Guide to choosing courses
As Aquinas College offers over 50 A Level/Level 3 courses it is essential that students research the different types of courses available to discover which match their interests and strengths, whilst enabling them to reach their career goals.
Aquinas supports this process through the Open Events and detailed advice and guidance throughout the different stages of the enrolment process. We will take as long as is needed to help students to find the right courses which will allow them to achieve their full potential. Having selected the right courses, students gain outstanding results due to their hard work and dedication supported by excellent teaching and learning.
General advice on choosing courses
Entry requirements to progression routes are based on the grades/points from three Level 3 courses students are therefore advised to take three courses except where there is a valid academic reason for a student to take a fourth course. Additional enrichment activities related to a student’s future destination, such as an EPQ will be looked on more favourably than a fourth course in most cases.
Students select from the following groups:
A Levels
These are available to students who have gained at least six GCSEs at grade 4 (including Maths and English Language) though many subjects also have additional Subject Entry Requirements (see later).
A-Levels are two-year courses; the majority are 100% examined. Students need to be able to learn and remember two years’ worth of information and apply it during their final exams at the end of the second year.
In some subjects there is a small coursework component, please check the individual subject pages via the sixth form course directory.
Level 3 Vocational Courses
These are available to students who have gained at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (including Maths and English Language) though some subjects also have additional Subject Entry Requirements (see later).
Vocational Courses have the same equivalence as A-Levels; eg both a Distinction * and A level A* are worth 56 UCAS points. These courses are more suited to students who prefer a mixture of assessment methods spread across the two year period.
Vocational courses are two-year courses; they are assessed by a combination of exams, controlled assessment and coursework. These assessments take place throughout the two-year period of study; for the majority you will complete exams or controlled assessment, alongside coursework in both the first and second year. The results of these assessments count towards your final grade. Please check the individual assessment arrangements on the subject pages via the sixth form course directory.
A levels or Vocational qualifications (or both)?
Aquinas offers a wide range of A level and Vocational subjects so that students can choose the right combination of courses for them. Students have the option to take:
- 3 A levels, or
- 2 A levels and 1 Vocational course, or
- 1 A level and 2 Vocational courses, or
- 3 Vocational courses
Students need to consider what is the best combination for them, as well as researching what is required for any progression route they have in mind. Students will be given advice and guidance on course selection during the enrolment process.
Please now go to Sixth Form Courses for more detail about all of the qualifications available at Aquinas.
Level 2 courses
We only offer a small number of Level 2 courses, mainly for students who have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 in Maths and/or English Language.
| Mainly grade 8 and 9s | 4 A levels (if appropriate). |
| Mainly grade 8 and 7s | 3 A levels (and Stretch and Challenge/Extended Project Qualification). |
| Mainly grade 8 and 7 with some 6s | 3 A Levels Students may want to consider a subject with a coursework element. |
| Mainly 6 with some 7s and 5s | 3 A Levels Students should consider at least one A level course that has a coursework element. |
| Mainly grade 6s but with a wider range of other grades | 3 A Levels or 2 A Levels and 1 Vocational/BTEC Coures ( STudents may be more suited to continious assessment). |
| Mainly grade 5s but with a wide range of other grades | 2 Vocational/BTEC courses and an A Level or 3 Vocational/BTEC coures. |
| Mainly grade 4s but with a range of other grades | 3 Vocational/BTEC courses (students who have not achieved GCSE Maths and/or English will need to resit) |
College and Individual Subject Entry Requirements
Subject Entry Requirements 2024
At Aquinas we aim to maximise your potential to progress onto higher education and/or skilled employment by giving you all the right skills and qualifications.
We have many programmes available that will compliment your studies and will help you achieve your goals.
What Should I Do Next?
Your GCSE grades are very important. Working hard to gain the best grades you are capable of will give you more choices at Aquinas and beyond. Universities and employers will look closely at your GCSE grades, alongside A Level and BTEC qualifications, before offering you a place.
Here are some practical things you can be doing to make sure that you are fully prepared for enrolment and that your transition to college is as smooth as possible:
- Carefully research the subjects you want to take at Aquinas. You will eventually need to pick three subjects that you will study for two years. Be aware that many subjects at A level are not the same as at GCSE so look carefully at the content and assessment methods of each course.
