A Level Subject Guide Get Ready

A Level Subject Guide Get ready... to be your best!

#IamNCC

Top 5 reasons to choose NCC...

TOP TOP COLLEGE COLLEGE IN LANCASHIRE IN THE LOCAL AREA FOR VALUE ADDED FOR VALUE ADDED IN IN VOCATIONAL A LEVELS COURSES I would never have got an Contents offer at University without the help of NCC. A huge thank you to all of my tutors!

4 Our Results Ithsham Hussain 5 Principal’s Welcome Now studying Medicine at the University of Leicester 6 NCC Graduates 10 Your Study Programme (A Level subjects, Study Skills, Tutorials, The teaching and facilities at NCC are really good! Enrichment, Gifted and Talented Support) Throw yourself into College life 14 University Guidance and get involved! (Russell Group | Oxford and Cambridge) Holly Mayor Now studying Biomedical 16 Realising Opportunities Programme Science at Newcastle University Career Pathways and Subjects Choices Being at NCC has been 18 Creative Arts a really good experience. The tutors give you so much 20 Media and Design support!

22 English and Writing Charles Choyce 24 Government and Politics Now studying Maths at the University of 26 Legal Warwick 28 Social Sciences 30 Earth Sciences The past two years have truly developed me as 32 Maths, Physics and Computer Science a person and I cannot wait to 34 Medical pursue my dreams!

36 Sport Kate Whitaker Now studying English at the University 38 Your steps to joining NCC Sixth Form of York TOP A LEVEL PROVIDER IN LANCASHIRE!

The latest government performance tables place us first for Value Added scores out of all schools and colleges in Lancashire for A Levels!

Value added is measured on the progress students make – meaning that students who come to Nelson and Colne College achieve their best!

Visit www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ for more information.

2016 Department for Education Performance Tables. 4 Principal’s Welcome

Thank you for taking the time to read our A Level Subject Guide.

Here at Nelson and Colne College we are committed to helping our students make the right choices to shape their future. Whatever their aspirations, we are here to help each individual get to their first choice University and/or onto their chosen career path. In this Guide, you will find our recommendations of what subjects and enrichment activities would best support specific career pathways. We also share the latest statistics about various industries and give more information about our Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

We are delighted to reveal that recent Government data, from the Department for Education schools’ and colleges’ performance tables, has placed us as the top A Level provider in Lancashire for value added scores and as the sixth highest performing college in the country for the progress students make in their A Level studies! This means that students who come to Nelson and Colne College exceed their potential. In our latest set of A Level Results, we were thrilled to achieve a 100% pass rate for the fourth consecutive year and see students progress to some of the top universities in the country, including the University of Warwick, the University of York and Newcastle University. This year looks set to be just as exciting, with our students currently securing conditional offers for a range of universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and those in the Russell Group.

With exemplary staff, fantastic resources, a sixth form environment, wrap-around support, and extensive skills development opportunities, we help students reach their ambitions while creating some of the best memories of their lives. If you require any more information about the courses and activities on offer, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Team on 01282 440272.

Amanda Melton Principal 5 NCC Graduates Just a few examples of our students’ achievements...

Meet... Charles

School: Colne Park High School A Level Results: A*A*A*A* in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry

Where now? Studying Maths at the University of Warwick

Meet... Hashaam Meet... Kate

School: Pendle Vale College School: Colne Park High School

A Level Results: A Level Results: A*A*A* in Maths, Physics A*A*A in English Literature, and Chemistry History and English Language

Where now? Studying Maths at Where now? Studying English the University of Manchester at the University of York

Meet... Maryam School: Marsden Heights Community College A Level Results: A*AB in Media, Sociology and English Language

Where now? Studying English Language and Education at the University of Leeds

6 Meet... Holly School: Skipton Girls’ High School A Level Results: A*A*A in Psychology, History and Religious Studies

Where now? Studying Psychology at the University of Bath

Meet... Harry Meet... Matt

School: SS John Fisher & Thomas School: Colne Park High School More RC High School A Level Results: A Level Results: A*A*A in Maths, Physics A*A*A in Biology, Chemistry and Further Maths and Maths Where now? Studying Mechanical Where now? Studying Medicine Engineering at Imperial College London at Hull York Medical School

Meet... Rachel Meet... Joshua School: Bowland High Shuttleworth A Level Results: School: AAB in Biology, Chemistry College and Maths A Level Results: Where now? Studying Veterinary AAC in Computing, Medicine at the University of Nottingham Maths and Physics Where now? Alongside his degree, Meet... Studying Maths Oscar Joshua is currently and Computer School: Colne Primet Academy working as a Science at the Computer Scientist in A Level Results: University of Switzerland for CERN A*BB in Media Studies, Film Studies Manchester with the Large and English Language Hadron Collider, discovering new Where now? Studying Journalism (Multimedia) at the University of Salford particles.

