General Course Entry Requirements 81

General Requirements

Vocational Level 2 Qualifications

The table below outlines the general entrance requirements for different programmes. Please also refer to page 83-90 for specific requirements for individual subjects.

Whilst these qualifications will be taken into consideration when guiding students about appropriate programmes, they do not equate to full GCSEs in the table below.

Full GCSE Entrance Qualifications

Appropriate Programmes

8 or 9 A*/A grades

5 AS subjects

5 or more A grades

4 AS subjects plus AS Critical Thinking

7 or more C grades (including Maths and English Language)

4 AS levels Or 3 AS levels plus GCSE Maths or English Or Combination of 4 AS levels and BTEC Certificates Or BTEC 90-credit Or BTEC 90-credit plus 1 AS level (Optional)

5 or 6 GCSEs at grade C or above (including Maths and/or English) with an average GCSE grade at or above a B (average GCSE Score = 6 or above)

5 or 6 GCSEs at grade C or above (including Maths and/or English) with an average GCSE grade below a B (average GCSE score below 6)

Combination of 2 or 3 AS levels and 1 or 2 GCSEs plus AS Supported Study Or 3 AS plus AS Supported Study Or BTEC 90-credit

4 GCSEs at B or above including Maths and English (with Bs in relevant subjects)

Combination of 2 or 3 AS levels and BTEC Certificates plus AS Supported Study Or BTEC 90-credit

4 GCSEs at C or above (including Maths or English)

Combination of 2 AS levels and 1 or 2 GCSEs/BTEC Level 2 plus AS Supported Study Or BTEC 90-credit

4 C grades but neither Maths nor English Language or fewer than 4 Cs (but no lower than D and E grades)

One year Level 2 programme

82 General Course Entry Requirements

It will normally be regarded as essential for students to have achieved GCSE grade C or above in either English or Mathematics to study the subjects listed below at Advanced Level.

English Language and Mathematics Applied Science Archaeology Biology Business Studies Chemistry (Grade B in Maths at GCSE) Computing (Grade B in Maths at GCSE) Economics (Grade B in Maths at GCSE) Physics (Grade B in Maths at GCSE) Psychology

English Language

Mathematics

Classical Civilisation CPLD Critical Thinking Drama & Theatre Studies English Language English Literature English Language and Literature Film Studies French Geography German History Law (Grade B in English at GCSE) Media Studies Philosophy and Ethics Physical Education Politics Religious Studies Sociology Spanish

Accounting (Grade B in Maths at GCSE) Geology Mathematics (Grade B in Maths at GCSE) Further Mathematics (Grade A in Maths at GCSE) Use of Maths

Detailed Course Entry Requirements 83

SUBJECT

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Grade C or above) Maths

English

Other

Other Desirable Subject Qualifications/ Combinations

Accounting

B

Applied Science

C

C

GCSE Science Grade C or above. Level 2 course (eg GNVQ, BTEC, OCR Nat. at Merit/ Distinction level.

Would fit with Sports or Health based vocational careers.

Archaeology

C

C

GCSE Science at grade C or above.

GCSE English or History at grade B.

Biology

C

C

Av. GCSE Score 6 Grade B in Higher Tier GCSE. Additional Science, or Biology and Chemistry, at grade B or above.

Maths/Use of Maths AS.

Business Studies

C

C

Chemistry

Higher B

C

Classical Civilisation

Computing

Av. GCSE Score 6

Av. GCSE Score 6 Grade B in Higher Tier GCSE. Additional Science or Chemistry at grade B or above. AS Maths/Use of Maths studied as well (exception by agreement with Department).

C

Higher B

C

GCSE English at grade B. A Humanities GCSE subject at grade C or above. Av. GCSE Score 6 GCSE Maths at grade B or above at higher level. AS Maths studied as well.

Skills and Attitudes Guidance on Costs or Required for Success Commitments

Confidence with figures. Attention to detail.

Yr 1/ 2, optional trip - £5-6

Portfolio and exam assessments. Practical experiments. Interest in Science. ICT use.

Visit to a company.

Willingness to participate in practical work.

Optional field day – approx £15

Interest in current affairs. Confidence with figures.

Yr 1: optional trip £20-25 Yr 2: optional trip £20-25

Willingness to participate in practical work and lecture visits.

Visits to industrial site £10

Interest in Literature and Mythology. Prepared to read outside lessons.

Optional trip to British Museum - £30

Experience of most common computer applications.

