Welcome to A-Levels!

Many congratulations on being accepted on a place in our A-Levels department. The following
information will hopefully give you a little bit more of an insight into what it will be like to be a
student with us. Within your offer pack there is an opportunity for you to chat to tutors on your
course, so please do book yourself onto a chat throughout the year.

Where will I study?

In September 2021 all our A-Level students will study at a new sixth-form college in the centre of
Mansfield. The Chesterfield Road campus has been refurbished and will provide an academic
learning environment for A-Levels and Access to Higher Education students. It will have great
facilities including a library, science labs, social space and independent study areas. The college bus
service will run to Chesterfield Road, although you may need to change at the Derby Road campus.

What is it like?

Chesterfield Road and our A-Levels department is an academic environment. We want to build your
confidence and skills to question, research and critically analyse so that you are well-prepared for
your next steps into Higher Education or employment.

What will I study?

Most students study three A-Levels, which are for five hours each week per subject. You will also
have independent study time and tutorials. Some students also study an extended project
qualification (EPQ), which can be a subject of their own choosing and is research-based, with a
presentation at the end. The EPQ is one-year course and carries UCAS points.

Practical subjects such as sciences combine classroom-based learning with practical learning in a
laboratory.

There is an expectation that you will undertake a significant amount of independent study.

What will I have to wear?

The college does not have a uniform policy so A-level students can wear whatever they choose to, as
long as it isn’t offensive. We have no dress codes in terms of hair colour, earrings etc.

Will I have to do a work placement?

A-Level students are expected to complete a work placement. Where possible, we try to arrange
placements in industries that students may want to pursue a career in. We have great links with the
NHS, law firms, engineering companies, and banks – plus many more – to facilitate these. The
central work placement team will be able to help find you an opportunity.

What kind of support do I get?

In addition to the college’s central support teams that can provide personal and classroom-based
support, the A-Levels team also employ achievement coaches that work with you on research,
academic assignments and tutorials. Tutors and achievement coaches are on-hand to help with
UCAS applications if university is your next step. You will also have access to helpful advice from our
student finance team and the health and wellbeing team.