Selecting Your Courses
Cadbury Sixth Form College offers a range of academic Advanced Level courses and vocational BTEC courses at Level 3, as well as several Access 2 A Level courses for those wishing to improve upon their GCSE qualifications.
Here are some things to consider when choosing your courses:
- Select your level of study – depending on your GCSE qualifications you can study at either Level 3 (A Level, BTEC & T Level) or Level 2.
- Select subjects you enjoy – studying a subject you are genuinely interested in will greatly improve your chances of succeeding at college.
- What are your plans for the future? Whether you intend to go to university, on to an apprenticeship or straight into employment, different routes may require you to study specific courses at college – so make sure you do your research.
- Seek advice – ask our careers team questions weekly via our web chat facility or discuss your choices with a member of staff at interview.
- Visit the college – attend open days, taster sessions and applicant days to meet subject teachers and current students.
A Level Courses
GCE A Level courses are predominantly assessed by examinations, although some subjects may have a coursework component as well. All A Level courses are linear, meaning examinations are taken at the end of two years. These are Level 3 courses, ideally suited for progression into University or Higher Level Apprenticeships.
To study an A Level course you will need a minimum of five GCSEs (with two at grade 6, and three at grade 4). Due to the advanced level most subjects will have additional individual entry requirements.
BTEC Courses
Because BTEC courses are vocational in nature they are more practical routes of academic study. Each course will have a larger coursework element to the assessment method. All our BTEC courses are studied at Level 3 meaning they are ideally suited to progression to University or Higher Level Apprenticeships. BTEC courses come in different sizes and are the equivalent to either one or two A Levels.
To study a BTEC Level 3 course you will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4. BTECs can also be studied alongside A Level courses if you meet the entry requirements.
Access 2 A Levels
Access 2 A Level courses are studied at Level 2 and are one-year courses. These courses are aimed at those students who wish to improve upon their GCSE results and are designed to provide a pathway to Level 3 study with us.
This is a full-time programme including GCSE English & Maths resits where necessary. It is preferable that you have achieved a Level 3 in Maths & English for entry to these courses.
