• Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future

Advanced Level Courses

Levels, AS Levels and Applied A Levels

The Kingswood Partnership offers a wide range of Advanced Level and AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Level Courses. A, and AS Levels are still one of the main routes to Higher Education.

AS Levels are one-year courses that give students an induction into the knowledge and methods of the subject. The AS bridges the gap between GSCE and A Level (A2) by providing an introduction to Post 16 Study. Students initially choose 4 AS Level in their first year, plus EPQ and General Studies.

For A Level Courses, a further year is necessary in which to further develop knowledge and understanding gained from the AS course by a range of in-depth studies. These courses prepare students for the approaches used in Higher Education. Students are advised to specialise in at least 2 but more usually 3 A Levels (A2) in their second year. All students are expected to take 3 courses in their final year.

We also offer students the chance to mix and match applied A Levels and traditional academic A Levels. Students have to commit themselves fully to their studies and use their private study time constructively in order to achieve their potential.

Level 3 Courses in the Kingswood Partnership. We offer AS and A Levels in:

Art Geography
Biology German
Business Studies Government & Politics
Chemistry
 Health and Social Care
Classical Civilisation History
Critical Thinking(AS only) ICT
D&T – Food Law
D&T – Product Design Mathematics
D&T – Textiles Media Studies
Drama and Theatre Studies Music
Engineering
 Music Technology
English Lit/Lang Philosophy
English Literature Film Studies Photography
Film Studies Physical Education
French
 Physics
Further Maths
 Psychology
General Studies Religious Studies
  Sociology
  Spanish

Important Notes

1. Students who gain 5 A* to C grades including English and Maths will be able to select combinations of subjects. We advise most Level 3 students to take four subjects (AS levels) ; no one should choose less than three.
2. Students not gaining 5 or more GCSE’s at grade C or above will study a Level 2 Applied Programme in which they will choose a 1 year course, alongside re-sitting their GCSE Maths and English as required.

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