Putting Your Study Programme Together
Depending on what subjects and type of course you are interested in we will create
a study programme for you. The majority of your week at South Downs will be spent
in lectures for your course - an average of about 18 hours.
As well as this you
will spend one hour a week in a tutorial group and be encouraged to take up enrichment
activities which could include anything from sport or first aid training to languages,
drama or rock climbing!
Whatever course you decide to take you will also need to
spend time doing private study. There will also be plenty of opportunities to meet
friends and relax in College when you have free time.
You will find there are lots of options open to you. This guide will give you information
on the different study options and entrance requirements. These will be discussed
further at your interview.
A Levels
- The full A level is split into two one year courses, AS and A2
- An AS level can form either the first half of a full A level or stand as a qualification
in its own right
- AS level = three units
- A2 level = three units
- You can combine three to five A levels
- You can combine two to three A levels and a Subsidiary Award
NVQS
- NVQs are very practical courses with regular, relevant work experience
- You can resit GCSE Maths or English (but no other subject) alongside an NVQ
BTECS
- BTEC qualifications are practical work-related courses which give you the skills
you need to start your career. They are a nationally recognised qualification valued
by employers and universities and they offer a clear route into employment or higher
education
- You can combine a Level 2 Diploma with Maths and/or English GCSE resit
- You can combine a Subsidiary Award with two to three AS/A2 levels
- You can combine a Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma with one AS/A2 level
Diplomas
Diplomas are new qualifications which combine elements of academic subjects and
practical skills in a way that reflects modern industry practice and the demands
of degree courses. At South Downs Diplomas are available in: Sport & Active Leisure,
Engineering, Creative & Media, Information Technology, Business Administration &
Finance and Hospitality & Catering. Diploma students will develop their skills in
English, Numeracy and ICT and have the opportunity to do structured work experience.
The THREE Diploma Levels
- A Foundation Diploma is a Level 1 qualification. It is equivalent to five GCSEs
grade D-G.
- A Higher Diploma is a Level 2 qualification. It is equivalent to seven GCSEs grade
A*-C.
- An Advanced Diploma is a Level 3 qualification. It is equivalent to three to five
A levels grade A*-E.