7 This year’s ones to watch...

Lotte Gleeson Dawud Afzal Conditional offer with the University of Oxford! Conditional offer with the University of Cambridge!

Hall of Fame Just some of our alumni success stories...

Amy Strange Sajjad Karim

A Levels: English Language, A Levels: History, English Literature, Media Government and Politics Studies, Theatre Studies and and Business Studies. Psychology.

After Leaving College: Achieved a BA (Hons) in Acting After Leaving College: Studied Law at the College of at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Law in Chester.

Where now? An Actress across theatre, Where now? MEP for the North West in film and television. the European Parliament.

Grant Davies Emily Mitchell

A Levels: History, Sociology, A Levels: Textiles, General Studies and English Photography, Fine Art Language. and 3D Design.

After Leaving College: Studied at the University College After Leaving College: Achieved a BA (Hons) in of Wales, Aberystwyth, to read International Politics and Costume Design at the University of Huddersfield. Strategic Studies. Owns a seam-stressing and Where now? Commander Legal 1 in Where now? the UK Armoured Division. clothing business, Sew in Love in Colne.

8 7 John Spencer

A Levels: Physics, Maths, Further Maths and General Studies.

After Leaving College: Studied a degree in Geology at the University of Cambridge.

Where now? Working as a Senior Scientist at the NASA Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado.

Natalie Haythornthwaite Ed Lee

A Levels: Maths, English A Levels: History, Literature, Media Studies, Geography, Religious Studies General Studies and Physical and General Studies. Education.

After Leaving College: Studied at the University of Leeds After Leaving College: Began working as a Journalist at and achieved a BA (Hons) in Linguistics and Phonetics. Leader Times Newspapers.

Where now? Studying while also balancing Where now? Working as Deputy Content a professional Netball career for England. Manager at East Lancashire Newspapers.

Nicky Browne Sarah Hey

A Levels: Religious Studies, A Levels: Biology, History, English and Environmental Science, General Studies. Psychology and Geology.

After Leaving College: Studied a degree in Philosophy After Leaving College: Studied a four year course at the and Theology at New College Oxford, before progressing University of Leicester to read MGeol. to King’s College, Cambridge. Working as a Geologist at GRM Where now? Working as a writer of Where now? children’s fantasy novels and as a lecturer. Development Solutions in Burton-On-Trent. 9 Your Study Programme

As an A Level student at Nelson and Colne College your study programme will consist of the following;

Core Subjects (3 A Levels)

Career Aim Study Skills Enrichment

Tutorial

You will also be expected to carry independent study and other personal development activities alongside your programme such as additional workshops, leisure enrichment activities, volunteering or work experience, or part-time employment.

10 A Level Subjects

The majority of students studying an A Level programme will focus on three subjects over two years. In exceptional circumstances, some students may be able to study four subjects. Your combination of A Levels should reflect the university, degree and career you want to progress on to. See page 17 onwards for which subjects work well together for particular career pathways. Our Subjects and Entry Requirements You will be expected to have a minimum of two Bs and three Cs in five subject areas at GCSE, to include Maths and English Language. Students will also be required to have specific grades at GCSE for certain subjects, as specified below;

Biology Chemistry GCSE Biology or Science (both core Business Studies GCSE Maths at grade B or above, plus Chemistry or and additional) at grade B or above Science (both core and additional) at grade B or above

Computer Science Creative Writing Drama and Theatre GCSE Maths at grade B or above GCSE English Literature at grade C or above Studies

Fashion and Textiles English Language English Literature An GCSE art related subject, plus GCSE English Literature at grade C or above GCSE English Literature at grade C or above a portfolio of work*

Fine Art An art related GCSE subject, plus French Film Studies GCSE French at grade B or above a portfolio of work*

Geology Further Mathematics Geography GCSE Science (both core and additional) GCSE Maths at grade A or A* GCSE Geography at grade B or above at grade B or above

