A Levels
What do I need for A-Levels?
- At least 5 GCSE at grades 9 – 4 including English and Maths.
- Often you will need higher grades in the subjects you are choosing. E.g. you need a 9 – 7 in Maths GCSE to study A level Maths.
How Long?
A levels are a 2-year pathway.
How Many?
You would usually study 3 A levels in different subjects.
How are they assessed?
A-Levels are exam based and the majority of your final grade is achieved by examination at the end of your two-year study.
Why choose A-Levels?
- A-Levels are a good way to keep your options open.
- In some colleges it is possible to combine an A-Level with a vocational qualification such as a BTEC Level 3.
How do I find out more?
- Talk to your teachers or careers adviser – Candice (located in the careers office).
- Read local college prospectuses – all are now online as well as college applications.
- Talk to young people who have completed A Levels.
- Look at career ideas on eClips and Fast Tomato.
Further information can be found on Career Pilot.
If you are considering university, we would always recommend you research degrees and check entry requirements using UCAS.
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Vocational Courses
What do I need for a vocational course?
Entry requirements vary depending on the level at which you study;
- You will need a positive school report (attendance; punctuality; behaviour)
- You will continue to study functional skills in English and maths
Level 3 (Advanced) – most courses require five grades at 4/5 or above including English and Maths. Some require 4/5 in a specific subject
Level 2 (Intermediate) – most courses require four grades 3 – 4 at GCSE if you do not have a 4/5 in English or Maths you will continue to work towards this alongside your course.
Level 1 (foundation) - Some level 1 courses do not require any qualifications. For others you might need 2 grades 1 – 3 at GCSE.
How long?
This will depend on the level at which you study. Level 1 and 2 are 1-year courses and level 3 is a 2-year course.
How many?
You would usually study 1 vocational course however some colleges offer the opportunity to combine an A-Level with a vocational qualification such as a BTEC Level 3.
How are they assessed?
Most of the course is assessed via assignments however they do now have examined assessment for some courses.
Why choose a vocational course?
A student might choose a vocational course if they have decided on a certain career path and want to gain industry approved qualifications or further information on the career sector before entering the work place. E.g. Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Childcare, Motor Vehicle Engineering, Construction, Engineering etc.
You may progress up the levels of your chosen qualification or move into employment or apprenticeship.
How do I find out more?
- Talk to your teachers or careers adviser – Candice (located in the careers office)
- Read local college prospectuses – all are now online as well as college applications
- Talk to young people who have completed vocational qualifications
- Look at career ideas on eClips and Fast Tomato.
- If you are considering university, we would always recommend you research degrees and check entry requirements using UCAS.
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