1. ENROLMENT 2007 REIGATE COLLEGE

2. THE MIX AND MATCH CURRICULUM No one course is suitable for all All students are different Take into account: –Career aspirations –Previous academic performance –Average GCSE score and ALIS prediction –Learning styles – coursework, practical, exam. –Interest – do they like science or does mum like science –Previous school – how academic was the school? –Previous interview notes – VERY IMPORTANT –School reference –Any learning difficulties Be Realistic if in doubt consult

3. THE MIX AND MATCH CURRICULUM Type of qualificationUnit Value A/AS Level1 Applied AS Level Single1 Applied AS Level Double2 BTEC National Certificate2 BTEC First2/3 GCSE1 Every student must start with 4 units – Do mix and match – e.g. Double AS Applied IT, GCSE English and Graphics makes 4 units.

4. Minimum Entrance Requirements Average GCSE scoreProbable Four Unit Study programme Above 5 points with at least 5 C grades Students may choose any combination of courses Between 4 and 5 points but with at least 5 C grades Applied AS/A levels or BTEC National Certificate should make up two units of the 4 units. Double vocational unit is required – or 2 applied subjects. Less than 4 points with at least 4 passes at grade D or above Students must include a BTEC Firsts in their combination A student must be able to cope with their programme – Please ensure that the course is suitable. The most difficult students to find a course for tend to be those who only just qualify - the 5/6 grade C candidates. 50% of their programme should be applied subjects or BTEC. This is not an option it is compulsory – it is clearly stated in the prospectus. If a student insists on an academic programme that is not suitable THEY MUST be directed to a PT, JJS or IRT. If a student wishes to take 5 AS levels they should normally have at least 8 passes at grade A with a minimum of 3 at A* at GCSE.

5. WHAT WE OFFER-ADVANCED BTEC CERTIFICATE Sports Studies, Business, Art and Design, Travel and Tourism, Performance Studies and I.T All are 2 year courses, no qualification at end of year 1. All are 100% coursework and are modular -12 units(=2 A levels). Graded Pass, Merit and Distinction. Accepted at University as equivalent to 2 A levels. Excellent pass rate BTEC AWARD – Performance studies As above but only 6 units over 2 years = 1A level Applied Double Unit Health and Social Care, ICT 2 year course. At end of year 1 – 2 AS award. Students should be prepared to take course for full 2 years. Same structure as standard AS except 2/3 course work 1/3 exam for each AS module. Each AS is graded separately and can be different grades. Applied Single Unit. – ICT, HSC, Business Studies, Travel and Tourism, Science Identical to standard AS but 2/3 coursework. Units tend to be more practical/vocational than traditional AS levels AS levelsAll exam or 2/3 exam (excluding art, photography).

6. WHAT WE OFFER INTERMEDIATE GCSE – English, Maths, Spanish, Biology English and Maths compulsory for all students who do not have Grade C. Biology is difficult – if a student gained below a D for science poor choice. Spanish proven language ability required – at least B at GCSE or D in Spanish, facility to do NVQ qualification – separate sheet. BTEC First Diploma and Certificate 1.The Diploma course is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade A*-C and the Certificate is equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grade A*-C. BTEC First Diplomas are offered in: Art and Design, Business, Health and Social Care.A full-time course would be one diploma plus one or two GCSE re-sits. Students who have already achieved a GCSE at grade A*-C in Maths and English might add an AS to their programme. 2.BTEC First Certificates are offered in:Business,IT,Sport and Travel and Tourism. A full time course would be the BTEC certificate in Business plus one from IT, Sport or Travel and Tourism, plus one or two GCSE re-sits. Students who have already achieved a GCSE at grade A*-C in Maths and English might add an AS to their programme.NVQ Service for Hospitality, Level 2

7. Some General Points Always check average GCSE score and ALIS score for specific subjects. Always check specific course requirements – some have changed – for borderline candidates seek specialist advice. DO NOT be persuaded to let someone on who has not got the minimum requirements. Consult specialist adviser if in doubt or when specified in instructions (get specialist to sign RA1) Look carefully at the 5 to 5.5 candidate – more C grades and below than B grades. (consider applied/BTEC – they may have qualified to take any programme but could find straight AS difficult – see minimum entrance requirements)

8. More Specific Advice – BTEC Applied Double Awards BTEC courses are excellent and are accepted at universities – particularly with a merit or distinction. Academic universities will accept the Certificate with an AS/A level. IT IS EQUIVALENT TO 2 A levels. Very suitable for the student who enjoys a more practical approach combined with coursework. It is not an easy option but a hardworking student will succeed. Applied double awards are similar to BTEC except 1/3 exam based. The above courses are very well suited to the borderline candidate who has a specific interest in the specific BTEC/Applied area. Business is the most general of the BTECs. A student should not be signed up for any of these courses without first seeing a specialist adviser – Performing Arts Certificate requires an audition. The award does not, but again advice required. There are alternative AS courses for all the BTEC/Double Applied courses – it is vital that specialist advice is sought for any student who has not be previously advised. If in any doubt ensure that the student is seen by a specialist.

