Courses
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A Level
A Level
A Level Pathway (including the Varsity Programme to strengthen your applications):
With over 40 A Levels to choose from, our A level programmes offers you as much variety and specialism as you could want. All students take four subjects in Year 12, which allows for breadth of choice and is extremely well received by universities and employers.
Each year, students taking our A Level pathway make successful applications to top Russell Group universities and competitive courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Law, as well as new and exciting new courses such as UX Design. However, A Levels are also a great option for students who are not sure what they want to do career wise, as the breadth of study keeps your options open, while the careers team at OSFC helps you to develop your future plans.
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Blended
Blended
A blended pathway allows you to combine a range of subjects and examined and coursework units. It allows you to follow a vocational programme, but also gives the flexibility and breadth of study of an A Level pathway. It is ideal for students who prefer coursework, as the majority of units can be assessed this way. You may also like the idea of studying up to 3 different subjects. You could choose two single diplomas and an A level or a double diploma and an A level. There is also the opportunity to take on work experience.
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T Level
T Level
T Levels are brand new courses, focusing on blending college-based learning with industry placements. You combine classroom lessons with a 45-day placement, giving you core knowledge and on-the-job experience and skills. If you opt for a T Level, you would choose one subject, with a specialism in Year 2. The experience and skills you develop are invaluable in ensuring your progress in your chosen career.
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Vocational
Vocational
Our Vocational pathway leads to a range of exciting opportunities. You will specialise in one broad subject area and look at all aspects of it. Our vocational courses are perfect for students who want to study a subject that links directly to an area of work such as ICT/Digital, Science, Business, Law, Travel, Health & Social care, Art, Sport and Music. As 80% of these courses are assessed by coursework, students who work hard throughout the year will achieve excellent grades and progress onto many diverse degree courses and higher apprenticeships in these career areas.
All these are Level 3 courses. Click here for entry requirements.
Which pathway is for me?
One benefit of studying at OSFC is that you really do get to fit your education around your interests and your future and this starts in the classroom.
With one of the broadest curriculums on offer in the whole of the North West, you can choose to study on one of four exciting Pathways: A Level, Vocational, Blended and a transformational qualification called a T Level, which is changing the way we look at education.
How do I decide which Pathway is right for me?
There are a number of considerations you need to take into account – have you:
- Thought about the subjects you enjoy the most?
- Discussed your options with careers staff at your school, your parents and your teachers?
- Evaluated what subjects you need for a career you have in mind?
- Looked at subjects you haven’t studied before?
- Considered whether you would prefer coursework or exam-based assessments?
Where else can I get help?
The decisions you make at this point are important for your future, so it’s important you consider all of your options carefully. If you are not sure which courses or pathway to pick, there are plenty of resources to help you.
- You can also chat online or over the phone with an adviser from the National Careers Service, just click here.
- UCAS provides a really good guide to Post-16 Qualifications, which can be accessed here.
- Career Pilot has some useful resources that will help you to get career ideas together and to choose appropriate courses, click here.
- Speak to us! Whether it’s our careers team or our admissions advisors, we are always on hand to answer your questions.
Where will it lead me?
Whichever Pathway you decide is right for you, it is our aim to ensure that your future is a bright one.
University
- 80% of our students go on to university, many to Russell group universities, to study a huge range of degrees including Medicine, Law, History, Engineering, Computer Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts and Journalism.
- We have an excellent Oxbridge Programme – for students striving to attend those universities. More information can be found here.
Other opportunities
We also help students secure fantastic degree/higher apprenticeships in careers such as Accountancy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professional Services and Surveying.
Others choose to go straight into employment, and we make sure that they are prepared by finding relevant work experience, having their CVs well written and providing interview practice.
