Part of Salford City College Group

ACADEMIC CHOICES

Students will have the option to decide between studying A-Levels, Single Vocational A-Levels, or Triple Vocational A-Levels.

A-LEVELS: THE ACADEMIC ROUTE

A-level courses are for students who would like to embark on rigorous academic study, in preparation for prestigious universities. These well established qualifications will hone your analytic and debating skills, written communication skills and your in-depth knowledge of the subjects they choose, laying foundations for your future professional careers.

Students have the opportunity to choose three or four A-level subjects. It is important you choose carefully, by researching the degree that you would like to study at university and using this to inform your decisions when selecting your subjects. If you are unsure about your next steps after college, Russell Group universities advise selecting facilitating subjects, which will keep a wide range of degree options open to you.

Facilitating subjects at Pendleton Sixth Form College include biology, chemistry, physics, English literature, English language, geography, history, mathematics and further mathematics and modern languages.

Choose 3 or 4 A-Level Subjects

Academic Study including examinations

Achieve A-levels to further your learning or career

SINGLE VOCATIONAL A-LEVELS: THE COMBINED ROUTE

Single Vocational A-Levels offer the academic rigour of traditional A-levels, coupled with the practical elements of Triple Vocational A-Levels.

Students can select a combination of courses that suit their needs and aspirations. These can include other Single Vocational A-Levels or traditional A-Levels.

A Single Vocational A-Level is equivalent to a traditional A-Level. However, assessment is more practical and mostly comprises of coursework, similar to Triple Vocational A-Levels.

Students who are better suited to practical assessments and learning can choose from the following Single Vocational A-Levels: However, students can choose traditional A-Levels alongside the above.

  • Applied Science

  • Applied Human Biology

  • Business

  • Criminology

  • Engineering

  • Finance

  • Health and Social Care

  • ICT

  • Law

  • Sport

  • Psychology

TRIPLE VOCATIONAL A-LEVELS: THE VOCATIONAL ROUTE

Triple Vocational A-Levels are designed to give students more practical learning experiences focused on a specific industry. They develop a student’s employability skills, by combining practical work and study; preparing them for a career in the subject they choose. These types of courses can also help students decide if a particular employment sector is right for them.

Triple Vocational A-Levels have been validated by employers and universities as approved pathways, leading jobs and progression opportunities, making them as valid as, and comparable to, academic qualifications.

After studying Triple Vocational A-Levels, students can choose to go straight into employment or an apprenticeship. However, the majority choose to progress to Higher Education, as vocational grades hold the same UCAS points as A-Level grades. The main difference between these courses and traditional A-Levels is that they are assessed mostly through coursework and practical modules.

Vocational GradesA-Level GradesUCAS Points
D* D* D*A* A* A*168

Our Courses

Pendleton Sixth Form College is a centre of Academic Excellence, offering a range of A-Levels and vocational courses.

16-23 Courses

Pendleton Sixth Form College is a centre of academic excellence, offering a range of A-Levels and vocational courses, specialising in Science, Creative and Performing Arts.

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Adult Courses

Pendleton Sixth Form College offers a range of adult qualifications for those interested in a career in science or healthcare professions.

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Higher Education

Pendleton Sixth Form College offers unique training in preparation for a career in the performing arts industry, at the Pendleton School of Theatre a nationally acclaimed centre of excellence.

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Course Guides

If you have any questions about our College Prospectus, please contact the Admissions Department on 0161 631 5050 or at admissions@salfordcc.ac.uk.