A-level Trent _RU

As an independent school Trent College expects the students to achieve high standards and helping them to achieve these through excellent teaching and their academic study is very important.

The aims over the next five years are:

• To create a success and high-achievement culture throughout the whole school; by doing what school does better, not by changing what it is.
• To provide a broad and balanced ‘total curriculum’ throughout the whole school and so give the students the best possible preparation for life.
• To develop a stronger and more cohesive community, establishing the Trent lifetime-lifecycle for pupils, parents, staff and alumni.
• To secure the future development and ambitions of Trent College and The Elms, by becoming an efficient and effective business.

The new A Levels, no longer called A2, will be stand-alone and separate from the AS. They are being introduced in three phases. Students who commence Year 12 in September 2016 may be taking these new qualifications, the existing qualifications (legacy), or a combination of both, depending on their subject choices. The following subjects are affected by this change. The new A Levels are linear in nature, with examination taking place at the end of a two year course of study. The level of mathematical content has been enhanced in some subjects and coursework content has either been reduced or removed entirely. There is no longer an interim examination measure half way through the course; content learnt in Year 12 will be tested at the end of Year 13, alongside Year 13 content.

Phase one subjects: English, Literature, English Language and Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Psychology, Art and Design, Business Studies, Economics, Computer Science.

Phase two subjects: Geography, Modern foreign languages (French, German, Spanish), Music Physical education, Religious Studies, Theatre Studies.

What about AS Levels?

In the new system, AS Levels will continue to exist. However, the new AS Levels will be stand-alone qualifications in their own right. They will remain broadly at their current standard. There will be one examination series each year in the summer, with the first assessment planned for June 2016. Unlike in the current system, achievement in the AS exam will not contribute to the final A Level grade, and content tested at the end of Year 12 will be re-tested at the end of Year 13. Apart from Art & Design, the new AS qualifications will be examination only (i.e. no coursework component). The AS level has been designed to be taught alongside the new A Levels.