- Research careers or particular Universities you may be aiming for and list any specific requirements they have. Are particular subjects or combinations of subjects or qualifications (BTEC/A Level) expected or do certain courses expect you to have work experience?
- Make a list of your current GCSE predicted grades and compare these against the Subject Entry Requirements for these courses at Aquinas.
- Identify the subject areas you need to improve (if you have any) and list the things you can do between now and your final GCSE exams to achieve this
- Work hard in preparation for your GCSE exams and good luck! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions at enquiries@aquinas.ac.uk
3D Design: Architecture and Interior Design
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3D Design: Product Design
3D Design: Product Design is a practical course in which you learn by doing, you will be able to create imaginative personal work.
Accounting
The Accounting course helps students understand the responsibilities of the accountant and the impacts of their recommendations on the business and wider environment. It equips students with the necessary knowledge[...]
Applied Business
Learners will undertake a programme of assessments designed to assess not only their knowledge and understanding of business, but also the way in which this knowledge and understanding can shape[...]
Applied Law BTEC
The BTEC Certificate and Extended Certificate in Applied Law allow students to study similar areas of English Law to those that are covered in the A-level course.
Applied Science BTEC
BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the signature vocational qualification at Level 3. They provide progression to the workplace either directly or via study at[...]
Art, Craft and Design
Art at Aquinas is an exciting and challenging subject that encourages students to be creative and show a more personal understanding of Art, Craft and Design. The aim of this[...]
Biology
Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from[...]
Business
Business studies students study a variety of topics related to strategy and decision making. One day you may be a manager in a business related to your chosen subject area[...]
Business Level 2 Diploma
Businesses are at the heart of the economy. They develop innovation, create wealth within communities and lead the way in enhancing the skill of the UK workforce. This vocational course[...]
Chemistry
Chemistry is a linear A level course that requires, and develops, a variety of skills from mathematical calculations and problem solving to analysis and practical skills.
Computer Science
Computers and technology are at the heart of almost everything we do. Entertainment, business, transport and education all rely on computers.
Core Maths Certificate
The Core Maths qualification is for students who have passed GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or above but have decided not to study A Level mathematics. The qualification strengthens students’[...]
Creative Media Practice BTEC
The Creative Media Practice qualification equips students with professional skills to work in the media and creative industries. The course is 100% practical and all work is assessed internally by[...]
Criminology
This course is an investigation into crime, criminality and the criminal justice system. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested[...]
Diploma in Sport (Double)
The Double Diploma in Sport is designed to give students grounding into all areas of the sports industry. The course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of[...]
Drama and Theatre
Drama and Theatre is a practical, engaging and creative specification. It will provide opportunities to examine drama and the work of others, to explore a range of plays, and to[...]
Economics
Economics is concerned with the activities of different groups such as consumers, businesses and governments. It examines issues which are increasingly dealt with in the media such as debt, recession,[...]
English Language
The course covers topics such as how we acquire it from birth, how it varies according to factors like accent, gender, ethnicity and how and why English has become a[...]
English Language and Literature
If you enjoy reading and discussing literature but also have an interest in linguistic approaches to language, you will enjoy this course. English Language and Literature is a two year[...]
English Language GCSE
We offer a highly supportive and well-resourced one year course which is suitable for those students who have previously gained a Grade 3 in GCSE English Language and who would[...]
English Literature
If you enjoy reading and discussing literature, you will enjoy this course. You will gain a detailed understanding of a broad range of poetry, prose and drama, while developing different[...]
Environmental Science
This course provides an ideal base for employment, for example, ecology and wildlife conservation, land management, town planning, architecture, forestry, geology or climatology. Students could work for a charity like[...]
Extended Project
The Extended Project is a Level 3 qualification it allows students to expand on a particular area of their study that they find interesting, the Extended Project will sharpen their[...]
Film Studies
The WJEC Eduqas specification is designed to introduce A level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range[...]
French
It is increasingly important in a globalized society to be able to speak more than just one language. So if you enjoyed GCSE French and are keen to be able[...]