Graphic Design German An GCSE art related subject, plus Government and Politics GCSE German at grade B or above a portfolio of work*

Mathematics History Law GCSE Maths at grade B or above

Photography Media Studies Religious Studies An GCSE art related subject, plus a portfolio of work*

Physical Education Physics GCSE Maths at grade B or above, plus Physics or Psychology GCSE Science at grade C or above GCSE Science at grade C or above, plus Science (both core and additional) at grade B or above students must also be playing sport to a reasonably high level in one sport and to a good level in a second sport Spanish Sociology GCSE Spanish at grade B or above

*Students without a portfolio, but with a keen interest in the subject will also be considered. 11 Study Skills

In addition to your three A Level subjects, ‘Study Skills’ forms a vital part of the A Level study programme. For this, the majority of students will study the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ is designed to equip students with that ‘little bit more’ required by universities and allows students to explore new subjects and areas of interest outside of their main subject choices.

The EPQ – What is involved? • A self-directed research project into a topic of your choice • Allows students to develop study skills, including planning and researching • Students will develop a research assignment, a product, or an activity • The EPQ may carry UCAS points and is therefore valued by universities

Where appropriate for specific career choices and degree applications, some students may take on alternative projects to the EPQ, such as; • Creative and Digital: Enterprise qualification to build business skills for self-employment and learn how to promote yourself as a practising artist or designer • Sport: Students may participate in a Sport Academy • Business, Science or Humanities: Free-standing Maths qualification

Tutorials

Our tutorial system is designed to inspire and guide students during their time at College. Regular tutorial sessions ensure that students are on track with all lessons and coursework, and that students are coping with the workload to achieve their potential. Tutorials are career focused, so you will be matched into a tutorial group to suit your personal ambitions and career aspirations. Your personal tutor will help guide you with your university application and choices.

12 Enrichment

At NCC we’re committed to ensuring that your studies are career focused and are linked to your future goals. Your participation in enrichment should reflect this and we have a wide range of opportunities to support students to further develop their skills. Enrichment opportunities might include;

• Pre-Professional Programmes in Law, Medicine, Teaching or Journalism • Medical/Sport route: First Aid qualification or Heart Start training • Volunteering or work experience • Trips and visits • Creative and Digital: Mac skills, photography, life drawing • Robotics • Enterprise Programme

See the career pathways section for more details of enrichment linked to subject choices.

Gifted and Talented Support

We support students with the necessary preparation for applying to Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities. This includes extra workshops and revision support. In addition, we encourage students to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to new experiences. Some of our previous students have gone on to Harvard Summer School, undertaken work experience, and this year one of our students even secured an internship at an MEP’s office in Brussels! For more information, see our section on Russell Group, and Oxford and Cambridge application guidance.

13 University Guidance

Each year we see our students progress to some of the best universities in the country, including the University of Warwick, the University of York and Newcastle University. This year looks set to be just as exciting, with our students currently securing conditional offers for a range of universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and those in the Russell Group. If you have high university ambitions, here is useful information and some things to consider to help you on your way... Russell Group Universities

What is the Russell Group? The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with businesses and the public sector. Russell Group universities include The University of Cambridge, The University of Oxford, The University of Manchester, The London School of Economics and many more.

Why should I apply for a Russell Group university? Russell Group universities represent the cutting edge of the UK university sector. Their total economic output is £32 billion per annum and they support more than 300,000 jobs across the UK. They conduct world leading research, with 68% of the UK’s top research being carried out in a Russell Group university. They will be investing in the university education that you will receive – Russell Group universities will invest £768million in STEM teaching/research, £162million in teaching, £253million in library/IT facilities and £667million in accommodation, sport and cultural facilities in the period up to 2017. And when you graduate, Russell Group university students earn on average 10% more than other graduates.

What is their advice on A Level choices? Russell Group publishes a document called ‘Informed Choices’. This gives very detailed information about specific degree courses and which A Level subjects are required. For example, to read medicine you generally need to study Biology, Chemistry and one of Maths/Physics. It also advises on which subjects are recommended. Law, for example, very rarely requires specific subjects, though English Literature and History are recommended.

They also publish their list of ‘facilitating’ subjects. These are the subjects that open a wide range of options. The facilitating subjects are Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths and Further Maths, Physics and Modern Foreign Languages.

