you can be amazing at queen alexandra...

YOUCAN BE

AMAZINGAT QUEEN

ALEXANDRASIXTH FORM

COLLEGEA LEVEL GUIDE 2018

| QA A Level Guide 2018

YOUCAN BE

YOURSELFIN A

UNIQUESETTING

Leaving school is one of the most exciting times of your life – new friends, new experiences and new opportunities are all waiting for you at Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College.

You’ll find experienced teachers, dedicated support staff and an active student community – all underpinning your A Level experience to gain those amazing results you deserve.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Awards like these recognise our high-qualityteaching and learning, rich and varied range of courses, first-class facilities and the passion and dedication of our teaching staff.

We are confident that enrolling with us will bring your future instantly within reach, with great courses and study opportunities matched by a learning environment that inspires. We have invested heavily to ensure we can offer our students the very best of what they need to succeed.

From where you learn to how you learn, wesupport you every step of the way, and a great campus life means you can flourish both inside and outside the classroom, find your feet as an adult and learn in a grown-up setting, where there are no limits to what you can achieve.

QA A Level Guide 2018 | Page 3

Queen Alexandra is the only STEM Assured college in the North of England (awarded by NEF in 2012 and re-accredited in 2016), which recognises our excellence in science, technology, engineering and maths. We are also the first Investor in Innovations college in the North of England (awarded by NEF in March 2015), which recognises innovation in our course design and the way we value and encourage creative thinking among staff and students.


A Levels are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You normally

study three or more A Levels over two years.

If you’re thinking about going to university, most Higher Education courses require specific A Levels (or alternative level 3 qualifications). If you’re not sure which

career or job is best for you, studying a selection of A Levels can be a good way of keeping your options open.

A L E V E L

A level results August 2017

As the only sixth form college in North Tyneside, we offer unrivalled student support and specialist A Level teaching. Our academic results continue to impress with our latest A Level results. We celebrated a seven year record of excellence with a 99% pass rate for 2017.


AS LevelsAS Levels can be taken as a stand-alone qualification, or as the first part of an A Level course. AS Levels are completed at the end of Year 12 (also known as ‘lower sixth’ year). AS Levels are graded from A to E, see table below for details of UCAS points tariff.

AS Level A Level UCAS points- A* 56- A 48- B 40- C 32- D 24A - 20B E 16C - 12D - 10E - 6

EXPERT TEACHING + UNRIVALLED STUDENT SUPPORT = AMAZING RESULTS

A LevelsA Level exams and coursework are added on to an AS Level at the end of Year 13 (also known as ‘upper sixth’ year), bringing it up to A Level standard and a full A Level qualification. A Levels are graded from A* to E, see table below for details of UCAS points tariff.

.

Use the following to calculate how your AS and A Level grades will be converted into UCAS points:


From September 2017, all A Levels will be linear in structure, which means that final grades are determined by external examination at the end of the year (first year for AS and second year for A Level). As the two qualifications are now stand alone, the AS results donot count towards the final A Level grade.

We want you to leave Queen Alexandra with a clear career plan, and the results to make it happen. Student Services are always on hand to discuss your next steps and give you advice about university courses, careers and the best combination of A Levels for you.

Teaching staff and tutors provide practical help with your UCAS personal statement, application forms, CV and interview skills. All course leaders have the experience to ensure you develop the skills employers want, and can help to arrange work placements and university visits to set you on the right path.

Entry requirementsTo study A Levels at Queen Alexandra, you will need at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C. You may need a higher grade in a particular subject, such as maths or science.

AN AMAZING FUTURE AWAITS…

How many subjects to chooseLearners normally study three subjects in the first year (AS Level) and then continue with three subjects in the second year to gain full A Level qualifications. You will also follow a functional skills programme (maths and English) alongside your chosen subjects.

When choosing your subjects it’s important to select subjects you will enjoy and which fit in with your Higher Education/career plans. Even if you’re not sure where you want to go in life yet, A Level studies will help to broaden your skills and experience to progress to Higher Education at college or university, or to go straight into employment.


(BTEC) Applied Science Core Maths History

Art & Design (Fine Art)

Art & Design (Graphic Design)

Art & Design (Photography)

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Classical Civilisation

Sociology

Diploma in Business & Professional Studies

ICT

Drama and Theatre Studies Law

English Language

English Literature

Film Studies

French

Further Maths

Geography

Maths

Physics

Media Studies

Psychology

CURRENT SUBJECT LIST

Business & Professional Studies Level 3

NEW SUBJECTS FOR 2018


WHAT OUR

STUDENTSHAVE TO

SAY

of students got into their first choice university

Over


THE REALITY OF STUDYING AT QUEEN ALEXANDRA

AMAZING RESULTSBiology A Level: A*Chemistry A Level: A*Maths A Level: A*I am absolutely thrilled to be going to Cambridge University! Queen Alexandra Sixth Form has fully prepared me for the next step into Higher Education.

I feel confident and ready for the future. If you put in the work and have the determination to succeed, anything is possible!

Mark Bal Former Queen Alexandra student, now studying Plant Sciences at University of Cambridge

Mark is a former pupil of John Spence Community High School, who shone in his A Level studies at Queen Alexandra

AMAZING RESULTSGraphic Design A Level: APhotography A Level: AEnglish language A Level: B

The teachers at Queen Alex are brilliant. They are so supportive and knowledgeable – every lesson was brought to life.

