Course Types and Entry Requirements

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.

Entry Requirements
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.

A+ Programme

A+ is Paston’s “gifted and talented programme” for high achieving students (with at least 2 A* grades and 6 A grades at GCSE) who are aiming for top courses in top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and so working to achieve top grades. A+ offers students opportunities to fine tune their skills, through a programme of coaching, mentoring, visits to highly rated universities and individual preparation for entrance tests to top universities.

The emphasis is on “stretch” and challenge. A+ students take AS Critical Thinking in addition to their other subjects. Since its launch the A+ Programme has succeeded in encouraging students to aim high and their results at AS and A-level speak for themselves, with the most common result being 3 A grades at A-level.

Contact Nigel Belfield (Head of Student Services and A+ Tutor) at the College for more details.

BTEC Extended Diplomas

BTEC Diplomas are equivalent to three A-level subjects and are a widely recognised qualification valued by universities and employers alike.

Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Art and Design
Creative and Media Production
Health and Social Care
Sport

GCSEs

You may be able to resit English and/or Maths GCSE with the above courses.

Level 1 Foundation Courses

If you expect to achieve mainly grades D, E or below at GCSE and are looking for a different way of learning new skills, Foundation Learning may be for you. Foundation Learning at Paston is about more than just qualifications. Each course has been designed to make you more employable, raise your confidence, unlock hidden talents and support your personal development.

You will be learning by working on projects and assignments and we will help you with your speaking, writing, using numbers and IT as well. Where appropriate your course will have work placements and you’ll go on trips and have speakers coming to talk to you about different vocational areas.

You will be provided with your own programme and timetable after enrolment. The programmes are flexible and allow you to proceed at your own pace. You will gain a qualification for each completed unit and this will allow you to build qualifications step by step. You will also be able to bank your credits for future qualifications.

You can chose from the following at Paston
Community
Employability
Pre-Apprenticeship