Further Mathematics
This subject is for those who love maths and really want to take it further. It allows you to delve deeper into the subject in a more challenging way.
Geography
Geography has modules in physical and human geography. Students develop skills in mathematics, analysis and extended writing. Practical work within the specification is one of the attractions of Geography and[...]
Geology
The WJEC-Eduqas A Level in Geology is a linear course with a final exam at the end of two years. It provides a comprehensive coverage of the knowledge and understanding[...]
Graphic Design
Graphic Design is a fast paced, successful linear Art & Design course where students will be introduced to a variety of design approaches whilst exploring a range of media, processes[...]
Health and Social Care BTEC
BTEC Health and Social Care is the equivalent in size to one A Level over two years. There are 4 units in total. 2 of these are assessed by exams[...]
High Achievers Programme
The High Achievers scheme here at Aquinas College is a study programme designed to support our most able students to achieve their academic ambitions and make aspirational choices.
History
A level history is a fascinating and engaging subject for those who are intrigued by the past and want to discover how events have impacted the world in which we live[...]
IT BTEC
This course offers a specialist qualification that focuses on aspects of employment within an IT vocational sector. The qualification covers both theory in relation to IT and its place in[...]
Japanese GCSE
This course is suitable for those who have already completed the SEG award in the first year or for those who have already studied Japanese up to the equivalent level.
Law
The A-level Law course covers a variety of interesting topics. The course takes you from how laws are made, the people who work in the legal system, the criminal law,[...]
Mathematics
This course is for those who enjoy the challenges of mathematics and want an A level which is highly thought of by both employers and universities.
Mathematics GCSE
This course is for those who enjoy the challenges of mathematics and want an A level which is highly thought of by both employers and universities.
Media Studies
Students who take A Level Media Studies find that they are challenged in different ways to other subjects. We study areas of representation including gender, sexuality, age and ethnicity in[...]
Music
Music A Level supports students in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills including performing, composing and appraising.
Music BTEC
BTEC Music (Performing) is the ideal qualification to gain a base for further training and employment within the music business.
Music Technology
Music Technology A- Level supports and develops skills in Music Production and Recording. In addition, students are challenged to listen critically to music and analyse how the appropriate use of[...]
Pathways SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities)
The Pathways department at Aquinas College offers a two year programme providing specialist educational opportunities for students working towards Entry level and Level 1 qualifications. We focus on developing independence[...]
Performance Art Dance Route BTEC
This course is designed for post-16 learners with an interest in Dance and Performing Arts and who want to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress[...]
Photography
Photography at Aquinas is an exciting and challenging subject that encourages students to be creative and show a more personal understanding of Photography.
Physical Education
A-Level Physical Education offers an exciting opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the scientific, psychological and historical components of PE and Sport. Stimulating content is at the heart of[...]
Physics
The Advancing Physics course shows how Physics is exciting, always developing, of great practical use in many ways and in many careers, as well as probing some of the deepest[...]
Politics
The Politics course also allows students to study the fundamental ideologies that have influenced most political thought over the past 250 years; Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Nationalism.
Psychology
The Psychology course is an investigation into mind and behaviour. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested in understanding and[...]
Sociology
The study of Sociology provides you with alternative ways of looking at society and examines how people interact as individuals and in differing social groups within Britain and the world.
Spanish
Spanish is becoming one of the most important languages in Europe and it is the most studied foreign language after English.
Sport & Physical Activity
Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity Extended Certificate provides students with practical opportunities to develop relevant core knowledge and skills.
Statistics
Using and understanding data is becoming increasingly important in many areas of study and employment. Understanding of statistics is a crucial skill, and this A Level aims to give students[...]
Textile Design
Textile Design is an innovative course that uses new technology and encourages you to work creatively with a range of materials and techniques.
Theology
The A-level Theology course involves a rigorous study of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics and how these relate to the world in which we live and their impact on local and global[...]
Uniformed Protective Services BTEC
BTEC Uniformed Protective Services is a relatively new subject at Aquinas College which offers a wide ranging curriculum touching on areas of practical leadership and teamwork activities, Sociology, Police related[...]
