As well as deciding on the right level of study, it is equally important to think about how you learn. At Shaftesbury Sixth Form we understand that different students show their potential through different assessment systems and learning styles. While some students perform at their best in subjects assessed through exams at the end of the year, other students do better in qualifications which are assessed mainly through coursework and which place less emphasis on recalling factual information under tight time restrictions.
Thinking about which learning style suits you best is particularly important in the light of the changes to A-levels. All material will be assessed in the summer of Year 13. This is why in both the Level 2 and Level 3 pathway we offer students the ability to choose between mainly coursework based qualifications (BTECs) and examination based qualifications (GCSEs and A-Levels).
A-levels and Level 3 BTECs are at the same academic standard. Each qualification is worth the same number of university entrance points and both are widely recognised by employers. Most universities accept both A-levels and BTECs, however some of the most competitive universities may prefer A-levels for courses such as Law and Medicine.