Course Programmes and Entry Requirements
AS/A2 Programmes
This two year advanced level course is aimed at students who wish to follow an academic programme of study which will lead to university.
Typically a student will undertake four AS level subjects in the first year with additional subjects, activities and supervised private study. In the second year they would usually specialise in three A2 subjects. Students with high GCSE grades may wish to study five AS subjects or the AQA Baccalaureate.
Entry requirements: at least 6 GCSEs at Grade C or above including English and Mathematics. If studying a humanities subject students will also require a grade B in English whilst science related subjects will require a B grade in Mathematics. Successful applicants will be expected to achieve at least a Grade B in the course they are intending to study or at least a Grade B in related subjects.
Each subject may have slight variations on the entry criteria, please look your chosen course up on the website, www.ic6.co.uk.
AQA Baccalaureate
This is an academic qualification which builds on a student’s core A Level subjects, adding value through wider learning and enrichment activities. Students study at least 3 A Levels, plus a further ‘breadth’ subject - Critical Thinking, General Studies or Citizenship - to at least AS Level. Students also complete an extended project as well as participate in a number of enrichment activities.
The course has similar aims and objectives to the International Baccalaureate but with fewer restrictions on the subjects studied. The AQA Baccalaureate component A Levels have a value in their own right.
Entry requirements: students will usually have at least 6 GCSEs at Grade A or A* to start this programme.
AS/A2 Applied Programmes
These two year advanced level courses offer students the opportunity to continue their academic studies within a vocational framework specialising in that subject area.
- The Double Award is equivalent to two full A Levels.
- The Single Award is equivalent to one full A Level.
- Students may study a double award vocational programme or combine a vocational subject with other AS/A2 subjects.
Applied A Level courses can lead either to higher education/university or employment.
Entry requirements: at least 6 GCSEs at Grade C or above including English and Mathematics.
BTEC Programmes
These are offered at three levels
BTEC/OCR National Extended Diploma (Level 3)
This full time course is a vocational qualification and is equivalent to 3 A-levels. Students study 18 units over two years and this is ideal preparation for either university, or into your chosen career path. Literacy, Numeracy and Tutorials are embedded into the course. There are three levels of grade - Distinction, Merit and Pass.
Entry requirements: at least 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English or Mathematics and at least a B grade in a related GCSE or a Merit grade in A-level 2 vocational qualification.
BTEC First Diploma/OCR National Certificate (Level 2)
This one year, Intermediate programme is designed to provide students with a progression route to Level 3 courses such as the BTEC National Diploma courses or employment. Literacy, Numeracy and Tutorials are embedded into the course. The First Diploma is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above.
All BTEC/OCR programmes are full time and provide opportunities for students to:
- achieve a grade C or above in English and Maths GCSE
- gain work experience
- participate in additional activities
Entry Requirement: 4 GCSEs at grade D and above with at least 2 at grade C
BTEC Introductory Diploma and Foundation Programmes (Level 1)
These one year, foundation programmes are designed to provide students with a progression route to intermediate level courses.
BTEC Foundation programmes are full time and provide opportunities for students to:
- improve their skills in English and Mathematics with extra literacy and numeracy classes
- gain skills to better equip them to study
- participate in additional activities and receive the highest level of support to enable them to succeed
Entry requirements: at least 4 GCSEs at Grade F-G
GCSE Maths and English
We offer retakes for those students without a grade C. Normally a student must have achieved a D grade before commencing the course. There are extra literacy and numeracy programmes to help prepare student to under take GCSE English or Maths.
GCSE Package
There is a five GCSE package offered to students including Maths and English. This is an alternative to vocational pathways and offers a progression onto Level 3 on successful completion. Entry is on completion of an interview.
Highbury Grove School,
Highbury Fields School
Cental Foundation Boys' School
St Aloysius' College