AS / A Levels
Case Study
“I’ve loved and enjoyed every minute of the course and my time at Suffolk New College. The course has been a challenge, not just plain sailing, especially Law, but I think that’s why it’s become my favourite subject. The Academy is like one big family and the atmosphere has been great. I’ve had no problem with the other students, they have all been very friendly and supportive and the tutors are amazing.
I would definitely recommend the course especially to someone who does not know what route to take – it’s certainly helped point me in the right direction. Now I’ve finished the course and I’m going to Essex University to study Law, but I am disappointed to be leaving Suffolk New College.”
Victoria Hunt
AS/A levels
A levels allow you choice: you can focus on a single related area of study, such as maths and sciences, or media and communication, or you can mix and match subjects that you need for your career with subjects that you want to take just because you enjoy them.
The Full Time A level course offers a challenging and varied programme of study which can provide routes into a wide range of courses and careers. A levels allow you choice: you can focus on a single related area of study, such as business and law, or media and communication, or you can mix and match subjects that you need for your career with subjects that you want to take just because you enjoy them. In general, employers are more interested in your grades than your subjects, so you can take a subject just because you like it.
To study on this programme you will need 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language, and at least four different subjects. Double Science can be counted as 2 different subjects.
Some individual A level subjects have further entry requirements (usually GCSE Maths or Science). With fewer than 5 GCSEs grade C you may be able to follow a programme which combines one or two AS subjects with one or two GCSEs or take a one-year GCSE course to build your GCSE base before progressing to AS levels.
You will study 3 or 4 subjects on this programme and will also have the option of taking a level 2 Accountancy course (AAT Foundation) alongside your AS subjects.
If you do not have Maths GCSE grade C or above you will need to retake it.
In order to continue to the A2 year you will need at least a grade D in the AS subjects you wish to follow together with a recommendation from your tutors that you are ready to progress.
You will need to be well organised and hard working and to be prepared for substantial amounts of independent study outside the classroom, but if A levels are very demanding, the rewards are also potentially very great.
Other elements of the A level programme include help with choosing and applying to universities, the opportunity to study for the European Computer Driving Licence (which is an internationally recognised computer user qualification), and opportunities to retake some GCSEs. You will also be able to choose from a range of enrichment activities that will help you develop wider skills and interests which will be of value to you when you apply for jobs and Universities. These include modern foreign language conversation classes, writing and producing termly newsletters and organising social events.
Many subjects also organise visits and other activities.