College Policy: Progression from AS to A2
1. A student wishing to progress to a programme of 3 A2 courses will be able to do so if (s)he achieves at least a grade E in each of the three subjects.
2. Exceptionally, where a student fails an AS in a subject where the teacher had expected him/her to achieve a good pass grade, the department concerned will have the discretion to accept him/her onto the A2, if set sizes permit.
3. The College recommends that most students should study only three subjects at A2 level. However, it recognises that some students may wish to continue with four subjects at A2. These students must discuss this with their subject teachers and indicate this intention in advance, during this academic year. In such a case, a student achieving four grade As in the relevant subjects will automatically be allowed to continue with the agreed A2 courses. Students not achieving 4 grade As may still be allowed to continue with 4 courses but this will depend upon the recommendations of subject teachers.
4. Students passing only 2 subjects at AS will be allowed to continue onto A2 with these subjects only if they take a third course to complete their programme. AS level Critical Thinking (in a dedicated set on 2.5 hours a week) may be offered to all such students.
5. Students may apply to be admitted to other AS or Applied A level courses instead of this, but they will be allocated places only if they can be accommodated once lower sixth students have been admitted.
6. If a student intends to apply for a remark of an AS result, the College will apply this policy on the basis of the grade initially awarded, and will not undertake to reconsider its decision in the light of any changed result. It should be noted that as a general rule the College does not offer AS retakes in January.
7. Any second year advanced level student must be taking at least two A2 courses (or the equivalent) and complete one key skill at Level 3 (possibly level 2), as this is the minimum basis for university degree course offers. Consequently any student who fails to pass at least two subjects at AS will not be able to progress onto a second year programme. Advice and guidance will be provided when the AS results are published.
This policy is in line with the universities' declared intention of making offers in terms of only three subjects at A2, and it recognises the importance the universities place on the acquisition of key skills.
8. An unacceptable record of lateness or poor attendance will result in disciplinary action and may be the basis for exclusion from the second year.
9. You will be given an expected attendance target. If you fall below this for other than legitimate reasons during the year, disciplinary procedures will be applied and you may be prevented from enrolling into the second year.
A copy of this policy can be found in the Woodhouse College student diary.