YOU CAN BE AMAZING AT QUEEN ALEXANDRA SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

YOU CAN BE AMAZING AT QUEEN ALEXANDRA SIXTH FORM COLLEGE A LEVEL GUIDE 2018

YOU CAN BE YOURSELF IN A UNIQUE SETTING WHY CHOOSE US? 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. 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. Awards like these recognise our high-quality teaching 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, we support 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. Page 2 QA A Level Guide 2018 QA A Level Guide 2018 Page 3

EXPERT TEACHING + UNRIVALLED STUDENT SUPPORT = AMAZING RESULTS 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. A LEVEL 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. AS Levels AS 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. A Levels A 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. 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.. Use the following to calculate how your AS and A Level grades will be converted into UCAS points: AS Level A Level UCAS points - A* 56 - A 48 - B 40 - C 32 - D 24 A - 20 B E 16 C - 12 D - 10 E - 6 Page 4 QA A Level Guide 2018 A level results August 2017 QA A Level Guide 2018 Page 5

AN AMAZING FUTURE AWAITS CURRENT SUBJECT LIST 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 requirements To 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. How many subjects to choose Learners 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. 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 do not count towards the final A Level grade. (BTEC) Applied Science Core Maths History Art & Design (Fine Art) Art & Design (Graphic Design) Art & Design (Photography) Biology Business Studies Chemistry Classical Civilisation Sociology NEW SUBJECTS FOR 2018 Diploma in Business & Professional Studies Drama and Theatre Studies English Language English Literature Film Studies French Further Maths Geography Business & Professional Studies Level 3 ICT Law Maths Media Studies Physics Psychology Page 6 QA A Level Guide 2018 QA A Level Guide 2018 Page 7

THE REALITY OF STUDYING AT QUEEN ALEXANDRA WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY Over 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. 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 RESULTS Graphic Design A Level: A Photography A Level: A English 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! AMAZING RESULTS Biology 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! Page 8 QA A Level Guide 2018 of students got into their first choice university QA A Level Guide 2018 Page 9

A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT TO SUCCEED WHAT ELSE? OTHER SKILLS YOU LL PICK UP 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. Our performance is 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. 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. 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 a day-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. Page 10 QA A Level Guide 2018 above the national rate QA A Level Guide 2018 Page 11

We want to make your whole experience with us different. LIFE ON CAMPUS EXTRA STUFF 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! Pure STEM subjects achieved Page 12 QA A Level Guide 2018 and 61% high grades QA A Level Guide 2018 Page 13

GCSE GRADING It s changing from 2017. Here s what you need to know... OTHER BITS YOU NEED TO KNOW 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. Current Grading Structure NEW Grading Structure GOOD PASS top of C and above (DFE) New Linear A levels AWARDING bottom of C and below Page 14 QA A Level Guide 2018 pass rate QA A Level Guide 2018 Page 15

FREE UP YOUR DIARY NEXT STEPS FIND OUT MORE Free up your diary Our open nights are a great way to experience exactly what we have to offer. 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 queenalex.co.uk for dates, times and directions, or call Student Services on 0191 229 5123 Important dates: Open events All 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 open days 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 Page 16 QA A Level Guide 2018 QA A Level Guide 2018 Page 17

YOU CAN BE AMAZING 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 Page 18 QA A Level Guide 2018

GET IN TOUCH 0191 229 5123 enquiries@queenalex.co.uk queenalex.co.uk Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College, Hawkeys Lane, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 9BZ