A–Levels
- Depending on the college, a specific grade may be required to enrol onto a specific A level course, with many requiring at least a B grade in the chosen subject.
- Usually split into AS-Levels and A2 levels.
- Studied over a duration of 2 years with exams at the end of second year to determine grade. Students generally choose to study four AS-Levels, and Three A2 Levels.
- Mainly exam based with little focus on coursework.
- After completing, it is possible to apply for an Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship; these are top level apprenticeships and guarantee work after leaving.
Apprenticeships
- You must be 16yrs old to start an apprenticeship.
- An apprenticeship generally takes between one and five years to complete
- All apprenticeships are real jobs so all apprentices earn a salary. You must be paid at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage – and many employers pay significantly more.
EXAMPLES: (https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships)
BTECs
- BTEC Nationals are classed as a ‘vocational’ qualification which offer a mix of practical (work experience) and theoretical (personal study) tasks. They are usually specific to a certain sector of industry and produce specialists in the given field of interest.
- Assessment is more focused on coursework with little exams (if any at all)
- They can be taken in conjunction with A-Levels or they can be taken on their own. BTEC Nationals carry UCAS points which can be used to apply for University after completion.
T Levels
- T Levels are new courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. These 2-year courses, which launched September 2020, have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study.
- T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days).
When they will start
- The first 3 T Levels are now available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England.
- A further 7 T Levels will be available in September 2021 with the remaining courses starting in either 2022 or 2023.
- We have published a list of the providers who are offering T Level courses up to September 2022. https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resource/t-levels-explainer-film/
Dear Parents/Carers
The Parents’ Guide aims to provide a range of free support for both parents of sixth form students as well as those taking GCSEs, including guides, useful articles, a Q&A system where we answer questions personally, live chats and a blog with the latest news. They cover all the important issues that you may find helpful. www.theparentsguideto.co.uk/parents
Click here to view this newsletter online with access to download links.
Personal Statement
Why not try the personal statement mind map to get your children to think about the step-by-step of what they can include in their personal statements. You might also benefit from our free guide: The Parents’ Guide to Personal Statements.
Qualifications and levels
To help parents understand what options their children have after GCSE and Sixth Form, we’ve created a summary of the different levels of education, what types of qualification are available, and how different options suit different students. You can access it here.
50 days of wellness:
Now the clocks have gone back, winter feels well on the way. To inspire students to think about their mental and physical wellbeing through the end of the Autumn term, why not get them to try our 50 daily tasks to improve wellbeing challenge by carrying out one healthy act each day. Great to do either at home or at school.
Free parent guides:
The Parents’ Guide to homelife and study
The Parents’ Guide to helping your child know ‘what’s next’
Click here to view this newsletter online with access to download links.
Parents' guide to helping your child with what's next
