Planning your future?

Which Course?

Don’t worry about putting your programme together. The Schools Liaison Team will advise you at interview and further support and guidance will be available during the Taster Days and at Enrolment.

Level 3

Advanced Programme

Advanced Level students will have a minimum of 5 Grade C’s at GCSE or equivalent. Students who complete Advanced Programmes often go on to Higher Education, training or employment.

All Advanced Qualifications, AS, A2 and Applied AS/A Levels earn UCAS points, which contribute to university entry requirements and are valid for the rest of your life. Some of the Level 3 courses have particular entry requirements so it is always wise to discuss this with staff at one of our Open Evenings or at interview.

Advanced Programmes are made up of the following types of qualification:

AS Level

Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualifications represent the first half of the full A Level – usually your first year.

You will normally study four subjects plus Core Studies. AS Levels are studied over one year.

A2 Level

A2 Levels are a continuation of the AS course and last for a further one year. You will normally opt to continue with at least three subjects plus General Studies in the second year, but it is possible to start another AS Level. Universities will be particularly interested in achievements at A2 Level.

The college offers a comprehensive range of AS and A Levels and an enormous range of subject combinations is possible.

Applied AS/A2 Levels

The key difference from other Advanced Programmes is that Applied A Levels are more related to the world of work and are set in a vocational context. They have been broken down to make small qualifications, which mean that you are able to mix and match them with other Advanced Level courses.

You may opt to do a full programme of 12 units, called a double award, which is equivalent to two A Levels and takes two years or you can opt to do a 6 unit or 3 unit award which is equivalent to an A Level or AS Level respectively. Assessment for Applied A Levels is weighted towards coursework with fewer external exams than for AS and A2Level subjects.

BTEC

A BTEC is a vocational qualification which can be studied at 2 different levels here at Franklin College:

The BTEC First Diploma (Level 2) is the equivalent of 4 GCSE grades A*-C. The course is designed to give students a good grounding to progress onto the BTEC National Diploma in a related subject. The course is assessed via 6 units. Students are graded on their understanding of the unit by either a pass, merit or distinction (highest achievable). Students who wish to progress onto a BTEC National Diploma will usually need to attain merit grades or above.

The BTEC National Diploma (Level 3) is equivalent in level to 3 A Levels. The course is particularly suitable for those who have strong inclinations towards a particular vocational career. The National Diploma is assessed and graded in the same way as the First Diploma.

Level 2

Intermediate Programme

A number of students come to Franklin College each year to try to improve or consolidate their GCSE achievements over the period of one year.

To join the Intermediate Programme, you are likely to have achieved at least 4 Grade D’s at GCSE or equivalent. Students who complete Intermediate Programmes either go on to Advanced Programmes or seek work-based training or employment.

Mix & Match

For some students, it has been appropriate to enrol onto a programme comprising AS subjects and Level 2 subjects. This option may be explored with applicants at interview and before enrolment.

Level 1

Foundation Programme

Some students start at Franklin College with few or no GCSE results. Our Foundation Programme will provide, over one year, a variety of experiences to give you more confidence to consider a choice of career options and move on to the next step. Foundation students are supported in small groups and follow a well-structured timetable. Many of our Foundation students stay on at Franklin for a further year to study an Intermediate programme, while others seek employment or work based training.

If you are enrolled onto a Foundation Programme at Franklin you will continue your studies in essential areas such as numeracy and communication (unless you already possess an appropriate qualification), as well as a Level 1 Business & ICT qualification.

Core Studies

All Franklin College students will undertake Core Studies as part of their tutorial programme.

This could include: Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) Levels 1, 2 & 3, Key Skills, AQA Baccalaureate (Level 3), General Studies (Level 3) or an Extended Project (EPQ). For more information please see the current college prospectus.