Where can I get more information? All of this information and more can be found on the Russell Group website www.russellgroup.ac.uk. There is a useful video giving advice on choosing your A Level subjects. The brochure for ‘Informed Choices’ can also be downloaded from the website at www.russellgroup.ac.uk. 14 Oxford and Cambridge

Oxford and Cambridge (also known as Oxbridge) admissions are among the most competitive in the world. Even the brightest applicants need the skills to demonstrate their full academic potential. The universities are looking for evidence of an interesting and curious mind that can adapt to meet new academic challenges.

Here is some advice from our academic experts to help you start your Oxbridge journey…

1. Set some personal goals

Aim for A*s and As in your GCSEs and A Levels. Continuously aim to unlock your potential and develop your confidence by going the extra mile.

2. Explore the super curriculum

Discover more by reading around the subject you love, watching documentaries, visiting museums, going to galleries and attending exhibitions. Stay up-to-date with developments in your chosen field.

3. Get involved

Prove your initiative and enthusiasm by participating in enrichment opportunities, volunteering and doing additional qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification. 4. Visit Universities

Go to a range of colleges and look around the departments to get a feel for university life. Speak to students and find out as much as you can about undergraduate life. 5. Ask questions

Oxford and Cambridge offer unique and varied degree programmes, so do your research to find the one that is right for you.

6. Make an outstanding impression

Prepare for interview by sharing your academic interests with your peers and tutors. Listen to the ideas of others to gain new perspectives and practise communicating with impact.

7. Go for it!

The application process is an exciting opportunity you will enjoy. If you have high grades, you have nothing to lose!

15 Realising Opportunities Programme

What is ‘Realising Opportunities’ (RO)? Realising Opportunities is a unique collaboration of 15 leading, research intensive universities, working together to promote fair access and social mobility of students from groups underrepresented in higher education. Nelson and Colne College is privileged to be chosen as the only college in the region to put students forward for the programme and work alongside The University of Manchester.

What are the benefits of RO? Students benefit from being part of RO in a range of different ways. The programme includes two official visits to RO universities, access to hundreds of workshops to develop vital skills, support from an ‘e-mentor’ who is studying at the university and online skills-building modules. Most importantly, students who complete the course may receive a university offer of up to two grades lower than advertised (e.g. ABB instead of AAA).

Who is eligible for the programme? The programme is only available to students in their first year of A Levels at Nelson and Colne College. Students need to have achieved eight GCSEs or equivalent, including five at grades A*-B. Students then need to meet two of the four following criteria;

• Live in a postcode of high social/economic deprivation • Both parents have not attended university • Entitled to discretionary payments/16-19 bursary • Entitled to free school meals

Where can I find out more information? More information on the RO programme, including a list of participating universities, can be found on the website www.realisingopportunities.ac.uk

16 Career Pathways and Subject Choices

When choosing which subjects to study at A Level you should have in mind a career goal. Some universities require specific grades and A Level subjects for entry onto particular degree pathways, so it’s important to do your research.

In this ‘career pathways’ section of our A Level Subject Guide, you will find further information about which subject choices work well together for particular career routes. You’ll also find some further information about enrichment opportunities within these areas and the types of careers you may wish to progress onto.

Career Pathways and Subject Choices

18 Creative Arts 20 Media and Design 22 English and Writing 24 Government and Politics 26 Legal 28 Social Sciences 30 Earth Sciences 32 Maths, Physics and Computer Science 34 Medical 36 Sport

17 Creative Arts Route

A LEVEL SUBJECT CHOICES 43,000 WORKERS REQUIRED IN THE CREATIVE ARTS S U B J E SECTOR E BY 2020 R C T O S C TEXTILES ONE IN SIX

OF ALL UK GRADUATE

PHOTOGRAPHY JOBS IS A

C CREATIVE ROLE

T FINE ART R

S ONE IN 11 B U OF ALL UK JOBS IS NOW IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY Choosing at least two of the core subjects is recommended

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• Languages • Physics and Maths* • English Literature • History • English Language • Business Studies • Theatre Studies • Geography • Film Studies • Media • Psychology • Graphic Design

*If wanting to pursue a career in Architecture.

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 18 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)is a largely self-directed research project into a topic of your choice. Students will develop their study skills as they plan, research and develop their idea, creating either a research assignment, a product or an activity (e.g. an event) as their final piece. The EPQ may also count towards UCAS points.

