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AS / A Levels 2010/11
A Levels Explained
What are the courses about?
A Levels are a path after GCSEs for those who wish to follow an academic route on to a university-level course or a career. You should initially choose subjects according to your interests and abilities, but you will then need to check that your choice fits with your career plans and works well as a combination. The College offers a very wide range of A Level courses and almost any combination is usually possible. College staff will be happy to offer you advice.
You will be expected to study three A Levels over two years. It is important that you make the right choices. The previous practice of dropping AS subjects at the end of the first year is being discouraged by many universities.
Course Duration
A Level courses are allocated 4.5 hours per week for two years, although it is possible to study an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level or an intensive AS and A2 course in one year (by exception). Some courses are only offered at AS Level and this is clearly indicated in the course information.
How will you be assessed?
An AS Level comprises at least one unit of coursework the others being external examinations. The same format exists for the A2 Level. All students on A Level courses will also work towards achieving a key skills qualification.
Standard Entry Requirements
You will be required to have a minimum of five GCSEs at A*-C grade to start an A level programme. A First Diploma will be regarded as four C grades at GCSE. Some courses make specific requirements in terms of actual subjects and details are included within the course information on this site. We also use the ALIS scoring system of awarding eight points to every GCSE achieved at A* down to one point for a G grade. We would expect a student to have an ALIS average of 5.0 to commence an A Level programme.
Progression
You will require at least one A Level at grade A-E to access a Foundation degree, such as those available at the UCY. With competition for places high in most universities, you will be required to study three full A Levels or a Baccalaureate to give yourself the best opportunity for progression. Your choice of A Levels will have a major influence on which career or university course is available to you, so it is important that you check before the start of your programme of study. Our staff will help to guide you in your choices at our Information Evenings and during your interview.
Results
To request a copy of our latest A Level Results summary leaflet, please email info@yeovil.ac.uk.
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