Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
A Levels provide you the opportunity to continue onto university courses, as well as into sought-after jobs. They will suit you if you’d enjoy studying a range of subjects before progressing into specialist study or a particular profession.
They are suited to learners who enjoy self-study, carrying out research, and for those who perform well in examinations. Most are assessed through examinations, although some also include coursework or practical elements.
All students study three A Levels over two years, and many opt to join various enrichment programmes alongside their studies, whether academies or an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
A Levels and Extended Certificates
A mixed model offers students the option to study A Levels alongside Extended Certificates. The most common model is two A Levels and one Extended Certificate. Extended Certificates are a more practical way to learn, and the skills you develop during these are generally assessed through a series of assignments rather than formal examinations (although some courses may still include some examined units).
Extended Certificates are equivalent to one A Level and are an accepted route into higher education or employment. Make sure to always confirm the university or higher education course you plan to study accepts Extended Certificates.
Visual and Performing Arts Subjects
If you wish to study more than one visual or performance related subject, such as Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Music Performance, Performing Arts, Photography, and Textiles, you will be interviewed by a subject specialist to determine if the subjects have synergy with your planned career route. We may recommend studying one creative subject, depending on your plans for the future.
Assessment Methods
Assessment Methods often vary per subject, so it is important that you check each subject individually. Most A Levels are assessed through formal examinations at the end of the two years, which may include up to three exams covering the entire programme of study.
Some subjects have a coursework or practical element in addition to examinations. Throughout your time at Strode College, you will frequently undertake practice assessments to prepare you for formal examinations. Regular internal assessment takes place as the course unfolds.
Progression Options
Studying A Levels prepares you for a variety of progression routes. They serve as an ideal preparation for university, and most students progress directly to university, whether in the UK or overseas.
Many students opt to stay home and go far by studying a degree at University Centre Somerset.
Our mentors and subjects lecturers will always support you through your UCAS application. Alternatively, many students opt to progress onto Higher Apprenticeships, work-based training, or employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
