CHOOSING A COURSE Choosing the right course for you There are big changes taking place nationally in education, designed to raise standards. This means that the A Level, GCSE and BTEC courses we offer are undergoing reforms. Not all the changes are coming in all at once, but they will be phased in over the coming three years. There will also be changes to the content of specific A Level courses, the amount of coursework, and to A Level examinations, not to mention more rigorous assessment for GCSE and BTEC courses. Choosing a college course that’s right for you can become quite daunting with so many options available to you. Stay calm, we are here to help you understand and get you on the right course that suits you. Take a look at the information below. It explains the different types of qualifications we have on offer and what you can progress to. Pay close attention to the entry requirements as they will determine what level you can apply for. You should check our courses for the entry requirements to the subject you are interested in. ENTRY LEVEL Entry Qualifications: No GCSEs These courses are designed for young people with a high level of learning needs transferring from specialist school settings. Progression options > Other Entry Level programmes Level 1 BTEC Certificate Further education LEVEL 1 BTEC CERTIFICATE – NQF Entry Qualifications: A few if no GCSE passes (grades D-G or from 2017 grades 1-3) Length: One year. Level 1 programmes are designed for students who may not have had the opportunity to sit their GCSEs, or who have achieved mostly D-G or from 2017 1-3 grades. They are foundation levels designed to help students take the first steps in their studies in their chosen vocational field. Within this qualification you will also take Functional Skills of Maths and English. Progression options > Level 2 BTEC Diploma LEVEL 2 BTEC DIPLOMA – QCF/NQF Entry Qualifications: 3 or more GCSEs at grade D or from 2017 3 or more GCSEs at grade 3 Relevant Level 1 qualification Length: One year Level 2 BTEC Diplomas are practical work-related courses. Students are assessed by completing units and producing a portfolio of work. It provides a good base to go on to advanced qualifications. On completion Level 2 BTEC Diplomas are equivalent to 4 GCSEs. Progression options > Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 BTEC 90 Credit Diploma A Levels LEVEL 2 GCSE Pathways in: Science, Social Science Entry Qualifications: 4 GCSEs A*-C including C in English and D in Maths Length: One year This is a one-year intensive course. The programme is designed to give students who narrowly failed to gain sufficient GCSE passes the opportunity to progress on to study Science or Social Science subjects at AS Level or a Vocational course. This course is designed to help you progress onto a full Level 3 qualification whether academic or vocational. Progression options > A Levels Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 BTEC 90 Credit Diploma LEVEL 3 BTEC 90 Credit DIPLOMA – QCF/NQF Entry Qualifications: Four GCSEs A*-C including Maths or English or Level 2 Diploma at Merit or Distinction and GCSE grade A*-C in English or Maths Length: One year The BTEC Level 3 90 Credit Diploma Course is a 1 year full-time course for learners wanting to progress into the appropriate vocational career sector or progress into Higher Education. The Course is designed to reflect both practical and theoretical aspects of subjects across a range of disciplines. The course is broadly equivalent to 1.5 GCE A Levels and provides a programme of study manageable in a year so that learners can bank and then build on their achievement. When you have finished the course you may choose to go into full-time employment. Alternatively, students who successfully complete this course with an overall Merit or Distinction and have average attendance of 90% or higher can enrol onto the second year of the BTEC Extended Diploma which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. If you are 18 by the 31st August you will automatically be enrolled onto the BTEC Extended Diploma (2-year course). If you are 19 or over you will have to pay fees or alternatively you could study on an Access to Higher Education course. Progression options > University Employment LEVEL 3 BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA – QCF/NQF Entry Qualifications: 4 or more GCSEs grades A*-C including English Language. From 2017 4 or more GCSEs at grades 9-4 Level 2 BTEC Diploma at Distinction or Merit Length: Two years BTEC Nationals provide specialist, work-related learning across a range of sectors. Delivering the knowledge, skills and understanding students need to prepare for their chosen career, BTEC Nationals offer progression to higher or further education or into employment. A range of learning methods and assessments are used including practical and theoretical assignments, discussions, presentations and external assessment. Progression options > University Employment AS/A2 LEVEL/LINEAR A LEVEL Entry Qualifications: 5 or more GCSEs at grade A*-C and from 2017 5 or more GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English or Maths and subjects will require B grades in specific GCSEs eg Maths or Sciences, Humanities or Social Science subjects. For French and Spanish an A*/A is required. Length: One-two years A Levels are generally a two year course, with AS levels being obtained within the first year. Depending on your GCSE qualifications you can choose up to 4 subjects in your first year and progress on to 3 in your second. When choosing A levels you should think about which subjects complement each other. From 2017 A Levels are becoming linear two-year courses. This means you need to study for the full two years to obtain the qualification. Examinations will be sat at the end of the two year course, not spread out over both years. Progression options > University Employment .