Your
Programme Overview
Learn about what’s included in your study programme and the sort of courses you can do: A Level pathways; Vocational Courses and GCSE pathways! Employability skills, Enrichment and GCSE English and Maths are also included.
Student case studies
frequently asked questions
What is an A Level pathway?
We offer A Level pathways, underpinned by an employability focus, to help you work out the best subjects for a particular career or university destinations. Subjects are clustered in pathways to enhance and complement each other and you pick three A Level subjects: one or two from some “core” choices and the remainder from recommended additional choices. Don’t worry! We have 14 pathways and there’s still plenty of choice.
How does an A Level pathway work?
Your study programme is made up of your core A Level pathways with six wrap around components. These include:
1) Employability and Work Experience
2) Tutorial and study skills
3) Student support
4) Private study and e-learning
5) Development coaching, university and careers advice.
The final one is “Extraordinary Extras” – these are enrichment activities that are specially developed to support your chosen A Level pathway. For example, the Business and Entrepreneurship has initiatives like a Dragon’s Den pitch, training with employers and an enterprise qualification.
Can I study A Levels with a vocational course?
It is not generally possible to mix A Levels with vocational courses. However, in some A Level pathways, there are a small group of vocational courses called A Level equivalents which have been carefully chosen as part of the pathways and you can take one of these with two A Levels.
What does a Level 3 Vocational study programme involve?
Each of our Level 3 vocational courses is an Extended Diploma; equivalent to three A Levels and studied over two years. Studying a full-course of this size, gives students the best possible chance of progression. We want students to know what they are aiming to achieve from the start of the course. Your study programme is made up of your Level 3 Vocational Course with six wrap around components. These include:
1) Employability Skills and Work Experience
2) Tutorial and study skills
3) Student support
4) Private study and e-learning
5) Development coaching, university and careers advice
6) Enrichment
If I don’t have grade 4 for GCSE English and Maths, do I still need to study them?
Yes – whatever your future, you will need English and Maths. The Government requires all students who do not have a GCSE grade 4 (or C) or above in English and Maths to continue to study these subjects. We offer a variety of English and Maths qualifications including Functional Skills Awards and GCSE. We will assess what is best for you based on your qualifications on entry and assessments so we can place you on a suitable course. We are one of the Top colleges in the country for achievement in English and Maths so you will have plenty of support!
How do I join the High Flyers’ Programme?
This is for students who achieve at least six grade 7-9s at GCSE. You will be identified at the interview stage and invited to join the programme on arrival at College. You can apply to be considered for one of several High Flyers Scholarships before joining – please email highflyerscholarships@newcollege.ac.uk for further information.
What pathways are available at Level 2?
We have a GCSE pathway and a Vocational pathway at Level 2. Your GCSE study programme is made up of four GCSE subjects (taught in one year) including English Language and Mathematics if not achieved at grade 4/C and several wraparound components such as Enrichment, Tutorial, Supported Study/HPQ and Work Experience. Your Level 2 vocational study programme is made up of several vocational courses and wraparound components such as Enrichment, English and Maths GCSEs and Work Experience.
still have questions?
Go to www.newcollege.ac.uk for the answers