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A-LEVELS

Welcome to A-levels at Petroc

What are A-levels?

A-levels are a Level 3 programme and are suitable for anyone who enjoys academic study and are an ideal route to university. Even if you aren’t sure what you want to do after college, A-levels will enable you to continue your studies whilst also keeping your career options open.

You would usually take three subjects over two years. When you plan your programme, it is important that you choose subjects that you enjoy as well as those which will help you on your career path.

A-levels at Petroc

A-levels integrate real-world experiences with work-related learning opportunities, mentoring and employability workshops.

We offer a supportive environment with some fantastic enrichment opportunities, to prepare you for university or the career of your choice.

In order to study A-levels, you will need to hold a minimum of GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 alongside three other GCSEs at grade 4 or above. You will be expected to achieve your predicted grades, and some A-level subjects will require higher grades which will be discussed in detail once you have applied.

What do our students say?

Will, A-level Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry

Will Manley - a former student who completed his A-levels at Mid Devon in June 2017 before heading to the University of Bath to study a degree in Mathematics, secured a place on UNIQ+, a 6 week summer school programme to experience postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. He used his mathematical skills as part of a research team to explore the use of machine learning microscopy!

Tom, A-level Maths, Chemistry and Biology.

"From 2014 to 2016 I studied Biology, Chemistry, and Maths A-levels at Petroc. During my final year, I applied for undergraduate courses in Neuroscience, and began studying for an MSci in Neuroscience at UCL in 2016. Over the course of 4 years I had the opportunity to learn about multiple areas of nervous system function and current neuroscience research, being lectured by some of the leading experts in their fields. Additionally, I had the opportunity to carry out summer projects in world-leading laboratories, allowing me to gain experience of working as a research scientist, and explore the range of research activities that neuroscience offers. This culminated in a year-long final project working in a lab environment, and using new and interesting techniques to answer scientific questions. Studying at university also gave me plenty of opportunities less related to science, in which I was able to manage the UCL Concert Band for a year, and develop skills in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB, which could be applied in many different ways after university. Next, I’ll be studying for a PhD at Sussex University, investigating the zebrafish visual system to better understand how the visual system works in humans."

STEM A-levels at Mid Devon

Do you aspire to be a doctor, veterinarian, engineer, IT professional, research scientist or a vision to pursue a challenging and rewarding career in STEM?

If so this academically challenging, employer endorsed A-level and BTEC combination programme will ensure you are fully equipped for both university and industry.

To find out more information and to apply for a course visit our website:

Mid Devon A-levels

Petroc now offers a range of A-levels to students at our Mid Devon campus. The programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers.

Our curriculum has been designed in collaboration with local employers, including the Met Office, Oscar Mayer, Mid Devon District Council and the Environmental Agency. This will ensure your skills from studying A-levels have a direct link to working contexts as well as supporting your progression to graduate studies, or national and local employment opportunities. The delivery will integrate real-world experiences with work-related learning opportunities, mentors and employability workshops.

The courses will provide progression on to university or apprenticeships in a range of sectors such as Laboratory Science, Manufacturing, Engineering and IT.

Petroc offers the following A-levels:

Applicants will choose either three A-levels from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, or two A-levels plus one BTEC with the choice of IT, Engineering or Science

BIOLOGY

During this course you will cover topics including:

Foundations in Biology
Exchange and Transport
Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease
Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems

CHEMISTRY

During this course you will cover topics including:

Atomic structure and bonding
The Periodic Table
Aromatic compounds and Amines
Identifying mechanisms for chemical reactions.

There is also more application of mathematical formulae in the second year, such as using logarithmic functions to determine pH, and use of spectroscopy in analysis of compounds.