The widest choice
The widest choice of Advanced Level Courses…
Thomas Rotherham College specialises in offering Advanced Level and Level 3 Vocational courses. We offer the widest range of Advanced level courses in the region.
Your Study Programme at TRC will:
• take you on to the next level in your education building on your achievements at school.
• stretch and challenge you to help you to progress to the right university course, employment or high level apprenticeship at end of it.
• Require you to remain on the equivalent of at least 3 subjects at level 3 (for two years) or 4 subjects at level 2 (for one year).
• include GCSE English and/or Maths or a stepping-stone Maths qualification if you have not already achieved at least a grade 4 in these subjects.
• help you to develop employability skills and knowledge of career opportunities through work experience or other events and activities.
• offer you other experiences and opportunities that will help develop the character, skills, attitudes and confidence that will support your progression to a suitable destination at the end of your time at TRC.
How many Advanced level courses can I study?
• Students will usually take 3 A levels or A level-equivalent subjects. Guidance through the application process should ensure that you choose the right courses from the outset. A change of course period is available in the first month of teaching for the minority of students who find that they have made the wrong choice for them but after this students need to stick with the 3 subjects on their timetable.
• Students who are taking Further Mathematics will take 4 A level or A level-equivalents including Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Further Maths is a good choice for very able Maths students who know that they want to go on to Maths, Physics, Computing or Engineering at university.
• Students with exceptionally strong GCSE results (mainly A or A* grades at GCSE, giving an average GCSE score of at least 7.0, where 8.5=A*, 7 = A, 5.5=B) should consider taking a facilitating subject. You can find out more about facilitating subjects on the Russell Group website at https://russellgroup.ac.uk/ in the “Informed Choices” document.
• Students will receive guidance from the College at interview and enrolment on the best combination of subjects for them, given their interests, strengths and aims. You can also contact TRC at any time for further advice.
• A levels are examined at the end of the two year course when students are examined on the whole course covered over the two years.
• Students might wish to stretch and challenge themselves by taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This option is offered to high-achieving students towards the end of their first year of study at TRC. It provides the fourth subject necessary for some students who wish to apply for particular medicine and veterinary science courses.
• Students who have not achieved grade 4/C in English Language or Maths at GCSE have to be enrolled onto these courses (or an interim equivalent in Maths) until they have passed with a grade 4 minimum.
What if I want to do Advanced courses but don’t meet the entry requirements?
There is also a range of full-time courses for students who achieve mostly D grades at GCSE. These can lead on to Advanced courses at the end of a year, or directly into modern apprenticeships, employment or further education at other colleges.
How do I choose my courses?
Look up the details of all the courses you are interested in and see which combination will work best for you. Make a provisional choice on your application form and when you come for interview at TRC we’ll discuss these with you and make sure you’re enrolled on the programme that best meets your interests and fits your ambitions and talents.
Aim high!
TRC students achieve great results, often better than they thought themselves capable of. Be realistic in your choice, but don’t be afraid to be ambitious – if you’re prepared to work hard, we’ll make sure you have the best chance of success!
High flying students are encouraged to consider application to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The College collaborates with Cambridge University as the hub institution for the latter’s HE+ scheme in Rotherham, involving extension activities for very able students aiming for highly competitive universities.
High achieving students at GCSE may qualify for our specialist Kairos High Achievers programme. Check it out Kairos Programme .