Full-Time A Level Programme

AS: 1 Year

A Level: 2 Years

Course Codes: AS TZA63F0; A2 TAA73F0

Is this the right course for me?

The two year full time ‘A’ level programme is aimed at students who have enjoyed academic study at school, wish to deepen their understanding in a number of subject areas and hope or intend to go on to higher education or enter a profession.

· The first year of study is known as AS level. At the end of the first year students take exams leading to AS qualifications. These are free-standing qualifications in their own right, and are worth the same as half a full A level. Students choose 3 or 4 AS subjects to study in year one.

· In the second year students take three (exceptionally four) subjects at A2 level. Their marks for the A2 exams are added to their AS marks to give a grade for the full A level qualification. This replaces the AS qualification which students gained in the previous year.

· All students take part in a programme of tutorials during which they set themselves challenging targets, develop study skills and are helped to achieve their potential during their two years of advanced level study.

· Students without a GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) in IT will study for the European Computer Driving Licence. This is an internationally recognised qualification in computer user skills. Students without GCSE grade C in Maths will follow an appropriate GCSE or Skills course.

· Alongside academic study in your ‘A’ level choices, we are keen to help students develop or enhance other skills and we offer a range of enrichment opportunities in areas such as languages, community service, and newsletter publication. In addition, you will have the chance to study additional GCSE subjects if appropriate. You can find out more about these opportunities during the induction phase of the programme in September.

· In order to progress automatically from AS to A2 a grade D in the AS exam is normally required. Students with grade E will be considered on the basis of their capacity to make further progress as shown by attendance and work records and other evidence.

When you start on the programme you will be asked to sign a contract with us to indicate that you are prepared to attend regularly and commit yourself to further study. Formal progress reports are issued during the programme and parents or guardians are invited to a number of consultation evenings so that you and they can discuss your progress with teachers.

What do I need to join the course?

Five or more GCSE passes at C or above, including at least four different subjects, one of which must be English. (Double Science counts as two subjects.) See AS subject information sheets for any further specific requirements for individual subjects.

What does the course involve?

As already mentioned, the basic structure of the ‘A’ level programme consists of three or four subject choices at AS in year one, usually followed by a maximum of three choices at A2 in year two. Subjects are arranged in option blocks and you cannot choose two subjects from the same block. However, several subjects appear in more than one option, which gives you more choices.

It may be appropriate for some students to combine a GCSE subjects with their AS studies. GCSE subjects are shown below. Please note that GCSE one-year students have priority for GCSE classes but AS students can join them if there is room.

This is the AS and GCSE option block for 2008/9. It will be subject to some variation for 2009/10

How will I be assessed?

For information on individual AS courses refer to subject information sheets.

When does term start?

September 2008.

How many hours per week do I have to attend College for?

Most full-time AS or A2 students will attend college for a minimum of 19 hours per week, which will be between 9am and 5pm and will study approximately 5 hours of study per AS or A2 subject. Times of classes vary according to the other AS/A2 subjects that you are taking. You do not have to stay in college when not required to be in a class, but there are ample opportunities to complete private study and homework tasks in the College Library and elsewhere.

What can I do when I complete the course?

Many successful A level students go on to university to study other courses.

What are the costs?(This information is subject to change)

Tuition Costs: No fees are payable for students under the age of 19. However, those aged 19 and over at 31 August 2008 will pay a fee of £380 (which includes internal registration fee + external registration fee).

Will I have to pay any additional costs?

You may need to purchase books or equipment, depending on which subjects you choose to study.

What Support is available for me?

People on means tested benefits should seek advice from Admissions or Learner Services and Advice Team. Financial assistance may be available from the Learner Support Fund to help with essential items needed to support learning, e.g. text books, uniforms, etc.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 a week to support young people aged 16, 17 and 18 while in full time education. Further information and how to apply may be found on the EMA website at http//ema.direct.gov.uk or by calling the helpline on 0800 121 8989. You should also be able to get an application form from your school, Connexions or by contacting FE Learner Services and Advice Team.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is a weekly payment of up to £30 to support adults aged 19 or over whilst in full-time education. Further information and details of how you can apply can be found on the ALG website at www.direct.gov.uk/alg or by calling the learndirect advice line on 0800 100 900. Application packs are available from the College.

SuffolkNewCollege has a range of support services available for learners with learning difficulties and/or physical difficulties/disabilities. Further information is available on the College website: www.suffolk.ac.uk or by contacting FE Learner Services and Advice Team on (01473) 296628 who will arrange an appointment for you with a specialist adviser.

How do I apply?

Complete a College application form, which is available in the Suffolk New College Prospectus, from the College Website: www.suffolk.ac.uk or by contacting the Information Team on (01473) 296606. The form can also be downloaded in pdf version and sent to feadmissions@suffolk.ac.uk

Following acknowledgement of your application you will be invited to attend a programme guidance session when you will be able to find out more about the course and to discuss any support needs you may have. An offer may be made which would be subject to you achieving all of the entry requirements.

Related Courses

Please contact the Information Team for details of other courses offered by SuffolkNewCollege.

Should you require this Course Information Sheet in a different format, for example in a larger font or electronically, please contact the Information Team on (01473) 296606. They will be happy to help.

This Information Sheet is for promotional purposes only and is not intended to form part of the agreement between the College and students.

The information contained within this Information Sheet is correct at July 2008.