Choosing Courses

When you are choosing your subjects you should think about subjects that you enjoy and those which make a sensible combination for your chosen career or entry into higher education. Studying in Post 16 is demanding and so you will need to have been successful at GCSE level. There is an expectation that you will need to regularly work at home and so you will need to be committed to your courses and motivated to succeed.

Entry Requirements:

To study BTEC courses you will need to have achieved 5 grade 4s or better at GCSE. To study A Levels you will need to have achieved 5 grade 5s or better at GCSE (as well as achieving at least grade 4 in GCSE English and mathematics). In some subjects there are more specific entry requirements. These are indicated under each subject in the A-Z of courses or in the course guide.

A-levels

Speaking generally A level study is for students who have at least 5 grades above a 5 on the 1-9 scale, and at least a 4 in English and Maths.

These students can choose to study either A levels or Level 3 BTECS at Macmillan and it is possible to mix and match these qualifications.

Some, A level courses have specific entry requirements, for example to study Maths at A level you will need at least a 6. These are all explained in the Post 16 course guide and under A-Z courses on this website. A levels are assessed 100% by exam and all the exams come at the end of the course. That means the exam in Year 13 will cover everything you have studied in year 13 and year 12. A Levels are awarded grades from A* to E.

Vocational Courses

These courses are designed to provide work-related qualifications. They give you knowledge, understanding and skills that can prepare you for employment or higher education. BTEC courses are graded as pass, merit, distinction and distinction*. Since September 2016, all BTEC courses have a mixture of coursework and examination units.

GCSE Re-sits

GCSE English and mathematics are compulsory if you do not have a 4 or better already.