9. More Specific Advice – Applied Single Awards Excellent choice for all students – not just for the less academic. Travel and Tourism, Health and Social Care should be regarded in the same way as other AS levels – often an excellent 4 th AS course for the academic student. ICT and Business offer both AS and Applied AS levels. In both cases the AS is more analytical than the applied. Applied usually better for the 5.5 and below student or for C grade Maths student. For ICT forms should be checked by specialist – see detailed notes. Applied Science – Students must have GCSE science and maths. The course is based on what scientists and engineers actually do in their jobs, rather than on separate academic subject areas. Good for students who enjoy science but do not require a specific qualification in a single science. Excellent for sports studies, psychology etc. Students should see NZB if they are considering this course – compulsory if they have not previously been advised. This is not an easy option.

10. More Specific Advice – past problems areas PE – Check entrance qualifications for PE AS – students must have English, Mathematics and Science. A GCSE in PE is not required, but enthusiasm, commitment and practical sporting ability are essential. Biology, Chemistry and Physics – check entrance requirements. Seek specialist advice for borderline candidate. Art, Graphics. Photography – Only 2 out of 3. If a student wishes to study all 3 they MUST be seen by JJS or SEL. Photography is not an easy option. NOT suitable for someone who just wants to learn basic photography. Lots of coursework and VERY time consuming. It is an art based course – GCSE Art a real advantage. Students should also be aware that there is a cost involved – 35mm camera, paper etc etc. Graphics (GRH) and Graphics with material technology (GMH). GRH art based – GMH direct follow on from GCSE Graphics – suitable for engineering, 3 dimensional design etc. See JJS or NB if in doubt.

11. More Specific Advice – past problems areas Maths AS – B grade minimum – if they have not taken the higher paper they will find it difficult. In these cases CD should be consulted. Further Maths A grade minimum. Economics or Business Studies. Economics is more analytical, students who do not have a B in maths often find it difficult – not an easy option. Business Studies more practical and there is the option of both applied and traditional. Economics and Business is not a good combination in the majority of cases. Always consider including a national curriculum subject – good academic students might require them for high demand university places. 3 or 4 new subjects is a high risk combination. Music Technology, Dance and BTEC Certificate require auditions. If a student has not had an audition they cannot be signed up. Music A level. Check entrance requirements. If in doubt they should see Graham Jenkins. If you give specific advice or seek specialist help please make brief notes on RA1 – it helps when parents contact us at a later date.

12. Enhancement Programme Key Skills and Essential Skills All Advanced Level students (not intermediate) who are enrolled on a full time AS/BTEC programme are required to achieve Level 2 Key Skills in Numeracy, IT and Communication. Maths and English GCSE give exemption from numeracy and communication No GCSE at grade C – retake compulsory. For students with E or below numeracy or literacy qualification a possibility, students in this category enter for GCSE. For IT any AS student who does not have IT GCSE (short or long) or is not studying IT/computer based subject or a BTEC (Applied single AS subjects with the exception of ICT are not computer based) will be required to do an intensive 10 week course of 45 minutes per week. Students who are studying for AS/BTEC and have a grade C in English (not grade A*, A or B) are also required to do a 1hr and 30 min course per week in English. This will last for 12 weeks initially. It is designed to help them develop the English skills which are required for AS study. This will be timetabled centrally.

13. Money Management and Activities All Lower 6 students are required to attend the short Money Management course. This will be taught over 2 sessions: 1 ½ hours per week for the first 6 weeks of term and a 2 day course during the second part of the Autumn term. All Lower 6 students and one-year Intermediate students are encouraged to take part in the Activities Programme. The activities programme runs in 10-week blocks. Full details of the courses offered are in the Activities booklet. Choices should be entered on the data base. Do not persuade a student to do an activity – past experience shows that reluctant students vote with their feet. Sports trials will take place on 6 September in the afternoon – these are compulsory for all students who want to do Wednesday afternoon sports.

14. Basic Procedures Check List  Check GCSE grades  Check learning support  Check course choice and ALIS predictions  If specialist check required – get signature on RA1  Check university/career fits with choice – Career staff are on duty.  Enter data on computer –Activities should not be entered–Anyone who wants to do Team Sports should see Sports Staff who will enter them.  If they choose a subject which they did not choose before Intro Day warn them that there is a small chance (bigger for waiting list subjects) that they may not get it. Put alternative choice on RA1. Last year everyone got their choices.  Student and tutor to sign RA1  Explain Key/essential Skills level 2 and Money Management  Next attendance date – Friday 7 September 9.00am  Send student to ID photo/EMA and inform them to then got to C9 for screening.