Paston College
AS and A-Level
GCE A-level remains the principal post-16 academic qualification in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the qualification taken by most young people aiming to go on to university.
A-level is studied as two one-year courses: AS, taken in the first year and A2 in the second. Each contributes 50% towards the final A-level grade. Whilst GCSEs are level 2 qualifications in the government framework, AS/A2 are level 3.
At Paston you will take four or sometimes five AS subjects in year 1 and three A2 subjects in year 2. These are the norms nationally and universities will make you offers on the basis of performance in three A-level subjects. Some students continue all AS subjects through to A-level whilst others take up a new AS subject in their second year. A-levels are academic in nature and they are assessed mainly through examination although often with a coursework element.
AS/A2 are the nationally recognised route to university and higher level employment and so they are the most popular courses at Paston. Our students do well consistently at AS and A-level, performing “significantly better than would be expected on the basis of their GCSE results,” (Ofsted 2008). In 2009 Paston was the only sixth form in Norfolk where on average all students achieved a grade higher than expected in all their courses. It was the top performing Norfolk sixth form and in the top 10 sixth form colleges nationally, the most high performing of all types of sixth form.
Some courses are described as “Applied”. These hold the same value and have the same structure as other AS/A2 courses. Their emphasis is on learning and applying knowledge and skills and so they offer an introduction to careers in Business, Health and Social Care and Sport.
AS – GCSEs are the essential building blocks that experience tells us students need to be successful on AS/A2 courses. Your GCSEs will remain important for university and job selection in the future, even though you will also have AS/A-levels. Your aim in Year 11 should be to achieve both the highest number of GCSE higher grades (A*–C) and also the highest grades you can in each subject.
To start a full AS programme at Paston Sixth Form College you must have a minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including two of English Language, Maths and Science.
Entry requirements for specific courses are included in the sections below. Making choices is an important part of the process of choosing your options after GCSEs. To maximise your chances of achieving the best grades at A-level, we will advise you about subject combinations.You will notice that a few subjects may only be taken in certain combinations. This is not to limit choice but, our experience tells us, to make those choices work best for you.
A2 – Most students take 3 subjects. You will discuss your A2 options with your tutor during the AS year, and as long as you have made good progress and shown commitment at AS level you will be able to continue with the courses of your choice.
