Choosing the right course

A LEVELS

A Levels are academic two year courses with a high level of theoretical content. They are usually assessed by examinations at the end of the course – either written, or possibly a supervised practical exam, for example in Art. A Levels have a renowned international reputation and are still the primary route for most traditional university applicants.

Laurence

Student Profile

Laurence studied A Levels at Henley, achieving a grade A* in Geography, and two grade As in Mathematics and Computer Science. Laurence was also the winner of the Education Award for Geography. “I enjoyed my time at The Henley College. It was a very supportive and helpful environment. I was fairly pleased and relieved with my results, and I’m looking forward to my next step of going to university.”

Laurence joined the College from Our Lady’s School, and is now progressing to study Geography at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge.

VOCATIONAL COURSES

Vocational courses generally involve fewer, if any, exams, however there may be an element of external assessment. They focus on coursework, and give a balance of practical work and theory. Level 1 and Level 2 courses take one year and you can usually progress from these on to the next level. At Level 3 they are equivalent to AS and A Levels and prepare you for a range of options. Many of our vocational students go on to prestigious universities, while others enter the world of work and then do further study for degree or higher level apprenticeships.

Daniah

Student Profile

Daniah studied Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services, achieving a triple Distinction* (equivalent to 3 x A* at A Level). Daniah won the Education Award for Personal Achievement. “I have had a great time at The Henley College and feel proud and amazed at my achievements. I found the assignments we did on Law and crime the most interesting thing as I wanted to go on to study Law at university.

Daniah has been nominated for the student of the year tutor award for her commitment and learning in an additional language after leaving Iraq. Daniah is now progressing to study Law at City, University of London.

SUBJECT COMBINATIONS

Students select the A Levels they study for a variety of different reasons: they enjoy the subjects, have taken an interest in an area, or feel they ‘ought’ to do a particular subject to keep their options open. It is also, however, worth thinking about how these subjects will help you progress when you leave College. With this in mind, it is a good idea to consider having at least two subjects that go together. This will help you study because the subjects will support each other and they will also help you to progress to university, apprenticeships or into employment.

Mohammad

Student Profile

Mohammad studied A Levels in Economics, Biology and Psychology at Henley, and was the winner of the Education Award for Economics. “The teachers at Henley went above and beyond to provide as much help and support possible, this helped me immensely to achieve, and I wouldn’t have been able to get through without it. They find ways to make the subjects more enjoyable, and create a inviting and fun atmosphere in the classroom.”

Mohammad came to the College from Reading College and is progressing to university.