Students may ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S be able to take an enterprise Pre-journalism programme, PC/Mac skills, photography, Adobe qualification instead Creative Suite skills and work experience opportunities. of the EPQ, where appropriate.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

ART AND DESIGN FASHION AND INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Fine Artist / Sculptor Fashion Designer Fashion Photographer Art Gallery Curator Costume Designer Forensic Photographer Art Director Architect Photojournalist Animator Interior Designer Advertising Product Designer Visual Merchandiser Medical Photographer Set Designer Furniture Designer Studio Photographer Printmaker Multimedia Journalist

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS Design and Media Route

A LEVEL SUBJECT CHOICES THE UK’S CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CONTRIBUTE £71 BILLION U B TO THE NATIONAL S J ECONOMY! E E R C MEDIA T O S C SENIOR

GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

. EARN BETWEEN

£32,000 AND

PHOTOGRAPHY C £50,000 S

C FILM STUDIES

J S B U ONE IN SIX OF ALL UK GRADUATE JOBS IS A CREATIVE ROLE Choosing at least two of the core subjects is recommended

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• Fine Art • English Literature • Creative Writing • English Language • Business Studies

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 20 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

Students may ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S be able to take an enterprise Pre-journalism programme, PC/Mac skills, photography, Adobe qualification instead Creative Suite skills, work experience opportunities and Film of the EPQ, where Production Club. appropriate.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

MARKETING FILM AND TV DIGITAL

Advertiser Media Researcher Animator Brand Developer TV Production Crew Motion Graphic Artist Graphic Designer Radio Producer Special Effects Artist Web Designer Cinematographer Brand Designer Journalism and PR Location Manager Graphic Designer Agency Account Manager Games Designer Web Designer Creative Director Film Editor Illustrator

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS English and Writing Route

SUBJECT CHOICES A LEVEL THE MINIMUM HOURLY RATE FOR PROOFREADING IN 2015 IS £22.50 AN HOUR U B AND £26.20 FOR S J COPY-EDITING E E R C T O ENGLISH S NQTS IN C ENGLAND AND WALES

LANGUAGE START ON A

. SALARY FROM

£22,023

ENGLISH C S

T LITERATURE R

C THE BBC

E EMPLOYS 20,000

J S PEOPLE IN A WIDE B U VARIETY OF WRITING, ACTING AND SUPPORT ROLES

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• Graphic Design • Sociology • Media • Religious Studies • Film Studies • French / German / Spanish • Creative Writing • History • Government and Politics

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 22 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S

Pre-law programme, Pre-journalism programme, work experience, HE Careers Conference and student magazine.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

CREATIVE WRITING JOURNALISM PUBLISHING

Copywriter Sports Journalist Editor Advertiser TV and Media Reporter Book Publisher Marketeer Digital Media Broadcaster Writer Fiction Writer Political Journalist Teacher Author Presenter Screen Writer

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS Humanities Route

A LEVEL SUBJECT CHOICES IT IS LIKELY YOU COULD EARN OVER

U B £45,000AFTER 4-5 YEARS EXPERIENCE S J AS A POLITICAL E E RESEARCHER R C T O HISTORY S HISTORY IS C RANKED AS ONE

GOVERNMENT OF THE TOP 10

. MOST EMPLOYABLE

AND POLITICS DEGREES BY THE

C DAILY TELEGRAPH

T RELIGIOUS R

STUDIES

J THE ARMY OFFERS S B U A BURSARY FOR UNDERGRADUATES OF £1,000 A YEAR WHILE YOU ARE AT UNI AND £3,000 WHEN YOU JOIN AS AN OFFICER. A BRIGADIER CAN EARN A SALARY OF £104,000 Choosing at least two of the core subjects is recommended

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• English Literature • Spanish • Geography • Maths • French / German / Spanish • Law • Sociology

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 24 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S

Pre-law programme, Pre-teaching programme, guest speakers, work experience, HE Careers Conference and Debating Club.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

GOVERNMENT SPECIALIST PUBLIC SERVICES

Civil Servant Barrister (Law required) The Armed Forces Intelligence Specialist Solicitor (Law required) Police Officer Political Researcher Journalist Firefighter Local Government Officer Cleric Council Worker Teacher Politician Business Management European Union Rep Financial Specialist

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS Legal Route

A LEVEL SUBJECT CHOICES THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 300,000 U B PARALEGALS IN S J ENGLAND AND E E WALES R C T O S LAW FIRMS C ARE OFFERING AN AVERAGE STARTING

SALARY OF .

