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A Level Faculty
You have a choice… make it the right one
York College is by far the largest provider of A Levels in York, offering the widest range of courses in almost any combination.
A Level students study a personalised learning programme which is intended to provide them with the best possible preparation for their next steps - whether that is university or work.
Students learn in a less formal environment, but in a culture of high expectations and ambition. We aim to equip students with the research and study skills, as well as the confidence and self-discipline, that will help them stand on their own two feet as independent learners with a lifelong appetite for education.
This is underpinned by a thorough, supportive pastoral system which is quick to identify when a student is not fulfilling his or her potential, and to challenge and support in partnership with parents.
The A Level Faculty
The 2nd and 3rd floors of the south-east wing, and the top floor of the College provide a centre for A Level students and tutors including social and informal work space. Some A Level students have lessons outside this area in order to take advantage of the excellent specialist facilities - for example in Art and Design or Engineering - but the great majority of A Level lessons and tutorials take place within this space. It's also the place to go to find help from tutors and key A Level managers, and information from plasma screens and noticeboards.
Preparing for University
The A Level Faculty provides students with a unique academic environment in which they can flourish. York College A Levels are taught by specialist tutors, many of whom are examiners and/or hold higher degrees in their subject. This experience allows them to prepare students very effectively for examination, but also to take students beyond the specification to see what a higher level will be like. Our strong links with universities, and the grown-up relationships with tutors, make college an excellent preparation for higher education. Additional opportunities further support students in developing the study skills they need to thrive in a modern university.
Tutorial support
All students are allocated a Progress Tutor, who is normally one of their AS Level subject tutors. Students meet their Progress Tutor regularly for one-to-one progress checks, and are further supported by the central A Level office at the heart of the A Level Faculty. A series of group ‘big tutorial' sessions in the lecture theatre give students guidance on a range of topics important to their studies and ambitions - such as revision skills or UCAS applications - and to their broader development (eg student health, e-safety). The Teaching and Learning Administration Services on the second floor provides all students with a formal check-in for handing in work, as well as supporting the monitoring of attendance and tracking of students' performance.
High standards for all students
York College continues to pioneer the use of the nationwide ‘ALPS' (Advanced Level Performance System) scheme as a tool for raising student achievement and ensuring that every student fulfils his or her potential. The system sets students challenging but achievable targets based on their GCSE scores and tutors and Progress Tutors use these to monitor students' progress, comparing performance grades against target grades at regular intervals through the year. These grades form the basis of subject reviews, as well as reports and, most importantly, students agree action plans with their tutors to help them meet their targets.
In Year 11 and want to talk to someone about what to do next? Follow this link to find out how. |
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