For students ready to take the step beyond GCSEs, Level 3 courses are studied over two years and prepare you for university, apprenticeships, or employment.
You can choose A Levels, BTECs, AAQs, or a combination that suits your ambitions.
LEVEL 3
Level 3 is the next step from GCSEs, and includes A Levels, BTECs and AAQs. You will study for two years, before going on to university, apprenticeships or the world of work.
ACCESS TO LEVEL 3
A Levels are traditional academic qualifications that focus on in-depth study of specific subjects. A Levels are ideal if you enjoy exams and want to keep your options open for university or higher education.
Designed for students who would like to study Level 3, but need to top up or gain extra qualifications. This one-year programme provides the equivalent of 4-6 GCSEs, including subjects such as English and Maths. Students select from four pathways; Business, Sport, Health & Social Care and Public Services.
AAQs blend academic learning with practical application.They’re perfect if you prefer coursework and continuous assessment.
BTECs are vocational qualifications that focus on practical, hands-on learning. They’re ideal if you have a clear career goal and prefer coursework.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
• A minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including Grade 3 English Language and Grade 3 Maths.
• For GCSE Biology, students must have either: Grade 3 GCSE Biology, or Grades 3:3 Combined Science.
Courses can be mixed and matched, and we have three study routes:
• Route 1: 3 A Levels.
• Route 2: BTECs worth 3 A Levels.
• Route 3: Mixture of A Levels and BTECs.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
• 5 or more GCSEs at grade 4–9 including English Language & Maths.
• English Literature OR English Language is accepted for some subjects.
• Applied qualifications (e.g. BTEC/OCR) must be a Merit grade or above. Only one will count as a GCSE equivalent.
ASPIRE
With a range of enrichment opportunities and support on offer, this programme provides focus for students looking to achieve a place at Russell Group Universities, highly sought-after Degree Apprenticeships or elite work placements.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
An average GCSE grade score of 7.0 (mainly 6-9s)
& ENGINEERING ART, DESIGN
JAKE
“The opportunity to express and develop your creativity through the Graphic Communication course is amazing. Some of the skills I’ve learned are how to be organised, manage my own time, respond to feedback and process it so I can improve my designs. We have an awesome studio to work in and it’s a really inspiring space.”
STUDIED: Graphic Communication, and Sport (Diploma)
SCHOOL: Ralph Allen
Design Engineering
Level
Engineering
Create, innovate and solve problems to shape our future through exploring iterative design, and the world of mechanical and electrically controlled products.
Gain theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills, to prepare you for engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil or aerospace.
Fine Art
Level
Graphic Communication
Level
WHAT’S NEXT: Graphic Design at Falmouth University Course
Photography A Level
Develop your creative processes, ability to observe and communicate across a range of mediums.
Graphic Communication encourages creative thinking and is about communicating and expressing information in a visual and exciting way.
Learn traditional and modern photography techniques and master software programmes and DSLR cameras.
Product Design
Explore iterative design, and the world of aesthetic and ergonomic commercial products.
Textile Design A Level
Understand the fundamental process of design, and work on fashion, furnishings or textile sculpture.
or Literature Grade 4
or Art Grade 4 desirable but not essential
or Literature at
4 desirable but not essential
4
*Please note, both Product Design and Design Engineering lead to the same qualification and so cannot be taken together.
& ECONOMICS BUSINESS
“I chose Economics as I felt it would be a great way to understand the world around me, to increase my knowledge of the economy, and prepare for future careers. I found the course really interesting and learned a lot about how the world functions, different market structures and how businesses work.”
STUDIED: Economics, Business, and History
SCHOOL: Downend School
WHAT’S NEXT: Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management
Accounting A Level
Gain book-keeping and financial analysis skills, in this challenging course for those enjoy maths and problem solving.
[1-A Level]
Business BTEC
[2-A Levels]
Study Globalisation, Business strategy, Marketing to Financial planning with this exam-based Business A Level
Economics A Level
The four-unit Extended Certificate course. The qualifications provide an opportunity to study the key areas of business and to apply these to selected organisations.
The eight-unit Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels and is studied over two years. These practical, work-related courses are designed for students who wish to gain a broad range of knowledge about dynamic business environments.
