grades 9-7. Students who meet these higher requirements may be eligible for our Academic Excellence Bursary (see page 2).
GCSE FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
If you have just completed your GCSEs and not quite got the grades you require for our A-Level programmes, then this foundation programme year is for you. It provides a direct progression route on to our A-Level and vocational Level 3 programmes. You will take a range of GCSE subjects, which both complement the A-Level subjects we offer and enable you to smoothly transition from GCSE up to A-Level/Level 3. You can choose from:
• Art & Design • Media Studies • Business • Psychology • English Language • Science • Maths • Sociology
There are a number of subject combinations you can take, depending on the grades you already have. At the end of the foundation programme year you will have a set of GCSEs that meet our standard entry requirements, enabling you to continue on to your desired A-Level programme with us (subject to the usual entry requirements in individual subjects).