84 Detailed Course Entry Requirements

SUBJECT

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Grade C or above) Maths

Other Desirable Subject Qualifications/ Combinations

Skills and Attitudes Guidance on Costs or Required for Success Commitments

Interest in arguments.

Capable of independent thought.

Extension programme.

English

Other

Critical Thinking

C

5 A/A* grades at GCSE required. Alternatively As and Bs at AS for second year students.

Dance

C

GCSE Dance at grade C or above or equivalent level of experience.

Commitment to rehearsal and good attendance.

Optional visits/ workshops approx £30. Participation in timetabled rehearsals and on Thursday afternoons.

Drama and Theatre Studies

C

GCSE Drama or Expressive Arts at grade C or above or equivalent level of experience.

Commitment to rehearsal and good attendance.

Two essential production visits plus other optional visits/ workshops – approx. £30. Participation in timetabled rehearsals.

C

GCSE Mathematics at grade B or above.

Interpret data through graphs.

Optional revision conferences approx. £20

Economics

B

English Language

C

English Literature

C

English Language and Lit (combined)

C

Film Studies

C

Fine Art

Food, Nutrition and Health

Interest in linguistics and language (i.e. not creative writing). GCSE English Literature at grade C. Refer to department if not taken.

Commitment to read and research widely. Willingness to participate in group discussions.

Theatre visits optional but highly recommended. Optional purchase of 3 or 4 set texts (approx. £22 Year 1, £20 Year 2).

Strong interest in creative writing.

Optional Theatre trips. Optional purchase of set texts (approx £20 per year).

GCSE English Language or Literature at grade C or above.

A real interest in film (not just Hollywood).

A number of visits to cinemas and Film Festivals – approx £20 per year.

GCSE Art and Design at grade C or above, or portfolio.

Experience in observational skills and development.

Art materials: £35. At least two visits: £30

Commitment to study independently.

Highly recommended visits. Cost of ingredients: approx £50

GCSE at grade C or above in Science, English Lang. and either Food Tech. or Home Economics.

Detailed Course Entry Requirements 85

SUBJECT

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Grade C or above) Maths

English

Other

Food Technology

Other Desirable Subject Qualifications/ Combinations

Skills and Attitudes Guidance on Costs or Required for Success Commitments

GCSE at grade C or above in Food Tech. and English Lang.

Commitment to study independently.

Highly recommended visits. Cost of ingredients: approx £50

Willingness to talk freely in the target language. Desire to spend time in a country where target language is spoken.

French Exchanges every year. Not compulsory but students should take part (£200-£270 for 8 – 11 days).

French

C

GCSE French at grade B or above.

GCSE English at grade B or above.

Geography

C

Refer to department if not taken at GCSE.

GCSE Geography at Interest in both physical and grade B or above in the human geography and in Higher level paper. current affairs.

AS – local trips: approx £15-20. AS trip to North Wales (£100) and other optional field e.g. Iceland £800

GCSE in a Science at Grade B or above.

Maths at grade B or above if you are considering progressing to HE in this subject.

Interest in rocks, fossils and minerals.

Compulsory residential trip to Arran: approx £450 in Year 2

GCSE German at grade B or avove.

GCSE English Language at grade B.

Willingness to talk freely in the target language. Desire to spend time in a country where target language is spoken.

German Exchanges every year. Not compulsory but students should take part (£180-£295 for 8 – 11 days).

Experience in observational skills and development.

Art materials: £30-£45. At least two visits: £30

GCSE English language at grade C or above.

Undertake and complete individual research.

Minimum of two days’ work experience*. Optional trips: approx. £30

GCSE History, if taken, at grade C or above.

Ability to meet deadlines and to think critically.

Optional trip to France, Germany or Russia may be offered (approx. £200 - £600)

Geology

German

C

C

Graphics

GCSE Art & Design (not Graphic Products) at grade C or above, or portfolio.

Health and Social Care History

C

86 Detailed Course Entry Requirements

SUBJECT

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Grade C or above) Maths

Law

English

Other

B

GCSE English Language at grade B or above.

Mathematics: Further

Higher A

GCSE Mathematics at grade A or above at Higher level.

Mathematics

Higher B

GCSE Mathematics at grade B or above at Higher level.

Media Studies

C

Music

Philosophy and Ethics Photography

Physical Education

Skills and Attitudes Guidance on Costs or Required for Success Commitments

Average GCSE score 5.7. If below this please advise students to discuss BTEC Law with the Department.

