What qualifications do I need to start on Advanced level courses? Taking an A-level course is relatively demanding. To succeed, you will need to have coped satisfactorily at GCSE level. Most students will take four different subjects in their first year of Advanced level study, or three and a GCSE resit in Mathematics. For this reason, we have a minimum entry requirement of five full GCSE passes at grade C, from at least four different subject areas. This must include a grade C, or higher, in GCSE English. Courses “equivalent to GCSE” will be accepted only at the college’s discretion. We prefer GCSEs as they provide more appropriate preparation for GCE AS and A-level courses. To progress onto Mathematics or separate science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) AS and A-levels, you must have a grade C or better at the higher level of GCSE Mathematics, Additional Science or separate sciences as appropriate. If you are predicted a grade C in GCSE Science and apply for AS Biology and/or AS Chemistry you may be asked to attend a summer school.
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How many subjects will I be able to take? You will embark on four courses chosen from our list of A/AS level subjects. The rest of your programme will be made up of tutorial support, an OCR IT course and options from our wide range of enrichment opportunities. In the second year, all students take up A-level General Studies. Other courses such as AS level Critical Thinking and the Extended Project Qualification are also on offer. The pace of work is fast and you need to commit yourself to a regular programme of private study, at home and at college when you have no timetabled lesson, devoting about sixteen hours a week to this. The status of Advanced level work is high and leads to higher education and professional training.