Courses

Choosing Your Course

At Lowestoft Sixth Form College we have four pathways available depending on your interests and GCSE results.

Level three

  1. A Levels
  2. BTEC National Extended Diploma /BTEC diploma
    /BTEC Subsidiary Diploma

Level two

  1. BTEC Level Two Diploma
  2. GCSE Fast Track Programme /Gateway Courses

With so many subjects to choose from making a selection can be daunting, our advice is to choose:

  • Subjects you enjoy
  • Subjects you are good at
  • Subjects you need for a specific career aim.

Evidence shows that GCSE grades are a good guide when considering which subjects and what level of study are most suitable. Our specialist interviewers will explore this with you at interview and again at enrolment to help build a programme that is right for you.

How to work out your
GCSE score

Each GCSE grade is given a number of points as outlined here:

  • A* = 8 points
  • A = 7 points
  • B = 6 points
  • C = 5 points
  • D = 4 points
  • E = 3 points
  • F = 2 points
  • G = 1 point
  • U = 0 point

Write down the GCSE subjects you have taken and the results that you have achieved or hope to get. Then add the points together and divide by the number of subjects you have taken. For instance:

English - B = 6, Maths - C = 5, History - B = 6,
Art & Design - A = 7, Geography - D = 4,
Drama - C = 5

TOTAL 33 points.
Divided by number of subjects (6)
= 5.5 average GCSE score

A Levels

These are two-year courses similar to GCSEs but at a higher level in a varied range of subjects. In your first year you complete AS progressing to A2 for your second year. You need to select three or four. Some students take five. You are assessed by a mixture of coursework and exams at the end of each year. With A Levels you can progress to university or into employment.

BTEC Extended Diploma

This is a full-time course of study over two years. A good option if you have done well at GCSE but want something more vocational to suit your career choice. You are assessed on coursework, which will range from practical work, presentations, assignments as well as work experience; there are no exams. The Extended Diploma is the equivalent of three A Levels and you can take a GCSE alongside as well. With a BTEC Extended Diploma you can progress to university or into employment.

BTEC Level Three Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma

These are full-time courses of study over two years. Both are coursework based qualifications, there are no exams. The Diploma is the equivalent of two A Levels and the Subsidiary Diploma the equivalent of one A Level so you will need to combine these courses with each other or with A Levels to make a full programme. With a BTEC Level Three Diploma and A Levels/BTEC Subsidiary you can progress to university or into employment.

BTEC Level Two Diploma

This is a full-time course for one year. The Level 2 Diploma is the equivalent of 4 GCSEs (grade C). You could progress to a Level 3 course or go on to employment with this qualification.

GCSE Fast Track

This is a package of five GCSEs, which is a full-time programme. You could progress to Level 3 courses or go on to employment.