- Your choice of 3 A levels from the
dozens on offer: more than 10,000 possible combinations
- Stretch and challenge yourself in
a research course where you decide what you’ll
study
- Broaden your horizons and develop
your thinking skills
- Gain a qualification that values
your personal and career development
What is the AQA Baccalaureate?
The AQA Baccalaureate is a two year programme of study
which broadens the traditional A level education. It rewards
academic achievements, independent learning and wider learning
through personal achievements outside the classroom. The
AQA Baccalaureate is an alternative to the International
Baccalaureate. There are two routes available at BHASVIC.
Route 1 is more challenging but allows the flexibility
of dropping an AS course at the end of year one. Route
2 is designed for students who are certain that they want
to commit to three core subjects from the start, and would
like to concentrate more time on these.
|
Route
1 |
Route
2 |
Entry |
6
A*-B (mostly A or A* ) including Maths and English |
5
A*-C including Maths and English. |
Year
one: |
Any four AS
level courses and Critical Thinking AS level |
Any three AS
level courses and Critical Thinking AS level |
Year
two: |
3
A2 level courses and Extended Project |
3
A2 level courses and Extended Project |
Over
two years: |
100
hours of enrichment activities, evidenced by an online
journal |
100
hours of enrichment activities, evidenced by an online
journal |
How is the AQA Baccalaureate
graded and what is it worth?
The Baccalaureate grade is awarded to students
alongside individual A level grades. The grade depends
on overall performance in the three core A levels, and
requires a pass in Critical Thinking AS and the Extended
Project and completion of the 100 hours of enrichment activities.
Grades are: Distinction (AAA), Merit (CCC), Pass (EEE).
Each of the AS and A levels attracts up
to 60/120 UCAS points.
The Extended Project is worth up to 70 points (A*).
The enrichment component is recognised through the AQA
Baccalaureate award.
Five reasons to choose the
AQA Baccalaureate
1. You can choose
any three A levels
- which means over 10,000 possible combinations. A levels
are the instantly rec-ognisable ‘gold standard’,
universally understood by employers. A* grades stretch
and challenge the brightest students. Courses from any
awarding body may be counted. You will receive individual
grade certificates for each A level.
2. BHASVIC is leading
the way with Extended Projects
We were a pilot centre for the Extended Project, developed
from our highly suc-cessful Perspectives on Science AS
course. In 2009, 35% of our students were awarded the new
A* grade. This year, there are new courses, unique to BHAS-VIC,
in Global Perspectives, Social Science Research and Geography
Research.
3. The Extended Project
is prized by top universities
Universities really value the Extended project as an addition
to the three core A levels, as it helps them to select
students with a commitment to their chosen spe-cialist
area and a head-start in the independent learning skills
that higher educa-tion demands. The Extended Project is
modelled on university-style learning and is tailored to
support and challenge students at sixth form level. You
have the free-dom to choose your own topic of study. You
will work under supervision to com-plete an independent
research study, assessed through dissertation and presen-tation
to an audience. You will finish the course with an excellent
grounding in research, critical analysis, extended writing
and presentation skills.
4. Critical thinking
skills support achievement and progression
The Critical Thinking AS level provides a sound foundation
for the Extended Pro-ject. It enhances reasoning skills
and can improve your grades in other A level subjects.
It is also an ideal preparation for Oxbridge Thinking Skills
Assessments.
5. The AQA Baccalaureate
adds value to the college experience
You will be encouraged to reflect on your achievements
through enrichment activi-ties and will develop understanding
of what you have to offer employers and or universities
- particularly useful for writing applications. You can
demonstrate resourcefulness, team working skills, concern
for others and employability through the accreditation
of volunteering, sports achievements and work related learning.
What do students say?
“Sets you up for university”
“The AQA Baccalaureate and the Extended Project have
allowed me to go beyond the specification and delve deeper
into aspects of the subject that interest me.”
“It taught me very useful techniques that I will
be able to apply to everyday life.”
“I think it will be useful for university interviews.”
“It made me realise how doing simple things can improve
the quality of my essay writing in all subjects.”
“the road to greater educational advantage”
More questions?
If you need more information or would just like to chat
to someone about whether the AQA Baccalaureate is right
for you, contact:
Jo Wilcox
AQA Baccalaureate Co-ordinator
j.wilcox@bhasvic.ac.uk
01273 552200 ext.199.
10/09 |
