SUBJECTS AND COURSES
WHAT COURSES ARE OFFEREDAT PALMER’S COLLEGE?
Palmer’s College offers different types of courses to suit students at three levels so it is important that you pick the right kind for you.
LEVEL 3 COURSES
We offer A-level, Applied A-level, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Certificate courses, New Diplomas and Business Technology courses. These Level 3 courses run over two years.
A-LEVELS & APPLIED A-LEVELS
A-levels are two year courses, divided into two parts:
• AS or Advanced Subsidiary levels are studied in the first year
• A2s are taken in year two, which complete the A-level
Each part of the A-level is worth 50%.
Continuing to A2 depends on several factors. These include:
• whether you have passed the AS to justify continuing to A2
• good attendance and effort in your first year
If you want to follow an A-level programme you will normally study four AS-levels in the first year and take forward three of these subjects in the next year for A2 completion.
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Both AS results by themselves and A-level results (AS and A2 combined) give you advanced qualifications and count towards university entry.
If you are already following an AS course at school which you wish to continue to A2, make sure you let us know on your application form.
A few students may select five AS subjects in their first year. To do so your average GCSE grade would need to be an A and you would need to have good reasons because of the heavy workload.
Entry criteria for any AS programme is a minimum of four Cs and two Bs at GCSE plus additional specific requirements for some AS subjects.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) DIPLOMA
While A-levels are a set of separate subjects, the IB Diploma is a subject package. It is a full alternative to A-levels. It is taught in well over 100 countries so it is welcomed as a high quality, impressive qualification by universities and employers all over the world.
You choose six subjects, including Maths, English and a foreign language. You can pick up a new language from scratch. You also study at least one science and one humanities course. Computing and Arts courses are also available. You study three subjects at a Higher Level (similar to A-levels) and three at a Standard Level (similar to AS). There are three extra components. The Extended Essay you write in your second year relates to one of your Higher subjects. An interesting course called ‘Theory of Knowledge’ supports all your other studies. You also undertake a project combining elements of voluntary service in the local community with creative and active work. With such a broad range of subjects and skills, you can see why universities and employers like it so much!
There are no exams until the end of the second year. All subjects include a mixture of exams and practical or coursework.
Entry criteria for the IB Diploma is five Bs at GCSE (including English, Maths and a Science). You also need a B in any subject you are taking to a higher level. Finally, you will be given a special
PALMER’S COLLEGE PROSPECTUS
interview to review whether this course is for you.
LEVEL 3 BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMAS & BTEC DIPLOMAS FORMERLY BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMAS & BTEC NATIONAL CERTIFICATES
These are highly regarded advanced level qualifications, which have a stronger vocational element to them than A-levels. All Level 3 BTEC Diploma courses run for two years.
A Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A-levels.
A Level 3 BTEC Diploma is equivalent to two A-levels.
You can combine these with GCSEs. A suitably qualified student can combine these with A-levels and Applied A-levels to make up a total of four A-level equivalent courses.
Level 3 BTEC Diplomas are recognised qualifications for Higher Education and direct entry into employment.
BTEC courses are mainly assessed through assignments and coursework, not written exams.
Full details of our Level 3 BTEC courses are on pages 49-56.
Entry criteria for Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas and BTEC Diplomas is four Cs at GCSE or a Level 2 Diploma in the subject you wish to study.
NEW DIPLOMAS
New Diplomas are exciting and innovative new qualifications for 14-19 year olds. They have been created to provide a real alternative to more traditional education and combine both theory and practical learning.
We are now offering four New Diplomas in: • Business, Administration & Finance • Creative & Media • Society, Health & Development • Sport & Active Leisure
(More information about these courses is outlined on pages 47-48).
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