SUCCESS

MADESIMPLE

AT QUEEN ALEXANDRA SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

A LEVEL GUIDE

2 A Level Guide

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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.

A Level Guide

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 amongst 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 you to success. We have invested heavily to ensure we can offer our students the very best of what they need to succeed. We were also rated Ofsted ‘Good’ in October 2019.

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.

A LEVELA 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 Level Guide4

A Level pass rate in 2019

We’re in the top 5 sixth form colleges in the UK,

based on our achievement rates. We also have a

99%

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 99% A Level pass rate in 2019.

AS LevelsAS Levels are taken as 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 but do not count towards the final A Level grade.

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 the UCAS point tariff).

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

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A Level UCAS points

A* 56

A 48

B 40

C 32

D 24

E 16

A Level Guide

All A Levels are now linear in structure, which means that final grades are determined by external examination at

the end of the year. As the two qualifications are now stand alone, the AS results do not

count towards the final A Level grade.

EXPERT TEACHING + UNRIVALLED STUDENT SUPPORT = AMAZING RESULTS

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AN AMAZING FUTURE AWAITS...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 4-9 (see page 19 for GCSE grading structure). You may need a higher grade in a particular subject, such as maths or science.

Subjects

Students 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.

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.

A Level Guide

7A Level Guide

ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN

BIOLOGY

BUSINESS STUDIES

CHEMISTRY

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

ENGLISH LITERATURE

FILM STUDIES

FURTHER MATHS

GEOGRAPHY

HISTORY

LAW

MATHS

MEDIA STUDIES

PHYSICS

PSYCHOLOGY

SOCIOLOGY

A LEVEL SUBJECTS

BTEC COURSES • Art & Design

(90 credit Diploma)

• BTEC Extended Diploma in Art & Design

• Diploma in Business & Professional Studies

ENHANCE UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONSSecond year students are now able to do an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) which is a level 3 (A Level standard) qualification that involves elements of research and report writing for a chosen topic. Usually related to the current course of study or future career goals, an EPQ carries UCAS points for university entry.

8 A Level Guide

SUGGESTED PATHWAY ROUTES A Level Pathway Subjects

STEM Further Maths / Psychology

Maths Physics Biology Chemistry • Medicine• Engineering• Veterinary

Science

• Bio-chemistry • Pharmacy• Marine Biology• Optometry

• EPQ• Royal Institute of Chemistry• STEM at Newcastle University,

A Level Maths +• NESA

English & Media

English Language

History English Literature

Media Studies

Film Studies • Publishing• Journalism• Media

• Performing Arts• Teaching• Artist

• EPQ• NESA• Purple Milk Newspaper• Creative Writing

Humanities English Language

Sociology Law Geography History • Social work• Teaching • Historian• Archaeology

• Environment Officer• Curator

• EPQ• NESA• QA Amnesty Group• Northumbria Uni Law Dept

Business/ Legal

Psychology Business Studies

Sociology Core Maths

Law • Accountancy• Marketing• Economics• Finance

• Criminology Psychology

• Barrister

• EPQ• NESA• CIPFA Games Group• QA Amnesty Group

9A Level Guide

For careers in Added opportunities

If you know the kind of career you want to embark on, our A Level Pathways could be the perfect fit.

Please find below our suggested pathways, but don’t worry if these pathways aren’t right for you - you can still pick a combination from our extensive list on page 7.

STEM Further Maths / Psychology

Maths Physics Biology Chemistry • Medicine• Engineering• Veterinary

Science

• Bio-chemistry • Pharmacy• Marine Biology• Optometry

• EPQ• Royal Institute of Chemistry• STEM at Newcastle University• NESA

English & Media

English Language

History English Literature

Media Studies

Film Studies • Publishing• Journalism• Media

• Performing Arts• Teaching• Art

• EPQ• NESA• Purple Milk Newspaper• Creative Writing

Humanities English Language

Sociology Law Geography History • Social work• Teaching • Historian• Archaeology

• Environmental Officer• Curator

• EPQ• NESA• QA Amnesty Group• Northumbria Uni Law Dept

Business/ Legal

Psychology Business Studies

Sociology Core Maths

Law • Accountancy• Marketing• Economics• Finance

• Criminology • Psychology• Barrister

• EPQ• NESA• CIPFA Games Group• QA Amnesty Group

10 A Level Guide

96% of UCAS applicants got into their first choice university

WHAT OUR STUDENTS

SAY

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“I had to revise a lot and it has paid off. I’m pretty delighted to have been accepted by Cambridge University. I’m really looking forward to studying there.”

“The facilities and resources at Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College are very good, they are exactly what I needed to do well.”

“If you know what you are capable of, and have the right college support, then you can achieve what you want. I felt very confident and was well prepared. The quality of the A Level teaching at Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College was very high.”

