At Lowestoft Sixth Form College, you have the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects and qualifications to suit your interests and aspirations.
Our study programmes are flexible and can be mixed and matched, combining A Levels with vocational courses to suit your interests, grades and career aims. We will take time to discuss all the possibilities with you when you come for your interview. If you are sitting your GCSEs in the summer and do not yet know the grades you will achieve, we can discuss this again in August when you come into college to formally sign up for your course following results day.
Take a look through the large range of subjects on offer and submit your application to get started.
Our advice is to choose:
- Subjects you enjoy
- Subjects you are good at
- Subjects which will support your career ambitions
Evidence shows that GCSE grades are a good guide when considering which subjects and what level of study is most suitable. Our Admissions team will explore this with you once you’ve made your application and again at enrolment to help build a programme that is right for you.
Our study programmes are flexible and you can mix and match, combining A Levels with BTEC/AAQ courses to suit your interests and career aims.
Level 3 Courses
A Levels
A Levels are subject-based qualifications, studied across two years. Assessment is through exams and coursework. With A Levels, you can progress onto university, employment or a higher apprenticeship. You can select three A Levels to form a full study programme. Alternatively, you can combine A Levels with a BTEC single or double programme or AAQ to create a full study programme.
In order to study an A Level programme, you need to have achieved:
- At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 in one sitting.
- An average GCSE score of 5 or more is preferred.
- GCSE English at grade 4.
- GCSE Maths at grade 4.
- Some courses may have additional subject-specific criteria.
To follow a Science A Level programme (one that includes any two of these courses Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths) you will need an average GCSE score of at least 5.5, plus a minimum GCSE grade 6 in Maths and a 6 in Science (core) and 6 in Additional Science (or 6 in GCSE Biology/Chemistry/Physics).
Core Maths
Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to an AS-Level, designed for students who have achieved well in GCSE Maths but do not wish to pursue A-Level Maths.
It focuses on developing quantitative and problem-solving skills relevant to real-world applications, particularly in areas like personal finance, statistics, and data analysis. Core maths is recommended for students studying STEM and social science subjects such as Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography and more. Core Maths provides a bridge between GCSE Maths and the quantitative demands of various A-level courses, making it a valuable addition for students who do not plan to pursue A-level Maths. Core maths is additional to a main study programme. Learners will benefit through;
- Reinforced quantitative skills
- Core Maths focuses on practical applications of maths, including statistics, data analysis, and modeling, which are crucial for many A-level subjects.
- Developed confidence
- Students taking Core Maths often report increased confidence in their ability to handle the mathematical aspects of their other A-levels.
- Preparing for future studies
- Core Maths equips students with the quantitative skills needed for further education and careers that require strong problem-solving and data analysis abilities.
BTEC Certificates and Diplomas
BTECs are Level 3 vocational qualifications that provide specialist, work-related learning in a range of sectors. They will help you progress to university, an apprenticeship or employment.
A triple BTEC programme is equivalent to three A Levels and forms a full study programme. If you are studying a single or double BTEC programme, you will need to combine these courses either with each other or with A Levels to make a full study programme.
Single BTEC programme equivalent to one A Level
Double BTEC programme equivalent to two A Levels
Triple BTEC programme equivalent to three A Levels
Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQS)
Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) are scholarly in nature and designed to support progression to further and higher education, making them the perfect choice for students who want to head to university.
The AAQs offered at Lowestoft Sixth Form are equivalent to one A Level and can be studied alongside A Levels to make a full study programme.
- Four GCSEs at grades 9-4, or a Merit in a full Level 2 BTEC Diploma.
- Grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths is preferred.
- If you want to combine your AAQs with an A Level, you will need to meet the entry criteria for that A Level too.
Entry Requirements
Find out the entry requirements for your chosen course(s).
Level 2 Courses
Didn’t quite get the results you were hoping for? Don’t worry!
We offer a Navigate to A Levels programme for any students whose grades fall below the standard entry criteria for a Level 3 programme. If you are missing a grade in GCSE Maths or English, then you may be eligible for some Level 3 programmes. If you are missing both GCSE Maths and English then you are eligible for our Navigate to A Levels programme only. You may also have the opportunity to study GCSE Science on the Navigate course. For example, if you just missed out on passing GCSE Maths, you could resit GCSE Maths alongside studying a Level 3 course. Our college team can help you with this.