From September 2017, the way A Levels are taught and assessed is changing. Here at Weston College we want to make these changes as simple as possible for you to understand, so if you’re thinking about taking A Levels next year, read on...

No more AS Levels

A Levels will now be linear, two-year courses, which means you can no longer get an AS Level after one year. To get an A Level qualification, you must study for the full two years.

Less coursework

Coursework has been removed altogether from courses where it’s not necessary and  reduced to 20% of the final mark in exceptional cases. For science subjects, assessment of practical work no longer contributes to the final A Level grade but will earn a separate certificate of endorsement.

What about exams?

Exams will now be a final assessment at the end of the two-year course. This means that re-takes can’t be guaranteed as students will now have to re-sit as external students. Any re-takes are also likely to incur fees from the exam boards.

We can help

These changes mean that when it comes to choosing the A Level provider you want to study with, you’ll need to make sure that the teaching and support on offer is suitable for your learning style. At the Sixth Form at Weston College, 99% of our students pass their A Levels and we have a wide range of services you can use to gain the support you need.

We offer more A Level variety than your local school to make sure you’re on a course that you want to study and are able to complete. Plus, most of our lectures come from successful careers in the subject they teach about and can offer a lot of guidance when it comes to applying for jobs or planning your next educational steps.

We’re always on hand to offer advice, and if you need more information or would like to talk to a member of our team about the changes you can fill in the enquiry form below or call us on 01934 411 411.

Academy learners Chloe Carchrie, Quinten Querl and Ethan Thomas finished 2017 by being selected and representing Weston College in higher honours within their chosen sports.

Netball player Chloe Carchrie was selected in super league franchise Severn Stars u19 squad for fixtures in the New Year. Chloe, who studies sports and exercise science, has been involved in the Stars' training programme since September and has now been rewarded by being selected to represent the stars in competitive fixtures. We are extremely proud of Chloe and would like to reinforce how much of an achievement this is especially with her still only being 16. We wish Chloe the best of luck and know that this is just the start of Chloe’s journey in to elite sport.

Rugby academy learners Quinten Querl and Ethan Thomas also received some good news at the back end of 2017. Academy flyer Quinten was selected into Bristol Rugby’s u18 squad for this year’s u18 premiership season. This is a great achievement for Quinten who has just returned from a season out with a broken leg, also a year young he was selected on the bench for the competitions opener against Bath and scored an outrageous 50 metre try with one of his first touches in a Bristol shirt.

Quinten said about his recent success: “Being at Weston College has really helped me improve and progress as a rugby player. This is through the fantastic coaching staff helping on and off the pitch.

"The programme has taught me many values that have not only helped me become a better athlete but a better person as well. It has also reopened doors for me that I thought had been closed after I was released from bath academy. However, with the help of the coaching staff here and buying into the programme provided has allowed me to be selected for Bristol academy and even play in the U18's academy league, something I thought could not happen.”

Last but not least, Academy fly half Ethan Thomas has been selected in the Irish exiles u18 squad to play against the Independent Schools Lambs’ team on the 14th of January. Ethan has worked extremely hard at all aspects of his game since arriving at college and we are extremely proud and excited for him to have this opportunity. This is the first step on the ladder for potential selection and opportunities to represent Ireland on a higher stage and we are extremely confident that Ethan can impress and take his chance.

Ethan added: “My decision to come to Weston College has been a major influence in the opportunities I am now getting. I feel I have improved a lot as a player since joining the programme and would like to thank the staff and players for giving me the confidence and the chances to try and progress up the elite pathway.”

We wish all our students good luck over the next few weeks and would also like to congratulate our learners on their achievements to date. 

You’ll probably find that college is different to school in many ways. Here’s a few things you might want to know about life at college...

Tutors

Teachers are known as tutors and you call them by their first name. You’ll meet your personal tutor during your induction, they will be your first point of contact for everything at college. They’ll also meet with you in 1-1 sessions to check your progress.  During your first week there will be lots of activities to help you settle in and make friends.

Responsibility

Your personal tutor will give you your timetable. You’ll be responsible for getting to College and your classes on time and for managing your own assignments.  You might find you have free time during the day, or have some days when you don’t need to come to college. But don’t forget the library is always open! At College you are given more freedom and also more responsibility. There are no buzzers to signal the start and end of lessons.

Student Services

If you’re not sure about your course, or you want some advice on careers or university the student services team is available for 1-1 support. The college also has Welfare and Learning Support teams at each of the main campuses to help you settle in and provide you with a wide range of support and guidance throughout your time at college.  If you need support for your studies or welfare support your tutor can arrange this or you can go to them directly. Click here to find out more.

More than just study

Don’t forget, College isn’t just about study, we also have the brilliant Students' Union. Become a member or get involved in the fantastic range of Sports, events and enrichment activities to make your time at college even more enjoyable.