Your study programme
We teach both A level and vocational courses, both of which are valued for progression into Higher Education (and attract equal UCAS points), apprenticeships and employment.
Students study three subjects and these can be A level or vocational courses or a mixture of both.
The difference between the two is the assessment process. A levels are assessed by examination at the end of the two years, whereas vocational courses are assessed through a combination of coursework, supervised assessment and examination.
It is important to think about your plans for the future and research the subjects and courses which will help you achieve your aspirations.
Extending your programme of study
In addition to selecting three main subjects, we really encourage you to extend your study programme in order to deepen your understanding or broaden your knowledge base and help you to stand out from the crowd.
Aspire
Students with a strong GCSE profile should be aspiring to progress to the most prestigious and competitive destinations and therefore are invited to become a member of the ‘Aspire’ programme. Members participate in various extension activities to deepen their subject expertise and, where appropriate, go beyond the limit of the subject specifications. Activities include:
- Industry specific seminars
- Support with competitive applications and interview practice
- Open Day visits to Oxbridge
- Alumni talks.
“The support helped me understand the application process to top universities like Oxbridge, and throughout the application process I was supported by teachers with mock interviews, helping me feel prepared for the actual interview”
Tara
Enrichment
Enrichment is an important part of College life which will help you to:
- develop wider skills and experience beyond your programme of study
- meet new people
- diversify your CV.
Whether your passion is performing, the outdoors, volunteering for a charity or film making, there is something for everyone here at the College.
You can discover and sign up for all these activities at the Getting Ready Days in June and July, and at the Freshers’ Fair in September. Both are brilliant opportunities for you to speak to students and staff about what is on offer.
“I’m part of the feminist and philosophy society which enables me to meet people with similar interests and it enriches my lunchtimes.”
Henry
EPQ
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), equivalent to 50% of an A level, is a skills based, independent research project with a long history at Farnborough. Students select their own topic of interest and the projects are presented at the end of the year.
First year students can enrol onto the EPQ as an additional course at the end of the summer term. Some universities will give a reduced conditional offer to a student who is undertaking an EPQ.
Subject Extension Activities
Many departments host subject specific events throughout the year designed to stretch and challenge understanding. Examples include:
- Dedicated focus weeks for maths, sciences, computing and STEM
- National competitions
- Trips and visits.
SUAT (for maths students)
This course supports students who wish to apply for a university which has a maths based admissions test, for example STEP, MAT, TMUA or PAT. It provides the opportunity to improve mathematical thinking and problem solving skills alongside the introduction of topics beyond A level maths including university interview style questions.