£39,000

LAW C

C THERE ARE MORE THAN

E 80,000 SOLICITORS

J S B U WORKING IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN ENGLAND AND WALES

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• English Literature • Sociology • English Language • Psychology • History • Government and Politics • Business Studies • French / German / Spanish • Maths

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 26 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S

Pre-law programme, guest speakers, work experience, HE Careers Conference, Enterprise Programme and Debating Club.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

LEGAL SOCIAL

Barrister Licensed Conveyancer Probation Officer Chartered Legal Executive Solicitor Police Officer Paralegal Court Clerk Prison Officer Legal Executive Civil Servant Youth Worker Legal Secretary

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS

To become a Lawyer, a relevant post-graduate professional course is also required. Social Sciences Route

SUBJECT CHOICES A LEVEL SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPISTS IN THE NHS GENERALLY START FROM S U B J £21,000 E E PER YEAR R C T O S CLINICAL C PSYCHOLOGISTS TEND TO WORK WITH ONE PARTICULAR CLIENT GROUP

SOCIOLOGY . SUCH AS CHILDREN OR

. PEOPLE WITH LEARNING

DISABILITIES

S PSYCHOLOGY

C 50%

OF ALL J

S SOCIOLOGY GRADUATES B U GO INTO PROFESSIONAL OR MANAGERIAL ROLES

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• History • Media • Maths • Film Studies • Religious Studies • English Literature • Biology • English Language • Law • Government and Politics • Geography

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 28 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

Students may be able ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S to take a Free-Standing Maths Qualification / Pre-teaching programme, HE Career Conference, guest core Maths instead speakers and work experience. of the EPQ, where appropriate.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

SOCIAL CARE AND WELFARE HEALTH CARE

Social Work Counsellor Speech Therapist Psychologist Youth Worker Occupational Therapist Teacher Civil Servant Nurse Police Officer Manager Psychiatrist Psychotherapist Clinical Psychiatrist

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS Earth Sciences Route

A LEVEL SUBJECT CHOICES THE UK’S ENERGY AND UTILITY WORKFORCE NEEDS 200,000 NEW RECRUITS S U B J E E BY 2023 R C T O S 74% C OF GEOGRAPHY

GRADUATES EARN A STARTING SALARY GEOGRAPHY .

. OF £20K OR

MORE C

S GEOLOGY

C 80

E UNIVERSITIES

J OFFER GEOGRAPHY

S B U WITH OVER 1400 GEOGRAPHY RELATED DEGREES

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• Maths • History • Biology • English Language • Chemistry • French / German / Spanish • Physics • Computer Science

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 30 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

Students may be able ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S to take a Free-Standing Maths Qualification / Residential trips, HE Careers Conference, conservation core Maths instead watch research projects and guest speakers. of the EPQ, where appropriate.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

ENVIRONMENT / SUSTAINABILITY PHYSICAL SYSTEMS GEOGRAPHICAL

Marine Biologist Seismologist Working with Geog-info Conservation Specialist Volcanologist Systems (GIS) Pollutions Analyst Glaciologist Oceanographer Environmental Health Officer Cartographer Urban / Town Planner Architect Surveyor

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS Maths, Physics and Computer Science Route

SUBJECT CHOICES A LEVEL AEROSPACE ESTIMATES SUGGEST THERE WILL BE A U B GLOBAL DEMAND FOR S J 27,000 NEW PASSENGER E E PLANES R C T O MATHS S TO MEET C EU TARGETS WE

WILL NEED TO BUILD

. PHYSICS 7,500 OFFSHORE

TURBINES IN THE NEXT C FOUR OR FIVE

S COMPUTER YEARS

C SCIENCE

COMPUTER

J S B U SCIENCE GRADUATES EARN ON AVERAGE £43,895 SIX MONTHS AFTER GRADUATING Choosing at least two of the core subjects is recommended

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• Further Maths • Geology

• Biology • Geography

• Chemistry • French / German / Spanish

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 32 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

Students may be able ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S to take a Free-Standing Maths Qualification / Robotics workshop, stretch and challenge Maths activities, core Maths instead work experience opportunities, HE Careers Conference, of the EPQ, where ICT support and ‘Physics Extra’ workshops. appropriate.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

COMPUTER SCIENCE FINANCIAL

Solution/Systems Architect Accountant Working in Artificial Intelligence Actuary Data Scientist Banker

PHYSICS ENGINEERING

Medical Physicist Chemical Engineer Particle Physicist Mechanical Engineer Nuclear Physicist Electrical Engineer

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS Medical Route - Including Pre-Medicine Route

A LEVEL SUBJECT CHOICES

FOR A MEDICAL PRACTIONER S U B J E E R C T O S C

BIOLOGY .

