Project Description
A Level Courses
Swansea College’s sixth form programme is taught through blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
Our A-level courses have been written to a specification set by either the WJEC or AQA Examination boards.
Swansea College’s AS and A Level class sizes are small in size; this ensures flexibility and greater student input. Teachers can also amend lessons or incorporate additional topics if the students in that subject are ahead of where they need to be at any given time.
Typically, students studying three A Levels are committed to 9 hours of timetabled classes each week, which can be accessed anywhere where there is an internet connection. Classes delivered in person in the classroom will also be available to our online students. This gives students the flexibility to plan other activities, self-study and fit jobs in around their timetable.
Courses
Swansea College offers the following study routes:
- Two year course
- One year course
Two year Course
The majority of A level students choose our two year route option.
Two-year courses are designed for:
- Students who are continuing at Swansea College after their GCSE course.
- Students from other schools seeking a sixth form college to study A levels
- Year 13 transfer students who have changed plans after an unsatisfactory first year of A level at another school. Depending on their academic progress up to the point of joining Swansea College, such students either repeat Year 12 or join Swansea College Year 13.
One-Year Courses and Resits
The one-year A level course covers the whole syllabus in one year and are run entirely separately from the second year of our two-year A level course.
One-year courses are designed for:
- Transfer students from other schools who continue into Year 13 or take one year intensive.
- Retake students whose previous grade in the subject is too weak to risk a short course
- Retake students taking a brand new subject (to widen UCAS options, give fresh motivation and avoid ‘retake status’ in at least one subject making them more attractive to universities).
- Mature students – especially those converting to Medicine following an Arts-based first degree.
Our Academic Programme
We will always arrange a student induction meeting to discuss your options, if you are still undecided we can discuss your aspirations.
Students often choose 4 AS subject in Year 12 and 3 A2 subjects in Year 13
- Career choice – Certain careers may need certain subjects.
Some jobs and careers may need you to get specific vocational qualifications, for example, Art and Design. Universities may want good grades in particular subjects. Some examples:
- Maths and Physics are often essential for many engineering courses
- Biology is almost always required to study a Physiotherapy degree
- Some universities have a preferred list of A-Level subjects for general admission as well as specific requirements for particular courses
- Critical Thinking or General Studies are often not accepted by universities as one of your A-Level grades
But remember. Many universities will consider your application whatever subjects you choose.
Job opportunities – Employers may ask for certain grades in preferred subjects. For example, Science, Maths or Construction may be preferred for a Level 4 Construction Apprenticeship
UCAS Points & Grades needed for university and further learning – Good grades in A Level or equivalent subjects can earn you more UCAS points needed for entry to many university courses. Find out more about UCAS Tariff Points on the UCAS website
Course Structure
- Age: 16+
- Course length: 2 years over 6 terms / 5.5 terms
- Course Dates: start in September / late start in November available
- Weekly teaching hours timetable: 13 lessons and tutorials including PSHE plus our enrichment programme
- Programme: 3 terms per academic year: September to June
- Academic entry requirements: A minimum of 6 GCSE/iGCSE passes (or equivalent qualifications) at grade A*-C, with A*- C grades in the subjects chosen for A Level (where possible), and evidence of a good secondary or high school education.
- An academic reference from your school is also required.
- English Language entry requirements: IELTS 5.5 / Trinity ISE III or GCSE/iGCSE English language Grade A*- C.
- English Language qualifications for university. Most universities require an IELTS score of 6.0 for degree entry. Below this level or without a GCSE English language qualification, you must follow our Trinity preparation course alongside your A Level studies.
- Assessment: Examinations are taken in May/June.

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