Windsor High School Sixth Form will be offering an extensive curriculum. The Level 3 courses available will ensure students
have access to subjects that interest them and allow the required combinations to gain a place at University. Each type of course
offers something different to the student. It is important these differences are taken in to consideration when making option choices.
Advanced Level courses
AS Level – studied and examined in Yr12. Most courses consist of two units and feature a combination of coursework and
written exams. Students achieving a strong set of GCSE results will be encouraged to take 4 AS Levels. Certain subjects have
additional minimum grade requirements at GCSE.
A2 Level – studied and examined in Yr13 and follows the same structure as AS courses. Students will be able to continue
all AS subjects through to A2 Level though most decide to only continue with 3. A2 marks are combined with AS marks to arrive at
the A Level result.
To study A Level courses, students must have 5 A* to C grades including English and Maths.
BTEC Nationals
Studied over 2 years, the BTEC National can be taken as an Award (1 A Level equivalent) or as a Certificate (2 A Level equivalent).
This style of course is very different to the A Level course. Consisting totally of coursework assignments, the BTEC would suit
those students who don’t perform well in exams. Like all Level 3 courses good independent study skills are vital.
OCR National Level 3
OCR Nationals offer a fresh approach to learning as students can study at their own pace. Learners receive certificates for
individual units, full qualifications, or any combination of units, meaning they can gain recognition for their achievements as
they progress.
To study the OCR National or BTEC courses students must have 5 A* to C grades not including English and Maths.
In some cases there are special entry requirements due to the demands of a course (see subject outlines or entry requirements
page on website). Where possible we would prefer students to have at least a grade C at GCSE in any subject they are taking through
to Level 3. Where a related GCSE has not been taken, the performance in the core subjects will be used as an indicator of suitability.
Students should try not to start too many completely new subjects as this will create the added pressure of adjusting to something
different.