| AGCE or Applied? What is the difference? |
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A levels are generally split up into either AGCE or Applied. Some subjects such as Business Studies offer an AGCE and an Applied in Business - and it's important to recognise which is best suited for you. This link to the QCA website explains in detail the distinct differences between these types of A levels. Below is a brief summary of what the website explains. Instead of having one exam session right at the end of the course, A levels are now split into two sections, the AS and A2. AS (Advanced Subsidiary) is literally the first year of a two year A level course. It has 3 units, is valued as a stand-alone qualification, and counts as exactly half of a full A level. A2, the second part of a full A level qualification, also has 3 units and like the AS level, counts as 50%. They combine to form a full A level qualification. Most of these units are assessed by examination, but some are assessed by coursework. In most A levels the coursework equates to between 20% and 30% of the marks. AS covers the less demanding material in an A level course, whereas A2 covers the more demanding work. In A2, students combine knowledge, understanding and skills from across the A level course. |
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| Applied A-Level | |
This is a vocational A level. These enable you to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the vocational area you are studying, preparing you for both the world of work and progression into higher education. Applied A Levels are designed to equip students with up-to-date knowledge, skills and understanding of processes and principles in the subject they are studying. Learning in Applied A Levels is more student-led and active although being supported and directed by teachers. Applied A Levels are assessed by a combination of internal and external assessment. Usually, one-third of the overall assessment is external- however that varies with the Applied A Levels you are doing. |
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| How do A-Levels work at Sandwell Academy? | |
| Sandwell Academy offers a wide variety of Applied A Levels and AGCE courses, for information on courses at Sandwell Academy see below. Each A level student does a compulsory Applied A Level in ICT, and most students end up choosing to do around 3-5 A levels all together. | |
| Is it best to choose A-Levels that I need for the future, or those that I enjoy? | |
Ideally it is best to balance out these two factors. If you find you are choosing A levels you think that you need, but that you find very boring, it is probably pointing to the fact that you will find the employment you are planning to go into dull as well. You do need to consider what A levels may help you achieve your ideal career, or at least A levels you think may be useful to you when you are older. Enjoying what you are doing is very important though while also trying to include those A levels you need, as it promotes self-motivation for the course and you will find it fun. The best bet is combining a mixture of these two as then you will find attending higher education both a useful and interesting experience. |
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| What Financial Support is offered? | |
To support sixth form or further education study, there is financial support available depending on family income through the ’16-19 Discretionary Bursary Fund’. For more information see www.direct.gov.uk website. More information for parents and students on EMA will be available in April 2010.. |
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