Choosing your Courses
There are a huge variety of courses for you to choose from at Post 16 to suit your strengths and career goals. Try to choose subjects that you enjoy and which make a sensible combination for any career you may have in mind.
Advanced Levels
There are 2 parts to each qualification. An AS qualification is taken at the end of the first year and an A2 qualification is taken at the end of the second year. Most full A Levels are made up of 4 modules, the first 2 leading to an AS qualification. It is possible to take an AS qualification without going on to complete a full A Level. AS/A Levels are graded from A to E grade.
Applied Advanced Levels
These are similar in structure to A Levels:
- A 3 module course leads to a single AS qualification
- A 6 module course single award to equivalent to one A Level
- A 12 module course double award is equivalent to two A Levels
BTEC National Courses
These courses are designed to provide work-related qualifications and cover a wide range of sectors. They give students the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare them for employment or further study, by providing vocational reference and emphasis.
BTEC National Certificates cover 12 units of study over two option blocks and are equivalent to two A2 qualifications. BTEC National Awards cover 6 units of study over one option block and are equivalent to one A2 qualification. Both the Certificate and the Award take two years to complete.
Assessment of BTEC Nationals is through a series of coursework assignments which are internally marked and externally moderated. There are no examinations.
Extended Project Qualification
The EPQ is a course designed to reward independent study. Students can study any topic and produce a detailed project in a format appropriate to the questions set. Usually this will be a full written report (5000 words) or another form of media with supporting written report (1000 words). The project must also be supported with a Production Log and presentation. The EPQ is the equivalent of 1 AS level.
AQA Baccalaureate
The AQA Baccalaureate is an academic qualification which builds on a student’s core A Level subjects adding value through wider learning and enrichment activities. Students will need to study at least 3 A Levels, as well as a ‘breadth’ subject (Critical Thinking), complete an Extended Project and participate in enrichment activities.
BTEC First Diploma – Business
This course is available to Post 16 students who need a further year of study to develop their knowledge and skills base. It is designed to equip students for Advanced Level studies or progression into employment.
The BTEC First Diploma – Business is designed to develop knowledge and understanding in the business sector. It focuses on providing opportunities for learners to acquire technical and employability skills, knowledge and understanding which are transferable and will enable students to meet changing circumstances.
GCSE Re-Sits
GCSE English and Mathematics are available if you want to improve your grades in these subjects.
What qualifications do I need to start on Post 16 courses?
Taking an A Level course is relatively demanding. To succeed you will need to have coped satisfactorily at GCSE level.
The pace of work is fast and you need to commit to a regular programme of private study at home and at the Academy when you have no timetabled lessons, devoting about 16 hours per week to your studies.
Most students start at 4 AS Levels (or equivalent) in Year 12.
Advanced Level Requirements
We have a minimum entry requirement of 5 GCSE passes at grade A* to C, from 4 different subject areas. This should include a grade C or above in English or Maths at GCSE level.
In certain subjects the early requirement at AS Level is a B grade or above due to the demands of the course. This includes; Maths, English Literature, English Language, French, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
BTEC Requirements
We have a minimum entry requirement of 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C (4 of these can come from a single subject).
BTEC First Requirements
We have a minimum entry requirement of 2 D grades or above at GCSE level.
How to Find Out More
To help you to find our more about the Academy and the subjects that you may wish to study here there will be an Open Evening on Thursday 6 November 2008. The Academy website also contains more information and if you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us by phone on (01642) 800800, by email: office@macmillan-academy.org.uk or post: PO Box 8, Stockton Road, Middlesbrough TS5 4YU.
We look forward to hearing from you.