Human, Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge University

English Lit - A*, History - A*, Maths - A* Marden High School

Film Studies at Queen Mary University of London

Film - A*, History - B, Sociology - A

Astley High School

Law at Northumbria University

Law - A, Psychology - BSociology - BJohn Spence High School

History at Durham University

Sociology - A*, History - A Psychology - AJohn Spence High School

Hannah Bowman

Caley Stonestreet

Antonia Adie Şimal Altunsoy

A Level Guide

“I’m thrilled to have been accepted to study a BA in film studies at Queen Mary University. I couldn’t have done it without the support from staff at Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College.”

A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT TO SUCCEED

12 A Level Guide

WHAT OTHER SKILLS WILL YOU PICK UP?

Our Performance is

+4% above the national rate

Get involvedWe 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) and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. You can also get involved in our student-produced newspaper, ‘Purple Milk’, join our Student Council, or become a Student Ambassador.

Boost your CVQueen 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 help you 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.

Have fun fundraisingIn 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 supportWith 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 July, we run a ‘bridging programme’ for students moving from AS to A Level. This is a day-long event which gives 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, and, with specialist teaching and a range of activities, you will learn more about the subject and study requirements for the next year.

13A Level Guide

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.

14 A Level Guide

100% pass rate

17 out of 20

subjects achieved a

15A Level Guide

WE WANT TO MAKE YOUR WHOLE EXPERIENCE WITH US DIFFERENT.There’s a lot to explore on campus and a range of facilities, including a library (LRC) and brand new careers hub. 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 ‘Jolt’ refectory, or have something special at our Retreat Bistro & Coffee Shop at TyneMet’s Coast Road Campus, where talented catering students will serve you posh nosh for a fraction of restaurant prices.

LIFE ON CAMPUS - EXTRA STUFF

16 A Level Guide

EXTRA PERKS -NORTH EAST SPORTS ACADEMYAs a student at Queen Alexandra, you can automatically join NESA - it doesn’t matter what you are studying or your level of sporting ability. You will benefit from personalised sports programmes, including access to our leadership and volunteering academy, which offers a wide range of work placement opportunities to boost employability.

Our NESA team is dedicated to providing first-class experiences in a professional sports environment. We offer personalised programmes, delivered by expert coaches, to ensure you have the opportunity to fulfil your potential. We also have our Sport Development team who plan, organise and deliver a range of enrichment opportunities for you to take part in during your time at college.

NEWCASTLE

In partnership with:

North East Sports Academy

17A Level Guide

NESA offers the following sports for students, which promotes access to regional and national competitions:

• Men’s Football - delivered in partnership with Blyth Spartans AFC

• Women’s Football - delivered in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation

• Rugby League - delivered in partnership with Newcastle Thunder

• Rugby Union - delivered in partnership with Newcastle Falcons

• Basketball - delivered in partnership with Newcastle Eagles

• Badminton

• Netball

• Individual Athletes (e.g. athletics, archery, figure skating). We are a TASS (Talented Athlete Support Scheme) Dual Career Accredited centre, proof of academic flexibility

We are currently the only recognised TASS Dual Career Accredited Centre in the North East.

Our Safe, Fit & Well programme also supports mental well-being through physical activity as a tool to support you to maintain positive well-being.

For further information on NESA, contact Chris Wall on 0191 229 5119 or chris.wall@tynemet.ac.uk

OTHER BITS YOU NEED TO KNOW

*The main reason for doing an EPQ is to enhance university applications either by adding to your A-Level points or through a discussion in personal statements/interviews.

A Level Guide18

100%

We’re above national average in terms of high grades for the Extended Project Qualification* with a

pass rate

GCSE GRADING - HOW DOES IT WORK?NEW GRADING STRUCTURE

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Good pass5

4

+top of C and above (DFE)

bottom of C and below (DFE)

Awarding

19A Level Guide

20 A Level Guide

NEXT

STEPS -

FIND OUT

MORE...

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FREE UP YOUR DIARY

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

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

OUR OPEN NIGHTS ARE A GREAT WAY TO EXPERIENCE EXACTLY WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER.

CHECK OUT QUEENALEX.CO.UK FOR DATES, TIMES AND DIRECTIONS, OR CALL STUDENT SERVICES ON 0191 229 5123

A Level Guide

Open Events

All of our open events run from 5pm - 7pm

• Tuesday, January 7th 2020• Tuesday, February 4th 2020• Tuesday, March 3rd 2020• Tuesday, May 5th 2020• Tuesday, June 2nd 2020• Tuesday, July 7th 2020

IMPORTANT DATES

Every Tuesday, throughout August, we have open days from 9am to 10am. This is your opportunity to get information, advice and guidance and choose the best course for you for September.

GCSE Results Advice days

• Thursday, 20th August & Friday, 21st August 2020.