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The College endeavours to provide the widest choice of study available, whilst ensuring that students follow the courses that best suit their needs and capabilities.
Nearly 50 AS/A Level subjects are offered and a wide range of Vocational courses. The flexibility of provision gives students the opportunity to combine AS/A Level subjects with units from Vocational programmes.
AS/A LEVEL
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In all A Level subjects, the first year of study is known as the AS Level and, generally, external assessment of this takes place at the end of the first year.
The second year of study is the A2 year and also involves external examinations to gain the full A Level Award. Many students will study 4 AS subjects in Year 1 and will then continue with at least 3 of those subjects through to the full A Level.
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VOCATIONAL COURSES
If you preferred the coursework element of GCSEs to the examinations, then a Vocational course may be the best choice for you.
The College offers a wide range of courses and students progress, each year, to either the Higher Education course of their choice or into employment.
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These courses are rather more focused in their vocational discipline and lead to specific career routes. Vocational courses are available at different levels and may be combined with other qualifications, including AS/A Levels, to give the complete student programme of study.
The major choices are:
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BTEC First Diploma - a 6-unit one-year course, equivalent to 4 GCSEs
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BTEC National Diploma - 18 unit two-year awards, equivalent to three A Levels
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BTEC National Certificate - 12 unit two-year awards, equivalent to two A Levels
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NVQ - available in certain vocational areas
For each of these courses you will be asked to compile a portfolio of evidence which will be internally assessed. Some courses do have certain units that are assessed by external tests.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students would normally be expected to achieve the following minimum entry qualifications:
- AS courses - 7 GCSEs at grade C, preferably including English and Maths
- BTEC National Diploma - 5 GCSEs at grade C or BTEC First Diploma at merit or distinction
- BTEC First Diploma - 1 GCSE at grade C, supported by a number at grade D
- Motor Vehicle - no specific entry requirements
Certain subjects/courses may require specific GCSEs at grade C or above and these are indicated within subject/course information.
Where entry requirements are not met, but there are special circumstances, each application will be considered on individual merit.
MONITORING OF PROGRESS
Co-ordinators and lecturers provide the Directors of Study with a monthly report on each student, covering attendance, effort and attainment. Progress Evenings for parents/guardians are held during the year.
Progression to the second year of a course is conditional upon obtaining passes in the first year examinations for A Level students and, for Vocational students, upon completing coursework for the first year and attaining an 80% attendance. However, we are always sympathetic where personal circumstances may have affected progress.
FEES
All students, whatever their mode of attendance, are required to pay a College registration fee.
All full time applicants are interviewed prior to the start of their course. This normally takes place between January and June each year. Prospective students are, therefore, encouraged to make an early application. Any applications received after 30th April 2010 will only be considered at the discretion of the College.
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