Learn how the world really works and how you can apply economic principles, through studying how individuals, firms and governments make decisions.
& DATA COMPUTING
“I chose IT because I’ve always wanted to be a Forensic Computer Analyst. We learn how the computer works and how they are used within the workplace. We also learn how to create campaigns for companies, and how to use IT and social media to make businesses and events more effective.”
STUDIED: IT, Psychology, and Criminology
SCHOOL: Mangotsfield School
WHAT’S NEXT: Cyber Security Degree
Computer
Develop your ability to solve real-world problems, design suitable algorithms, and write effective computer programs.
Add On Course Cyber EPQ
EPQ - Additional qualification
This course is for highly motivated students who want to prepare for opportunities in the IT sector.
An exciting and innovative program designed for students who are passionate about cybersecurity, digital technologies, and the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
ENGLISH
ROSIE
“There is a great amount of discussion in the lessons, you get the chance to voice your thoughts and feelings about the books, the characters and how you interpret them. I’ve really developed my communication skills through this English Literature course, particularly how to form an argument both in person and in my essays.”
STUDIED: English Literature, Film Studies, History, and Spanish
SCHOOL: Winterbourne International Academy
WHAT’S NEXT: History at University of Cambridge
Course Title Description
English Language
A Level
Learn about how we acquire language, how language changes over time and debate about language and society.
GCSE English Language Grade 6 (or English Lang 5 + English Lit 5)
English Language and Literature
A Level
English Literature
A Level
Bringing together the study of literature and language. Study a wide range, from spoken language texts to contemporary novels.
Explore a wide range of prose fiction, drama and poetry, and develop your understanding of literary contexts, genres and periods.
Both GCSE English Language and English Literature Grade 5
Both GCSE English Language and English Literature Grade 5
HUMANITIES
KIERA
“My favourite thing about Geography is that it’s so intricate and there’s so much to learn, and it applies to everyday life. There are so many different modules and it’s so in-depth, the teaching at St Brendan’s is amazing!”
STUDIED: Geography, Business, and Spanish
SCHOOL: Hanham Woods Academy
WHAT’S NEXT: Geography at University of Bristol
Geography
A Level
History – Early modern world
A Level
History –Communist states
A Level
History –Democracies in change
A Level
Philosophy
A Level
Learn a balance of human and physical geography, alongside geographic fieldwork skills.
Explore Tudor England, the rise and fall of West African Kingdoms and the witch craze that gripped early Modern Europe and America.
Learn about the rise of Communism in Russia and China, and the experience of warfare for Britain over a period of 150 years.
Explore the experience of warfare for Britain over a period of 150 years, and why liberal democracies like Britain and America, took such different paths in the 20th Century.
Explore life’s biggest questions through Epistemology, Moral Philosophy, and the Metaphysics of God and mind. Suiting students of humanities, maths, or science due to its emphasis on reading, essay writing, and logical thinking.
Politics
A Level
Religious Studies
A Level
What does democracy really mean? In this course you will study and criticise institutions, systems and ideologies that govern us.
Examine some of humanity’s most profound questions through Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and Developments in Religious Thought— considering existence, morality, and the evolving role of religion in today’s world.
GCSE Geography Grade 4 (if taken)
If GCSE Geography not taken, Science GCSE Grade 5 is required
GCSE English Language Grade 5, or English Language Grade 4 plus English Literature Grade 5
History Grade 5 (if taken)
GCSE English Language Grade 5, or English Language Grade 4 plus
English Literature Grade 5
History Grade 5 (if taken)
GCSE English Language Grade 5, or English Language Grade 4 plus English Literature Grade 5
History Grade 5 (if taken)
GCSE Grade 5 in 2 written-based subjects
GCSE English Language Grade 5, or English Language Grade 4 with English Literature Grade 5
*Please note, only one History A Level can be selected, but there are three courses to select from.
LANGUAGES
ABBIE
French
A Level
Acquire new skills and confidence in speaking, reading and listening to the French language.
“I picked Spanish because it’s a great skill to have under my belt and lots of employers like you to have an additional language as it shows you can communicate really well. My favourite thing about the course is how confident and comfortable my class make me feel to speak Spanish.”
