Sixth-Form-Prospectu.. - Longbenton Community College

George Stephenson High School • Longbenton Community College • Seaton Burn CollegeSeptember 2013 post 16 curriculumASAppliedASBTECLevel 3OCRCACHEThe types of qualifications we offer are detailed below. Most are Level 3 qualifications, but we also have level 2 options (seealternative Curriculum). You will find further information on how the qualifications combine to make your individual sixth formpathway on the pages that follow.An A Level is a qualification studied over a 2 year period and it is made up of the AS Level (studied in Year 12) and the A2 Level(studied in Year 13). The AS Level is a free standing qualification and this means that after 1 year of study you can still gain aqualification. AS Level qualifications are graded from A to E and A Level at A* to E.An Applied A Level is a qualification structured in the same way as an A Level. Therefore, over a 2 year period you will study theAS Level in Year 12 and then the A2 Level in Year 13. It is also a free standing qualification at AS Level. They are graded from A toE at AS Level and A* to E at A Level. Applied A Levels generally have a more vocational (relating to job or career skills) focus andyou are likely to be assessed through a mix of coursework, portfolio work and examinations depending upon the subject youchoose. Applied A Levels can be awarded as a single award or a double award. The majority of our Applied subjects are singleaward qualifications apart from Health and Social Care. A double award will provide 2 A Level grades in one subject (if studiedover 2 years).BTEC Level 3 Nationals are designed as specialist, vocationally-related qualifications. They are equivalent to A Levels and arehighly valued by universities, further education colleges and employers alike. Our BTEC courses are designed to be completedover a 2 year period, resulting in a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma although in some subjects there may be an option to worktowards the Level 3 Certificate over a 1 year period and this would be equivalent to 1 AS Level. They are graded at Pass, Merit andDistinction.The OCR Cambridge Technicals are new Level 3 qualifications for students who want to study in a more practical, work-relatedway. They have been closely aligned to industrial practice. There are no external tests or exams and are graded at Pass, Meritand Distinction. Students will work towards the Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma over 2 years equivalent to 1 A Levelalthough there may be an option to work towards an AS equivalent over 1 year. More information can be found on the ICT andBusiness pages.CACHE Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Child Care and Education are qualifications designed to prepare students towork with children in a variety of settings. It is a full time qualification. Students will be working towards the Diploma over a 2year period in sixth form and as well as studying in school each week you will be required to spend time at a work placement 2days per week. The Diploma is equivalent to 2.75 A levels.5