Course Overview

Progression to A Level study is for many students the natural next step in their post 16 education following successful completion of GCSEs. BTC offers an exciting A Level programme involving a wide variety of subjects, including some you may not of have had the chance to study before, for example economics, law, politics and psychology.

Many subjects use a range of guest speakers, visits and residentialsto enrich your learning. In the last few years these trips have included sociology students visiting HM Prison Bristol, law students going to Parliament, students studying French going to Paris, and trips to Prague, Italy and many more.

During your two years of study you will receive five and a half hours of lessons per subject per week. You are expected to complete a significant amount of study out of the classroom, which will be a combination of homework and self-directed study. To complete this independent study, you have access to a study room available just to A Level students, and a dedicated floor in the LRC.

Tutorials
Alongside your A Levels, you also have one hour each week with your personal tutor and tutor group. This time is set aside for you to complete group activities and have 1:1s with your personal tutor who sets and monitors your personal targets. The personal tutorial programme also includes guest speakers, progression events and the UCAS exhibition.

Enrichment
In addition to your A Level subjects and tutorials, enrichment forms the fourth part of your A Level programme. The A Level department offers a wide range of interesting and engaging enrichment activities to enhance and support your academic experience.

Extended Project: One enrichment option is to take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), this is equivalent of half an A Level and is in addition to your three chosen A Level subjects. Students are required to choose a topic they find particularly interesting and conduct a research project culminating in a report or piece of art, model or film installation. The project will enrich your academic portfolio and develop your initiative, as well as improving your research, organisation, reflection and evaluation skills. This enrichment is particularly recommended for those students intending to apply to university.

Honours Academy: This Academy is for A Level students who are ambitious, driven and keen to access a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. The Academy will help stretch and challenge you to progress to leading universities and sought-after employment by offering additional tuition and skills development. The Academy has links with a wide range of higher education institutions, including Oxbridge, undertakes a range of project work and has access to many guest speakers from different walks of life as well as academia.

Academic Scholarship
If you are ambitious and predicted to achieve highly in your GCSEs, then you can apply for the A Level Academic Scholarship. This offers students specialist, additional tutoring and support.

A Level Subjects

Art & Design

Biology

Business

Chemistry

Computer Science

Criminology

Design Technology

Drama and Theatre

Economics

English Language and Literature

English Language

English Literature

Fashion and Textiles

French

Further Maths

Geography

Government and Politics

History – Early Modern

History – Modern

Law

Maths

Media

Photography

Physics

Psychology

Sociology

Spanish

Assessment Methods

The final assessment method is different per subject, so it is important you check each subject individually. Most A Levels are assessed through formal examinations at the end of the two years, which may include two or three exams covering the entire programme of study. Some subjects have a coursework or practical element in addition to examinations. Throughout your time at BTC you will frequently undertake practice assessments to prepare you for your formal exams. You will be assessed through written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.

Progression Options

A Level studies prepare you for a variety progression options. They serve as an ideal preparation for university, and typically over 75% of our A Level students progress directly to universities in the UK and overseas, or stay with us to study a degree at University Centre Somerset. Our tutors and subject lecturers will always support you through your UCAS application, however, university is not the only progression option for A Level students. Many also progress onto Higher Apprenticeships, work-based training or employment.