STUDIED: Spanish, Music Technology, and Maths
SCHOOL: Norton Hill School
WHAT’S NEXT: Gap year to travel Latin America
Spanish A Level
Add On Course
Self Supported Additional Qualification A Level
Add On Course
French
AS Level
Learn the Spanish language, alongside exploring Hispanic society, culture, traditions and politics.
Add On Course
Spanish
AS Level
Fluent in a language? Want to gain an additional A Level? Students can study independently for an extra A Level
This course lets students explore the culture and society of Frenchspeaking countries while building skills in communication, critical thinking, research, and creativity.
This course lets students explore the culture and society of Spanishspeaking countries while building skills in communication, critical thinking, research, and creativity.
MATHEMATICS
BETH
Further
Mathematics
For students who are very keen on Mathematics, this course must be taken in addition to A Level Mathematics and as a fourth subject, leading to two separate A-Level qualifications.
If you enjoyed Mathematics GCSE, particularly algebra and have strong problem- solving skills A Level may be right for you.
Statistics is a great course for those interested in how mathematics applies in real-life contexts.
Core Maths –add on
This one year course is for those who want to keep valuable maths skills, but who are not planning taking an A Level.
6
“I enjoy how challenging Maths can be and learning to recognise patterns across the subject. I really like how this course helps me with the other STEM subjects I study. It’s a great subject to help unlock more course options for university.”
STUDIED: Maths & Further Maths, Biology, and Chemistry
SCHOOL: Winterbourne International Academy
WHAT’S NEXT: Veterinary Medicine at University of Cambridge
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MEDIA, FILM &
JODIE
Course Title
Film Studies A Level
Follow your passion for film, and study British, American and Global cinema.
Media Studies A Level
Music Technology A Level
From film, magazines, television, video-games and radio this course offers an inside track into how media products are created, as well as opportunity to develop your own.
Interested in producing music? Learn key skills across mixing, sequencing, sampling, composition and recording techniques.
“I chose Media as I’ve always enjoyed watching films and seeing how people produce media online. My favourite thing about this course is the freedom you are given. For part of my coursework, I got to create my own music video and had complete control choosing everything from the storyline to location.”
STUDIED: Media Studies, History, and Psychology
SCHOOL: Oasis Academy Brislington
WHAT’S NEXT: Film at University of Brighton
DANCE & DRAMA PERFORMING ARTS
“My favourite thing about Musical Theatre is the environment that is created to help us grow and progress. It’s a really welcoming space where everyone encourages each other to improve. The teachers are very nurturing and really want to bring out the best in you, to help you become a triple threat and well-rounded performer.”
STUDIED: Performing Arts: Musical Theatre, Media Studies, French, and Spanish
SCHOOL: St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School
WHAT’S NEXT: Performing Arts Foundation at The Big Act
Dance
Drama and
Develop practical choreographic skills, enhanced by analytical studies, dance technique and performance.
Explore different aspects of the dramatic arts; from being trained in performance skills, analysing texts to directing a play.
Music Performance
The course covers the core aspects of practical music skills, and relevant industry knowledge. Students will have a keen interest in developing their knowledge and skills, and may be intending to pursue a career in the industry.
Performing Arts - Acting BTEC
Designed for Drama or Performing Arts students who love to act and wish to further their skills in a range of performance styles. You will also explore directing, as well as analysis of professional works.
Performing Arts – Musical
Theatre BTEC
Successful audition
This is a practical course which focuses on developing skills in the three specific performance areas of dancing, singing and acting.
SCIENCE
HUGO
Biology
A Level
“I really like the practical endorsement within Physics. St Brendan’s offers a lot of different practicals which are really fun and interesting. I’ve enjoyed adapting the knowledge that I’ve learned in class and applying it to real life situations in and out of College.”
STUDIED: Physics, Chemistry, and Maths & Further Maths
SCHOOL: Merchants’ Academy Bristol
WHAT’S NEXT: Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes University
Chemistry A Level
Biology is the academic study of life, encompassing everything from molecules to ecosystems. As part of the course, you will complete a Practical Endorsement to demonstrate your laboratory skills and competency in experimental work.
