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Course Overview
Picking the right course for your sixth form study is an exciting time. At Winstanley College, we offer a range of engaging courses to suit your individual needs and prospective career choices. These include A-levels, Vocational Level 3 courses and the new T-level in Media, Broadcast and Production.
Most Winstanley students study three A-levels or the equivalent mixed programme (a combination of A-levels and vocational subjects). We have over 40 subjects to choose from. It is also possible to take four qualifications here and we discuss whether this is appropriate with you individually when you apply. Some students may need to re-sit English or Maths GCSE, whilst others may take the AS EPQ to support their progression to University, which is also offered at Winstanley.
Each course will start with an induction period to help you to recognise what is being asked of you, and to move you up to a new level of work and understanding. Alongside your subject choices, you also receive weekly pastoral support from your Personal Tutor. There is a wide range of enrichment activity to choose from on our ‘Winstanley Extra’ programme and students also receive additional timetabled support via teacher-led tutorials or the cross-college Study Support team.
A full list of entry requirements can be found below
‘You do You’
As you embark on a new chapter at Winstanley College you may not have decided yet what career you want, and this is fine, we will support you in your next steps. We want to help you to pick the right subject choices for you, to ensure you enjoy and are successful during your two years with us before heading off to the university, apprenticeship or job of your choice.
What subjects will you choose?
We hope this guidance helps you make the right subject choices for you.
- What do you enjoy? You are going to study each subject for 4.5 hours a week for 2 years. Picking subjects you are passionate about will help maintain your interest and engagement.
- What are you good at? A-levels are tougher than GCSEs and will require more independent work. Which GCSEs will you achieve the highest grade in? Which are you best at? Will you continue these subjects?
- Read the subject pages of our prospectus and website, attend an Open Evening, book your course discussion to speak to a subject expert and attend our Year 11 Taster Day to sample a lesson.
- New subjects? Many students pick subjects they may not have been able to study at GCSE, such as Psychology. Don’t worry! Have you studied similar subjects which you have enjoyed, and developed transferable skills such as essay writing? All teachers will support students during their transition from GCSE to A-level.
- Are you planning to study a degree? If yes, are there any subjects you must take to meet the entry criteria for that degree? For further guidance visit the Informed Choices website.
- Do you have a career in mind? Students often have a good idea of the career they would like but don’t know the route needed to get there. Visit the Prospects website to find a range of future careers and the study routes required.
- Speak to friends and family members about your subject choices but remember these are your choices, and you should not be persuaded or put off by another person’s experience.
