At Ardingly, you have the choice between an A Level course (or AS/A2 as it is now known) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.  AS/A2 and the IB are quite different courses and will suit students with different needs and different interests. 

AS/A2 is better for students who already know what they wish to study at university and who are happy to specialise in three or four subjects in the Sixth Form.  AS/A2 is also the obvious choice for those students who do not wish to continue with one or more of the following: English, a Modern Foreign Language, Maths or Science.

The IB, on the other hand is better for those students who wish to retain a wider range of subjects.  Because the IB requires students to study six subjects over two years (as opposed to four in the in the Lower VIth and three in the Upper VIth with AS/A2), good organisation and regular work patterns are essential for success in this course.  The IB is not for everyone, but if you are a reasonable all-rounder and likely to achieve B grades or better at GCSE, then you should give it serious consideration.

Once you have decided whether to take the AS/A2 course or the IB, you will then need to decide on a suitable combination of subjects.  Both of these decisions; the choice of AS/A2 or the IB, and your choice of individual subjects are very important and will shape your studies at university and your eventual career. 

What if I Can’t Decide?

Even with all the advice available to you, you still might not be able to decide on your final choice of subject(s).  Faced with a choice between a subject that you are quite good at but not really interested in, and a subject in which you have a genuine interest, but are not as proficient in, it is usually best to go for the one that you enjoy.

What Next?

Ideally, you will  have made your choice of course and subjects by the end of February so that the School can plan your timetable for next September.  Popular courses will be offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and while you will be able to change your subject choices to some extent later on if necessary, late changes could mean that there are no places left in your preferred subject.  You should also note that not all subject combinations will be possible and that some subjects will not be offered if there is an insufficient number of takers.

Entrance Requirements

In order to qualify for entry into the VIth Form at Ardingly College, you will need to gain four or more GCSEs at grade B and two at grade C.  You should also look carefully at the specific requirements laid down by each department (usually a B in your chosen subjects).  These are based on past experience and are intended to prevent students from beginning courses in which they are unlikely to cope.

Finally

You are about to embark on the most exciting phase of your academic career so far and I would like to wish you every success as you plan for the next two years at Ardingly College.  Hopefully, you will gain a great deal from your time in the VIth Form and will, when you leave in July 2007, take with you a first rate education, a wealth of experience and the confidence to flourish in your chosen course of study at university.

You will find details of the AS/A2 and IB courses offered on the information page.