Make sense of the material world around you through the study of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. As part of the course, you will complete a Practical Endorsement to demonstrate your laboratory skills and competency in experimental work.
Human Biology AAQ
Gain a practical, real-world approach to learning human biology from health disease, genetics and biomedical techniques.
Physics A Level
Develop and demonstrate a deeper understanding of how science works from particles to processes involved in the Large Hadron Collider. It is strongly recommended A Level Mathematics is taken alongside. As part of the course, you will complete a Practical Endorsement to demonstrate your laboratory skills and competency in experimental work.
GCSE Maths Grade 6 (Grade 5 considered)
2 Science GCSEs Grade 6 (inc. Biology if studied separately)
GCSE Maths Grade 6 (Grade 5 considered)
2 Science GCSEs Grade 6 (inc. Chemistry if studied separately)
2 Science GCSEs at Grade 4 (inc. Biology if studied separately)
GCSE Maths Grade 6
2 Science GCSEs Grade 6 (inc. Physics if studied separately)
SCIENCES SOCIAL
“My favourite thing about Sociology is that you get to be critical about society; its institutions and holding those in power accountable. I have learned how to improve my essay writing by developing how I structure my argument to make it clear and easy to understand.”
STUDIED: Sociology, English Language, and Music Performance
SCHOOL: City Academy Bristol
WHAT’S NEXT: Social Policy & Sociology at University of Birmingham
Applied Law
BTEC
Interested in a career in law? In this course you will investigate aspects of criminal law, dispute solving in the Civil Law and the legal system.
Criminology
Level 3 WJEC
Applied Diploma
Law A Level
Gain understanding of why people commit crime, types of crime and understanding the criminal justice system. Please note, some Russell Group Universities do not accept the Criminology Diploma. Assessment includes both internal coursework and an external exam.
In this A Level you will learn the nature of law and the English legal system, and areas of law including Contract, Tort, Criminal and Human Rights Law.
Psychology A Level
For people who want to explore a wide range of human behaviours from a variety of different, often conflicting, perspectives.
Sociology A Level
Interested in modern society and expressing ideas in writing?
Sociologists develop theories like functionalism, Marxism, and feminism to explain human behaviour, which students must study in detail along with related research.
SPORT, HEALTH &
SOCIAL CARE & PROTECTIVE
SERVICES
DYLAN
Sport
BTEC Level 3
(1 A Level)
Sport
BTEC Level 3
(2 A Levels)
A theory-led course with practical elements, focused on fitness, performance, and sport in context.
A theory-led course with some practical elements, giving you the tools to develop your own fitness and performance alongside the study of sport in various contexts.
Sport
BTEC Level 3
(3 A Levels)
Health and
Social Care
AAQ Level 3
(1 A level)
Combining theory and practical work to develop your fitness, performance, and understanding of sport, coaching, and development—ideal for a career in the sports industry.
You’ll learn through projects and assignments based on real workplace scenarios, gaining a solid foundation for Level 3 study, employment, or apprenticeships in health and social care
“I really like how this Sports course has a good balance between theory and practical. I have developed loads of skills including teamwork, communication and how to be a leader, which will be great for my future.”
STUDIED: Sport, Geography, and Business
SCHOOL: Oasis Academy John Williams
WHAT’S NEXT: Sport Performance Analysis at Cardiff Metropolitan University
Health and Social Care
AAQ Level 3
(2 A levels)
Protective Services
1 A Level
BTEC Level
3 Extended Certificate
Protective Services
2 A Levels
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
Explore the Health and Social Care sector in depth, developing skills and understanding of key service user groups like children, older adults, and those with specific needs.
For students interested in careers in uniformed protective services. The course includes activities such as a residential trip and team-building tasks.
This vocational course prepares students for careers in Protective Services, developing skills in leadership, teamwork, problemsolving, communication, planning, and decision-making.
LEVEL 3 ACCESS TO
If your GCSE results weren’t what you hoped for and you need to build skills and confidence before moving on, this one-year programme is for you.
You’ll follow a customised timetable equivalent to 4–6 GCSEs, selecting from a combination of BTECs and GCSEs to match your personal goals.
CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL 2 PATHWAY
• BTEC Business
• BTEC Sport
• OCR Health & Social Care
• BTEC Public Services
PLUS a programme of GCSEs or equivalent:
• GCSE Biology
• GCSE English
• GCSE Mathematics
• GCSE Sociology
• BTEC Law
The Access to Level 3 subjects are designed with the future in mind and will continuously prepare you for A-level or Level 3 BTEC study throughout the 12 months. Having successfully completed the one-year Access programme, most students continue with the same or a related subject at the next level. However, this isn’t essential—you will be able to apply for any A-level courses when the time comes (depending on results after Access to Level 3).
After completing the programme, most students progress to a two-year Level 3 course at St Brendan’s, studying A-levels and/or applied courses such as BTECs.
“I chose Access To Level 3 after I had failed my Maths GCSE and wasn’t sure what to do next. I am proud of the progress I made on the programme, which allowed me to move onto Level 3 study. I am excited to now be heading off to Falmouth University to study for a (BA) HONS in Musical Theatre.” RAVEN
TO COLLEGE TRAVELLING
Students travel from all over Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and beyond to study here at St Brendan’s. Our central location means there’s lots of ways to get to us.
PUBLIC BUSES
First Bus offer a variety of routes within the Bristol and Bath area, and are the largest provider of buses in the region.
Air Decker provide a service linking areas of South Bristol to Bath stopping on the Bath Road outside of College.
BY BIKE BY TRAIN
There’s a network of cycle paths connected to the College, and we provide secure cycle storage, lockers and showers.
You can take a train from your local station to Temple Meads or Keynsham and then hop on one of the regular buses to the College.
BUS TICKETS
As a St Brendan’s student, you’ll be able to get subsidised bus tickets (term and annual) which you can use 24/7 to travel to and from College, and anywhere else you need to get to!
BURSARY FOR TRAVEL COSTS
Students travelling to College by public transport can apply for bursary support if their household income is less than £30,000 per year. This can cover up to 100% of the cost.
Stagecoach operates the Brislington and Portway Park and Ride routes. Students can board at Portway or Bristol City Centre and get a direct bus to the Park and Ride site at Brislington which is minutes away from College.
EXCLUSIVE PUBLIC BUS ROUTES
We’ve teamed up with First Bus to offer our students seven exclusive direct routes to and from St Brendan’s!
The First Bus tickets used on the SB services can also be used on all First Bus services 24/7 (depending on purchased ticket type).
SB1 Kingswood, Cadbury Heath, Barrs Court & Longwell Green
SB2 Downend, Staple Hill, Fishponds, Kingswood, St George, Hanham & Longwell Green
SB6 Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Pucklechurch, Wick, Bridgeyate, North Common, Oldland, Cadbury Heath, and Willsbridge
SB7 Hengrove, Bishopsworth, Highridge, Bedminster Down, Bedminster, Southville, Temple Meads, Lawrence Hill, Easton, Redfield, St George, & Hanham
Saturday 4th October
Wednesday 15th October
Thursday 13th November
Tuesday 3rd February
We know your focus in Year 11 is on your GCSEs, however, it’s a good idea to apply to us as early as possible to ensure you get onto your first choice courses, as our most popular courses fill up fast!
Applying to St Brendan’s via our website is simple and should only take 10-15 minutes.
Submit your application online via our website. Make sure you have the 4 pieces of information required. See left.
Once your application has been reviewed, you will be given a telephone interview date (interviews begin in November) or go straight to stage 3.
If your interview/application review is successful, you’ll be made a grade conditional offer to start St Brendan’s in September.
• A list of the 3 subjects you want to apply for
• Your predicted GCSE grades
• A personal email address
• An emergency contact name & email
Make sure that you have checked entry requirements for individual courses as some subjects have different criteria from the College’s general entry requirements.
In June you’ll be invited to enjoy a day as a St Brendan’s student. Try out your selected subjects, meet teachers and other students.
Enrollment begins in August shortly after GCSE Results Day. In July we’ll send you an individual date/time slot to enrol with us.
This will be in the first week of September 2026 (date to be confirmed).
FIND US WHERE TO
St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, Broomhill Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5RQ.
