Choosing Courses
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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. When choosing subjects you should think about subjects you enjoy and those which make a sensible combination for your chosen career or entry into higher education. Students can choose to study either A levels or Level 3 BTECS at Macmillan and it is possible to mix and match these qualifications. Courses are very demanding and in Post 16 we expect you to use your independent study time and working at home to meet the course requirements and enable you to be successful.
Reforms in Post 16 education are ongoing and changes to courses that we run, occur annually. We will publish changes to our course provision via our website and open events.
A-LEVELS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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 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.
BTEC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
To study BTEC courses you will need to have achieved 5 grade 4s or better at GCSE. 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-SIT IN MATHS AND ENGLISH
Students who do not achieve a Grade 4 in GCSE English and mathematics are required to re-sit in Post 16. Lessons taught by subject specialists are compulsory for all students if you do not have a 4 or better already.
LEVEL 2 ADVANCE COURSE
Students who do not achieve the entry requirements for BTEC qualifications are still able to study in Post 16. We offer the Advance course which enables students to re-sit their English and/or mathematics GCSE examinations in addition to completing two additional qualifications – BTEC Award in Public Services and the Level 2 Prince’s Trust Award in Personal Development and Employment Skills. It is our hope that on completion, students who take the Level 2 Advance course transition on to our Level 3 BTEC qualifications.