Reason logically and apply evidence to principles. Developed writing skills.

GCSE Mathematics at grade A or above.

Grade 5 theory.

GCSE English Language at grade C or above.

Students need a scientific calculator: approx. £8 Willingness to work as member of team. Good organisational skills.

Attendance at extra sessions for additional skills training. Print and/or video production - £5. Optional visits to film showings/ conferences.

Essential to read treble and bass clef. Essential to recognise keys up to four sharps and four flats.

Optional visits/workshops – approx. £30

Ability to think abstractly and critically. Interest in Philosophical issues.

Optional trip to Rome may be offered (approx. £400)

GCSE Art & Design at grade C or above, or portfolio. C

Optional trips: London – approx. £80

Requires two timetable blocks of study. Minimum of scientific calculator required: approx. £8

GCSE English Language or Literature at grade C or above.

GCSE Music at grade C or above or equivalent. Grade 4 or above on instrument or voice. C

Other Desirable Subject Qualifications/ Combinations

Use of SLR camera. Essentials pack of materials: AS - £45, A2 £60. At least two visits: £30 GCSE Science at grade C or above. GCSE Physical Education (if taken) at grade C or above.

Essential to have above average ability in two different sports (from different families of sport e.g. team/individual).

Willingness to participate in practices and competitive sport essential. Commitment to playing sport for College, particularly on Wednesday afternoons. Appropriate kit needed for practice sessions.

Detailed Course Entry Requirements 87

SUBJECT

Physics

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Grade C or above) Maths

English

Other

Higher B

C

Average GCSE score 6. Higher Tier in GCSE Additional Science or Physics at grade B or above. Maths at grade B or above at higher tier. Must take AS Maths/ Use of Maths (exception by agreement with Department).

Politics

Other Desirable Subject Qualifications/ Combinations

Skills and Attitudes Guidance on Costs or Required for Success Commitments

AS Maths (Mechanics) is the preferred option.

Commitment to practical experiment. Willingness to apply IT.

C

C

C

Willingness to develop and maintain knowledge of current affairs. Ability to think critically about personal political opinions and those of others. Average GCSE score 6.

Psychology Religious Studies

C

Sociology

C

English Literature and/or Language is acceptable.

Spanish

C

GCSE Spanish at grade B or above.

Optional trip to Houses of Parliament – approx. £20.

GCSE Science, Geography, or History at grade C or above.

Ability to think critically and to evaluate information.

GCSE Religious Studies (or short course) at grade C or above.

Open-minded interest in religion. Interest in moral issues. Willingness to contribute to discussion.

Trip(s) to places of worship. Transport costs only plus optional donations.

Interest in contemporary issues. Willingness to participate in discussion. Willingness to be openminded.

Year 1: optional trip: approx. £10-£15. Year 2: optional trip: approx. £10-£15

Willingness to talk freely in the target language. Desire to spend time in a country where target language is spoken.

Spanish Exchanges every year. Not compulsory but students should take part (£180-£280 for 8 – 11 days).

GCSE English at grade B or above.

88 Detailed Course Entry Requirements

SUBJECT

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Grade C or above) Maths

English

Textiles

Other GCSE Art and Design at grade C or above, or portfolio.

Travel and Tourism Use of Maths

SUBJECT

Other Desirable Subject Qualifications/ Combinations

Higher C

Essential Qualifications

Skills and Attitudes Guidance on Costs or Required for Success Commitments

Experience in observational skills and development.

Materials: £30

GCSE English or Maths at Grade C or above.

Commitment to work in a group. Willingness to complete independent research.

Residential trip eg to Paris £300 approx. (optional). Local trips approx. £15 each.

GCSE Maths at grade B or above.

Interest in the applications of Maths.

Students need a scientific calculator: approx. £8

Other Desirable Subject Skills & Attitudes Qualifications/Combinations Required for Success

Guidance on Costs or Commitments

(Grade C or above)

VOCATIONAL COURSES: LEVEL 3 BTEC Business

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of study.

Willingness to participate in business visits. Willingness to participate in Young Enterprise. Ability to meet deadlines. Basic IT skills.

Compulsory attendance at business visits as required: £35

Children’s Play, Learning and Development

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on pages 81 and 82.

If you achieved a D grade or lower for GCSE Maths this will be added to your programme of study.

Ability to meet coursework deadlines and complete independent research. Strong commitment to demands of weekly work experience duties.

Work experience* 2 days per week. Students must be police checked through DBS: approx. £44. Visits/exhibitions: approx. £50*.

