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STAYING ON AT SCHOOL There are two basic types of courses that you could do in sixth form: academic courses (A levels, AS levels and GCSEs) or vocational courses (GNVQs). Sometimes courses are shared with a college or with neighbouring schools. In order to make a good choice for yourself you will need to discuss things with your teachers and careers/personal adviser. Remember that in order to go on to higher/further education or into jobs you may need to pass particular subjects to certain levels at GCSE. It is often possible to repeat or do extra GCSEs in Years 12 and 13. If you stay on at school after year 11 then you may be entitled to Study Money. A levels Normally you need to have done very well in your GCSEs to do A levels. Advanced Levels (A levels) are designed mainly for post 16 students who are following a two year full time course of study. Each A level subject is based on six units of approximately equal size. Successful completion of the first three of these units will get you an Advanced Subsidiary AS Certificate, worth half an A Level. A levels are the traditional passports to higher education courses. They are also useful for many employment and training opportunities. Vocational courses (including Vocational A Levels) The word 'vocational' means a course which is related to a particular job, industry or type of work. The main vocational courses open to people staying at school are General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs). GNVQs are alternatives to A levels, AS levels and GCSEs. GNVQs develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for particular areas of work. You study and move forward unit by unit within a broad area. Each unit is tested both by coursework and exams. You also develop general skills in communication, numeracy and using computers. The final grades are PASS, MERIT and DISTINCTION. Possible subject areas are: art and design, business, health and social care, leisure and tourism, manufacturing, built environment, science and hospitality and catering. GNVQs are available at three different levels: VOCATIONAL A LEVEL, INTERMEDIATE and FOUNDATION. To do the Intermediate and Vocational A Level GNVQs you need GCSEs. GNVQs can be used as 'building blocks' - one level can be used to gain entry to the next. At some point you could be looking to move to college to do a GNVQ course there. A Vocational A Level can help you get into higher education. For information on all of the various courses available in sixth form click here. Mixed courses It is possible to do a combination of different courses and subjects for example, to do a Vocational A level, an A level and some extra GNVQ units! |
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