Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
Progression to A Level study is for many students the natural next step in their post-16 education following successful completion of GCSEs. Bridgwater College offers an exciting A Level programme involving a wide variety of subjects, including some you may not be familiar with – for example, econonics, law, politics, and psychology.
Many subjects use a range of guest speakers, trips, visits, and residentials to enrich your learning. Previously, these trips have included sociology students visiting HM Prison Bristol, law students going to Parliament, students studying French going to Paris, and trips to Prague, Italy, New York, and more.
During your two years of study, you will recieve four-and-a-half hours of lessons per subject per week. You are expected to complete a significant amount of study outside of the classroom, which will be a combination of homework and self-directed study. To complete this independent study, you will have access to a dedicated study room and our Learning Resource Centre (LRC), which includes a Mac suite.
Tutorials
You will have an hour and a half each week with your academic mentor and tutor group. This time is set aside for you to complete group activities and have 1:1s with your academic tutor, who is responsible for setting and monitoring your personal targets.
The academic mentoring programme also includes guest speakers, progression events, and the UCAS exhibition to help inform you of further study opportunities, both far and wide.
Enrichment
The A Level programme offers a wide range of interesting and engaging enrichment activities to enhance and support your academic experience:
- Extended Project: The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is equivalent to half an A Level and is in addition to your three chosen A Level subjects. Students are required to choose a topic they find particularly interesting and conduct a research project, culminating in a report or piece of art, model, or visual media installation. The project will enrich your academic portfolio and develop your initiative, as well as improve your research, organisation, reflection, and evaluation skills. This option is recommended for those students intending to apply to university.
- Honours Academy: This academy option is for A Level students who are ambitious, driven, and keen to access a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. It will challenge you to progress onto leading Russell Group universities by offering additional tuition and skills development. The academy has links with several higher-education institutions, including Oxbridge, and you will be expected to undertake a range of project work, as well as attend guest lectures from speakers from many different academic institutions and walks of life.
Academic Scholarship
If you are ambitious and predicted to achieve highly in your GCSEs, you may wish to apply for the A Level Academic Scholarship. This offers students additional specialist tutoring and support.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is different depending on your chosen subject, so it is important you check each subject individually.
Most A Levels are assessed through formal examinations at the end of the two years, which may include up to three exams covering the entire programme of study.
Some subjects have a coursework or practical element in addition to examinations. Throughout your time at Bridgwater College, you will frequently undertake practice assessments to prepare you for your formal examinations. Regular internal assessment will take place as the course unfolds.
Progression Options
Studying A Levels prepares you for a variety of progession options. They serve as an ideal preparation for university, and typically, over 75% of our A Level students progress directly to universities, whether in the UK or overseas.
Many students choose to stay home and go far by studying a degree at University Centre Somerset.
Our mentors and subject lecturers will always support you through your UCAS application. However, university is not the only progression route for A Level students; many progress onto Higher Apprenticeships, work-based training, or employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