I’ve made some really good friends at QA and I have loved every minute of my time here!

Krystina Coulson Former Queen Alexandra student, now studying Graphic Design at University of Sunderland.

Krystina is a former pupil of Whitley Bay High School, who excelled in her A Level studies at Queen Alexandra.


If you choose to study with us, you’ll also work towards far more than your A Level qualifications. We also encourage you to get involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, from community projects to work experience or volunteering. We’ll help you to develop the personal and professional skills you need to take the next step into

university or employment.

WHAT ELSE?OTHER SKILLS

YOU’LL PICK UP

above the national rate

Our performance is


A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT TO SUCCEED

Boost your CV

Queen Alexandra students stand out from the crowd as individuals who like to get involved. From volunteering and charity work to debating clubs and sports groups, you’ll find lots of activities at Queen Alexandra to keep you busy and develop valuable skills to fill up your CV or personal statement.

Work placements, field trips and visits to universities help you to make informed career decisions and stand out from the crowd.

Get involved

We run a wide range of enrichment activities including: creative writing, media showcases, music productions, debating groups, Amnesty International, Auschwitz trip (in collaboration with the Holocaust Educational Trust), Engineering Education Scheme and Duke of Edinburgh awards to name just a few.

You can also join the Student Council or become a Student Ambassador.

Have fun fundraising

In addition to your academic qualifications, you can get involved in lots of fun opportunities to make you even more appealing to universities and potential employers.

From enterprise challenges to fundraising events, it’s a great way to meet new people and get involved in your community and help others.

Unrivalled support

With ongoing support from day one, your tailored Personal Learning Plan (PLP) will support and challenge you to achieve your best, and guided tracking sessions will help you to set and achieve academic goals.

Each year in July, we run a ‘bridging programme’ for students moving from AS to A Level. This is aday-long event giving you the perfect opportunity to prepare for progression into your next year of study at Queen Alexandra. This programme offers an insight into year 13 study with specialist teaching staff and through a range of activities, you will learn more about the subject and study requirements for the next year.


LIFE ON

CAMPUSEXTRASTUFF

Pure STEM subjects achieved

and 61% high grades QA A Level Guide 2018 | Page 13

You can join our Student Union, take part in entrepreneurial projects and activities in our hub and commercial outlets, compete in charity, sport and other challenges, or be part of our student social ambassador network - get involved as much or as little as you want! Either way, you’ll soon discover there is a real buzz around campus.

GRAB A BITE …

Catch up over a latte, grab breakfast or lunch in our ‘Amigos’ refectory, or have something special at our Retreat Bistro & Coffee Shop at the TyneMet, Coast Rd Campus, where talented catering students will serve you posh nosh for a fraction of restaurant prices.

STAY IN SHAPE …

No need to go to expensive gyms when we’ve got our Flex Fitness Gym right here on campus to get your heart pumping. What’s more, our student membership means there’s more money in your pocket for other things!

We want to make your whole experience with us different.


OTHER BITS YOUNEED TO KNOW

New Linear A levels

pass rate QA A Level Guide 2018 | Page 15

GCSE GRADING

Current GradingStructure

Students taking GCSEs this summer will receive a mixture of number and letter grades. English language, English literature and maths are the first subjects to use the new system, with most other subjects adopting numbers by 2019. Eventually all GCSEs taken in England will receive numerical grades.

It’s changing from 2017. Here’s what you need to know...

NEW GradingStructure

GOOD PASStop of C and above (DFE)

AWARDINGbottom of C and below


NEXTSTEPS

FINDOUT

MORE


FREE UP YOUR DIARY

Important dates:Open eventsAll of our open events run from 4.30pm-7pm• Tuesday, 17th October 2017 • Tuesday, 14th November 2017 • Tuesday, 12th December 2017 • Tuesday, 16th January 2018 • Tuesday, 20th February 2018 • Tuesday, 27th March 2018 • Tuesday, 1st May 2018 • Tuesday, 12th June 2018

Every Tuesday throughout August, we have opendays from 9am to 5pm. This is your opportunity to get information, advice and guidance and choose the best course for you for September.

GCSE Results Advice days• Thursday 23rd August & Friday 24th August 2018

Take a tour of the campus, and find out more about life at college.

Teaching staff are available at all open events for one-to-one discussion, as well as our education experts who will tell you all you need to know about student finance, support and the application process.

Check out

Free up your diaryOur open nights are a great way to experience exactly what we have to offer.

queenalex.co.uk for dates, times and directions, or call Student Services on 0191 229 5123

YOUCAN BE

AMAZING

Page 18| QA A Level Guide 2018

With a mission to provide outstanding educational opportunities for all, and a vision to be a world-class centre of learning,Tyne Coast College delivers the exceptional qualifications, skills and training, that inspire students to success.

Created from the merger of South Tyneside College and Tyne Metropolitan College, we are bigger, better and stronger by design, and perfectly positioned to meet the learning needs of young people from across the North East for years to come.

Market-leading brands such as South Tyneside College (Professional and Vocational), Tyne Metropolitan College, Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College and the world-renowned South Shields Marine School combine with a highly innovative and broad curriculum to give students the precise support they need to enter the careers of their choice.

With superb links to the region’s employers, we have the resources to positively shape our students’ lives and futures. Find out more at tynecoast.ac.uk

Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College, Hawkeys Lane, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 9BZ

GET IN TOUCH0191 229 [email protected]

you can be amazing at queen alexandra...

Documents