PRACTIONERS

S CHEMISTRY

J S B U

(HEALTHCARE)

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• Physics • Geology

• Maths • Geography

• Further Maths

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 34 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

Students may be able ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S to take a Free-Standing Maths Qualification / Pre-medicine programme, first aid at work qualification, core Maths instead ‘Heart Start’ training, work experience, volunteering opportunities, of the EPQ, where or becoming a reading/peer/school mentor. appropriate.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

LAB-BASED PATIENT BASED TECH-BASED HUMAN OR ANIMAL

Bio-chemistry Scientist Doctor Neuroscientist Bio-medical Scientist Dentist Physiotherapist Ecologist Nurse Bio-Engineer Micro-biologist Healthcare Scientist Radiographer Scientist in Dietetics Clinical Scientist Audiologist Pharmacist Animal / Veterinary Scientist Zoologist

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS Sport Route

SUBJECT CHOICES A LEVEL THE STARTING SALARY FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL PE TEACHER U B RANGES FROM S J £23,300-32,000 E E R C T O THERE ARE S APPROXIMATELY C

50,000

PE . PROFESSIONAL .

SPORTS PEOPLE

C IN THE UK

S BIOLOGY O

R 1.4 MILLION

C MORE ADULTS

E HAVE GOT INVOLVED

J S B U WITH SPORT OVER THE LAST DECADE

PLUS A CHOICE OF

• Maths • Law • Chemistry • English Literature • Psychology • English Language • Business • Geography

These subjects are recommended, however other subject options are also available. 36 STUDY SKILLS (EPQ)

Students may be able ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNIT I E S to take part in a Sport Academy or secondary Sports teams, work experience, first aid and coaching qualifications. sports team instead of the EPQ, where appropriate.

EXAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS

HEALTH AND EXERCISE TEACHING AND COACHING SCIENCE

Nutritionist Secondary PE Teacher Physiotherapist Personal Trainer Sports Coach Sports Therapist Dietician Sport Development Officer Sport Scientist Clinical Exercise Specialist Multi-Sports Coach Event Safety Manager Sport Programme Coordinator

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR THESE PATHWAYS Your Steps to Joining College

One of the benefits of studying at a smaller college is that you are a name and not a number. We take the time to get to know each and every student and tailor-make your education to suit your needs. We will work with you at each step of the process to make sure your journey to starting College is a smooth one.

School Liaison Our School Liaison team regularly visit schools in the Pendle and Burnley areas, plus some 1 schools which are further afield by invitation. They offer practical, impartial advice on college courses and careers, helping you to start thinking about your future after high school and allowing you to form a plan with your career aspirations in mind.

Open Events

We hold regular Open Events throughout the year. It is essential that you attend an Open Event 2 in order to get a real experience of what it is like to study at College. You will be able to meet tutors and current students and get important advice and guidance on all aspects of College life. If you are unable to attend an Open Event, we can also arrange for a personal tour; contact our Admissions Team on 01282 440272.

38 Your Application and Interview We recommend that you plan to make an early application, as some courses are very popular. You can apply to our College using our paper application form, or via our online application form. Once we have received your application, we will send you an acknowledgement, followed by details of your interview. Your interview aims to make sure that you are on the correct course 3 and that you are clear on your goals. Interviews take place between October and May and they are an informal process which gives you the perfect chance to ask questions about your subject choices.

To request an application form, contact Admissions on 01282 440 272 or email [email protected]

New Student Days

Our New Student Days take place in June/July. These are aimed at giving you the chance to 4 meet with your future classmates and tutors and confirm your chosen subjects are right for you. This will help to put your mind at rest so that you can enjoy your summer before starting with us in September! These events provide a key opportunity to ensure your choices suit you career aim and will be subjects you enjoy. Nelson and Colne College Scotland Road | Nelson | BB9 7YT