1. Post 16 Qualifications An introduction for 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 it is important to check these

5. How many lessons per subject will you have and how will you be assessed? You will have 4 to 5 hours 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 was cut back in 2008

6. Changes to AS and A-levels from Sept 2008 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 till 2013 From 2013-14 there will be no January resits

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? AS Levels: A grade = 60 points B grade = 50 points C grade = 40 points D grade = 30 points E grade = 20 points Full A level will be double the above tariff with A* at 140 points Look at Entry Profiles at www.ucas.ac.uk

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

10. Pastoral Care and Independent Study New structures of study post 16 Importance of customised support for all abilities HE and careers programmes Importance of monitoring attendance and progress

11. BTEC National Diplomas Level 3 All coursework More vocational Available in “chunks” worth 1, 2 or 3 A levels

12. Voc 2 Programmes GCSE level Diplomas or certificates available in one year Maths and English GCSE or functional skills

13. Level 1 Foundation Learning