1. Post 16 Qualifications An introduction for prospective students and their families

2. A levels Level 3 qualifications AS forms the first year and is a qualification in its own right If the student studies for a further year they can gain the A2 part of the qualification to form the whole A-level

3. The advantages Allows students to keep their options open or to specialise Most students study four subjects at AS level There is a huge choice of subjects Recognised by Universities and employers

4. What entry requirements do you need? Mainly C grades at GCSE from a recommended list of subjects Some subjects and courses may need a B grade Colleges and schools entry requirements vary

5. How many lessons per subject will you have and how will you be assessed? You will have 6 lessons per subject You will need to study for at least further five hours outside class Assessment can be by examination, practical or coursework, though this is cut back from 2008

6. Changes to AS and A- levels from Sept 2008 These include: An A* grade at A-level Fewer units in some subjects to reduce examination pressure The introduction of the extended project the EPQ worth half an A-level, encouraging research and planning Applied AS and A-levels will not be re- structured

7. What do the grades mean? Grades A* to E represent a pass at AS or A- level The AS is worth 50% of the full A- level Universities tend to make offers in UCAS tariff points but can use grades or numbers of AS and A-levels

8. What are UCAS Tariff Points? An A grade at AS = 60 points A B grade at AS = 50 points A C grade at AS = 40 points A D grade at AS = 30 points An E grade at AS = 20 points The full A level will be double the above tariff Look at Entry Profiles on www.ucas.ac.uk

9. Reading League Tables Percentage pass rates A* – C or A*, A and B Tariff points per student or per entry Can be very confusing – do not always show the full picture!

10. Extended Diplomas The same level as A levels All coursework More vocational and in some cases practical Some available as Subsidiary Diploma equivalent to one A-level Diploma equivalent to 2 A-levels Extended Diploma equivalent to 3 A levels

11. Level 2 Retake English and Maths GCSEs Start a new modern language at GCSE Level 2 Diplomas Foundation Level Level 1 Entry Level

12. Pastoral Care Independent Study New structures of study post 16 New system of personal tutoring to ensure consistency Importance of customised support for all abilities HE and careers programmes Importance of monitoring attendance and progress