Types of courses at Aquinas
We offer courses in over 50 subject areas which are taught by well-qualified specialists within high quality, purpose built classrooms.
“The dedicated and passionate teaching staff take the time to know who you are as a person and offer you fantastic support to achieve your potential”
Carys (student)
A-Levels
A-Levels are two-year courses; the majority are 100% examined with exams at the end of the second year. In some subjects there is a small coursework component, please check the individual subject pages via the sixth form course directory.
Level 3 Vocational Courses
Vocational Courses have the same equivalence as A-Levels; eg both a Distinction * and A level A* are worth 56 UCAS points. They are assessed by a combination of exams, controlled assessment and coursework. These assessments take place throughout the two-year period of study; for the majority you will complete exams or controlled assessment, alongside coursework in both the first and second year. The results of these assessments count towards your final grade. Please check the individual assessment arrangements on the subject pages via the sixth form course directory.
Level 2 Courses
We only offer a limited number of GCSE and other level 2 courses. If you do not achieve a grade 4 or above in English and/or Maths, you will need to enrol on the appropriate GCSE course. This is to ensure your progression, either to Level 3 courses at Aquinas or to access other options, as many routes require you to have GCSE Maths and English plus three other grade 4 or equivalent passes. Level 2 courses are completed within a one year programme.
Level 3 Curriculum Review
The Government is currently undertaking a review of the level 3 curriculum that looks at reforming or defunding vocational courses. For the majority of our vocational provision this means some changes to the provider and how the course may be assessed. However, there are some courses that are at risk of being defunded and not replaced. The only courses this could impact are Criminology, Applied Law and Applied Business.
A final decision is due to be made by January 2025, until then you should choose freely from our selection of published courses. If the decision has any impact on what we can offer we will inform you via email and guide you to make alternative choices.