AQA Baccalaureate

• Your choice of 3 A levels from the dozens on offer: more than 10,000 possible combinations
  
  
• Stretch and challenge yourself in a research course where you decide what you†ll study
  
  
• Broaden your horizons and develop your thinking skills
  
  
• Gain a qualification that values your personal and career development
  

What is the AQA Baccalaureate?

The AQA Baccalaureate is a two year programme of study which broadens the traditional A level education. It rewards academic achievements, independent learning and wider learning through personal achievements outside the classroom. The AQA Baccalaureate is an alternative to the International Baccalaureate. There are two routes available at BHASVIC. Route 1 is more challenging but allows the flexibility of dropping an AS course at the end of year one. Route 2 is designed for students who are certain that they want to commit to three core subjects from the start, and would like to concentrate more time on these.

Route 1
Route 2

Entry
6 A*-B (mostly A or A* ) including Maths and English
5 A*-C including Maths and English.

Year one:
Any four AS level courses and Critical Thinking AS level
Any three AS level courses and Critical Thinking AS level

Year two:
3 A2 level courses and Extended Project
3 A2 level courses and Extended Project

Over two years:
100 hours of enrichment activities, evidenced by an online journal
100 hours of enrichment activities, evidenced by an online journal

How is the AQA Baccalaureate graded and what is it worth?

The Baccalaureate grade is awarded to students alongside individual A level grades. The grade depends on overall performance in the three core A levels, and requires a pass in Critical Thinking AS and the Extended Project and completion of the 100 hours of enrichment activities. Grades are: Distinction (AAA), Merit (CCC), Pass (EEE).

Each of the AS and A levels attracts up to 60/120 UCAS points.
The Extended Project is worth up to 70 points (A*).
The enrichment component is recognised through the AQA Baccalaureate award.

Five reasons to choose the AQA Baccalaureate

1. You can choose any three A levels
- which means over 10,000 possible combinations. A levels are the instantly rec-ognisable â€-gold standard†, universally understood by employers. A* grades stretch and challenge the brightest students. Courses from any awarding body may be counted. You will receive individual grade certificates for each A level.

2. BHASVIC is leading the way with Extended Projects
We were a pilot centre for the Extended Project, developed from our highly suc-cessful Perspectives on Science AS course. In 2009, 35% of our students were awarded the new A* grade. This year, there are new courses, unique to BHAS-VIC, in Global Perspectives, Social Science Research and Geography Research.

3. The Extended Project is prized by top universities
Universities really value the Extended project as an addition to the three core A levels, as it helps them to select students with a commitment to their chosen spe-cialist area and a head-start in the independent learning skills that higher educa-tion demands. The Extended Project is modelled on university-style learning and is tailored to support and challenge students at sixth form level. You have the free-dom to choose your own topic of study. You will work under supervision to com-plete an independent research study, assessed through dissertation and presen-tation to an audience. You will finish the course with an excellent grounding in research, critical analysis, extended writing and presentation skills.

4. Critical thinking skills support achievement and progression
The Critical Thinking AS level provides a sound foundation for the Extended Pro-ject. It enhances reasoning skills and can improve your grades in other A level subjects. It is also an ideal preparation for Oxbridge Thinking Skills Assessments.

5. The AQA Baccalaureate adds value to the college experience
You will be encouraged to reflect on your achievements through enrichment activi-ties and will develop understanding of what you have to offer employers and or universities - particularly useful for writing applications. You can demonstrate resourcefulness, team working skills, concern for others and employability through the accreditation of volunteering, sports achievements and work related learning.

What do students say?

â€OESets you up for universityâ€

â€OEThe AQA Baccalaureate and the Extended Project have allowed me to go beyond the specification and delve deeper into aspects of the subject that interest me.â€

â€OEIt taught me very useful techniques that I will be able to apply to everyday life.â€

â€OEI think it will be useful for university interviews.â€

â€OEIt made me realise how doing simple things can improve the quality of my essay writing in all subjects.â€

â€OEthe road to greater educational advantageâ€