Academic Programme
AS and A2 qualifications
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Mar 15, 2007 - 8:43:29 AM

A Levels are based on six units of approximately equal size. Three of these make up an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) course, representing the first half of an advanced level course of study. The other three are known as A2, representing the second half of the A Level.

The AS examination is harder than GCSE, but easier than A Level. The A2 units are more challenging than the AS units.

Pupils will be expected to study four subjects to AS standard. Exceptionally a pupil may choose to study five AS subjects. These subjects will normally be examined in the Summer Term of the Lower Sixth, and pupils can gain AS qualifications at this stage if they do not intend to continue that subject in the Upper Sixth.

For the Upper Sixth, pupils will select three (exceptionally four) of their AS subjects to study for A2, with the emphasis on obtaining three A Levels or appropriate qualifications to provide access to higher education courses.

Important areas such as study skills and personal and social education, together with tutorial work focusing on career decisions and higher education applications, will also be addressed throughout the Sixth Form. Opportunities for physical education will continue to be offered both within the timetable, and after the end of the academic day.

Many Departments at Warminster arrange trips to lectures, plays, films or exhibitions and galleries. We believe that these visits outside the School provide extra stimulation and experience for all the pupils and we encourage as many pupils to participate in these as possible.

Summary of A Level programme

The Lower Sixth 4 x AS (3 units) Subjects

Pupils sit AS Examinations in each subject at end of Lower Sixth year

The Upper Sixth 3 x A2 (3 units) Subjects

UCAS Points will be awarded for both the A and AS qualifications gained.

At this stage the subjects we are offering at AS/A2 level are:

While we try very hard to offer every subject combination desired by students, we obviously cannot guarantee that we will be able to timetable some unusual combinations. Equally, it may not be possible to offer some subjects which do not attract a viable number of students.

A Level

Some subjects require no previous study at GCSE, notably Drama & Theatre Studies, Psychology, Physical Education, History and Business Studies. It may also be possible, in exceptional cases, to tackle certain other A Levels without a GCSE in that subject. Design and Technology, Geography, History and Music fall into this category. Anyone interested in studying A Level Music must be a practical musician of at least Grade 5 standard. Further details about this A Level are available from Mr. B. Martineau, the Senior School Director of Music.

In addition, provision may be made for the study of other languages, at extra charge.