Introductions - A and AS levels As you approach the end of your GCSE course, it is time to look at the next stage of your education and to make important choices about future courses. As from September 2000, the structure of academic courses has changed in line with national developments and all students will embark on four/five Advanced Subsidiary courses (AS) in their first year. Successful completion of the lower sixth year will normally lead on to four or five second-year courses at A2 level, chosen from courses followed in the first year. For some, a mixture of additional AS courses and A2s may be their preferred route in the second year, providing a more flexible curriculum than previously available.

A2 courses build on the foundations laid in the first year, covering subjects in greater depth and detail and extending the overall appreciation and understanding of the subject. A2 will be examined at the end of the second year and will convert AS into full A level qualifications, which universities will use as entrance requirements for most courses.

Each student's curriculum will be individually designed within available structures, to meet their academic and career requirements. It will be possible for those who wish to do so, to obtain a broad five AS qualification (4 in the first year and 1 in the second year) with three higher level A2 courses. Alternatively, four A2 courses will be available, building on AS courses followed in the first year. Other combinations will be possible within the structures indicated. In designing the curriculum for each student, the College is committed to maintaining a full non AS / A-Level examination side to the Sixth-form experience, acknowledging the invaluable contribution to education of such areas as BHSAI equestrian, Leiths' Food and Wine Certificate, cultural and sporting activities in addition to skills development and personal skills.

First year	Second Year
4 AS	4 A2
5 AS	4 A2 + 1AS
5 AS	3A2+2AS

Students are encouraged to be adventurous in their selection of courses, within this more flexible curriculum. Scientists may find the addition of an AS language course or a year's study of some other arts/humanities subject, not only of intrinsic interest, but may also find that it opens doors in the future. Medics might consider a course in Ethics, or Historians a one-year study of a science to provide a balanced qualifications profile. The new arrangements present exciting opportunities, but individual choices will have to be made subject to time tabling possibilities

Syllabuses, now called specifications, in both AS and A2 have been prepared by the examination boards to include, in addition to the specified subject material, statements about the skills which courses aim to develop. In addition, all students follow a tutorial course of Key Skills, designed to further develop their personal skills profile and to assist them in career planning. Dependent on the number of A2-Levels and/or AS Levels, students can add some of the College vocational Options if their time table, work load and ability will cope. Please ask the Registrar for details.