Health and Social Care

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

GCSE English at grade C or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of study, as well as GCSE Maths if required.

Ability to meet coursework deadlines and complete independent research.

3-4 separate weeks of work experience* each year. Students must be police checked through DBS: approx. £44. Visits/ exhibitions: approx. £50*.

IT

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

GCSE Maths and English at grade C Ability to cope with demands or above, otherwise will be added of coursework. Commitment to your programme of study. to study independently.

Law

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of study.

Ability to cope with demands of coursework. Commitment to study independently.

Detailed Course Entry Requirements For Vocational Courses 89

SUBJECT

Essential Qualifications

Other Desirable Subject Skills & Attitudes Qualifications/Combinations Required for Success

Guidance on Costs or Commitments

(Grade C or above)

VOCATIONAL COURSES: LEVEL 3 BTEC continued Music Technology

GCSE Music at grade C or above or equivalent.

Advised to work towards Grade 5 theory.

Essential to read treble and bass clef. Essential to recognise keys up to three sharps and three flats. Good vocational/ instrumental skills. Commitment to complete individual coursework tasks – 70% of the AS course. Interest in a variety of music styles.

Optional visits/workshops £30

Must pass the diagnostic skills assessment provided by the Department at Induction.

GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of study.

Performing Arts

GCSE Dance/Drama/ Music/ Expressive Arts at grade C or above or equivalent level of experience.

GCSE English at grade C or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of study, as well as GCSE Maths if required.

Performance skills in two of the Performing Arts (Dance or Drama or Music). Commitment to rehearsals and good attendance.

Optional visits/ workshops – approx. £30. Participation in timetabled rehearsals and Thursday afternoons.

Personal and Business Finance

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above.

Ability to cope with demands of coursework. Commitment to study independently.

Some trips/visits to be planned to help with assignment work.

Public Services

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

If you achieved grade D or lower for GCSE Maths and/or English these will be added to your programme of study.

High level of basic fitness. Willingness to participate in outdoor pursuits. Ability to meet deadlines. Basic IT skills.

Essential trips: Malvern Hills walk, Forest of Dean 2 day camp and walk, Forest of Dean Mountain Bike Ride, Go ape Wyre Forest, communications exercise Police HQ and 1 day water sports at Aztec Water park. Other trips which are optional: Meet the Marines, Midlands Soldier, RAF Brize Norton and Police Riot Training. Student costs: L2 First Award £30, L3 Certificate £30, L3 90 credit £90, L3 Extended Diploma £90

Sport and Exercise Science

GCSE Science at grade C (or CC) or above.

GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of study.

Good time management skills. Keen interest in the scientific aspects of sport. Ability to meet assigned deadlines.

Compulsory work experience* in the course. Students may be police checked through DBS: approx. £44. Appropriate PE kit required.

Sport: Performance and Excellence

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of study.

Good time management skills and ability to meet assigned deadlines.

Compulsory 10 days of work experience* in first year of course (2 different placements). Students may need to be be police checked through DBS: approx. £44. Appropriate kit required for practical activities.

90 Detailed Course Entry Requirements for Vocational Courses

SUBJECT

Essential Qualifications

Other Desirable Subject Skills & Attitudes Qualifications/Combinations Required for Success

Guidance on Costs or Commitments

(Grade C or above)

VOCATIONAL COURSES: LEVEL 2 BTEC Business

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

Ability to manage time and meet coursework deadlines.

Compulsory attendance to one business visit: £15

CPLD

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

Ability to meet course deadlines.

Two separate weeks of work experience*. Students must be police checked through DBS: approx. £44

Health & Social Care

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ on page 81.

Ability to meet course deadlines.

Two separate weeks of work experience*. Students must be police checked through DBS: approx. £44

Public Services

Please see ‘General Requirements’ for Vocational Courses (p77)

Sport

Please see ‘General Requirements’ for Vocational Courses (p77)

Good time management skills and ability to meet assigned deadlines.

Two separate weeks of work experience*. Students must be police checked through DBS: approx. £44

SUBJECT

Essential Qualifications

Other Desirable Subject Skills & Attitudes Qualifications/Combinations Required for Success

(Grade C or above)

GCSEs English Humanities Italian Latin Mathematics

Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ for Level 2 courses on page 81.

Science Sociology *£20 charge per student to cover checking of placement(s) by external agency

Ability to meet course deadlines.

Guidance on Costs or Commitments