A Levels (AS and A)

These are available in standard school-based subjects plus some you may not have heard of at GCSE such as sociology, law and psychology. There is also newer range of A levels that enable students to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in a vocational area and prepare them for both the world of work and progression to Higher Education. These are related to a broad area of work, for example:

• applied business;
• travel and tourism;
• health and social care; and
• applied art and design.

Many students take three or four subjects in the first year and then specialise in their second year by reducing to two or three subjects. You gain an AS level for each subject you successfully complete after one year of study and exams. If you complete the second year successfully (known as an A2), you gain a full A level. A levels can lead onto Higher Education (University), Employment, and Advanced Apprenticeships. They are graded from A-E.