Two-Year Programmes

Most students who join the College in Year 12 follow a Level 3 programme, which is the next step up from GCSE Grades A*-C or Level 2.

The Level 3 programmes offered are the traditional A Level route, Level 3 BTEC qualifications, and the CACHE course which is a professionally recognised child care qualification.

The College offers a wide range of A Level courses, as can be seen in the College Prospectus. A Level study is now split into two parts – AS Level which is the first year of the course, and is examined and graded as a separate course. Students take exams in the January, May and June of their AS year. Students must pass (Grade A-E) their AS year in order to be permitted to continue onto the A2 programme, which is the second year of the A level course. To gain the full A Level, students must study and pass both the AS and the A2 year. A Level courses are mainly assessed by exam with some coursework. We also offer Applied A-Levels in ICT, Leisure Studies, Business and Travel and Tourism. These A-Levels are assessed mainly through coursework with exams featuring as a smaller proportion of the final grade. Most students take 4 AS Levels in Year 12, and then drop to 3 in Year 13, although for some students it is more appropriate for them to complete 3 AS Levels from the start of Year 12.

Level 3 BTEC qualifications are assessed entirely through coursework which is assessed as an ongoing process through separate units of work completed by students. Double BTECs (equivalent to two A-Levels) are offered in Sport, Musical Theatre, Health and Social Care and Interactive Media. Single BTECs are offered in Photography, Dance and Engineering. BTECS are well-regarded qualifications, and the vast majority of universities accept BTECs as part of an offer of a place, and some courses prefer BTECS because of their practical, hands-on nature. Students must complete the full two years to gain the BTEC qualification.

Students may take a combination of A-Levels and BTECs to design their programme of study.

The CACHE course is a stand-alone course, for students whose career aims are to work in childcare, Early Years or teaching. The course is equivalent to 3-A Levels and is a blend of students training in a variety of childcare placements, and completing units of academic study. The course is mainly coursework based, but students also sit exams.

The minimum entry requirement for all Level 3 courses is 5 GCSEs at A*-C including English, as well as any course specific subject requirements. Course specific requirements can be found in the College Prospectus. Students must attain the course requirements to gain their place on a course.

All students who apply to the College are given a Guidance Discussion appointment. This is to discuss with the student the suitability of their chosen programme, and to ensure this will give them the qualifications they need to progress beyond the 6^th Form. Students applying from Plume School will also complete a Course Choices Card to assess their suitability for the courses prior to their Guidance Discussion.

One Year Programmes

The College also offers some Level 2 provision, which is completed in one year.

The Travel and Toursim BTEC First is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at A*-C, and is offered mainly to students who have not attained, or are unlikely to attain 5 A*-C including English, and may require a further year to develop their skills and re-sit either their English or Maths GCSEs, or both, before they can access a Level 3 course. A significant proportion of students who complete the One-Year course stay with us to complete a Level 3 course, ultimately completing a 3-Year Sixth Form programme.

We also offer vocational qualifications in Hair and Beauty at Level 2 in association with other local colleges. Students do not need to have followed an alternative education programme in Year 10 and 11 to apply for these courses.

Curriculum Enrichment

The College plans a range of enrichment days and opportunities throughout the year, with age-appropriate workshops focused on key themes such as Progression from College, Health and Well-Being and Personal Development.

There is a strong focus throughout College on students making successful Progression from College and we work closely with local universities and Connexions to ensure that students have the information and support they need.

 Year 12 students also follow an Entitlement Programme which is a timetabled lesson which ensures that they have the skills needed to access Sixth Form study, as well as ensuring that they are preparing adequately for the world beyond College, and  are developed into active citizens with a good awareness of current affairs and issues.

There is a strong ethos in the College of encouraging students to do more than just their academic studies, not only to develop themselves personally but also to make them more competitive when they begin applying for employment, apprenticeships and university places. There is a wide range of opportunities for College students to get involved in the wider community of the main school and beyond.