Many Universities are now requiring more than 3 A Levels when it comes to admission. Strode's College have responded to this change by introducing two new opportunities for students. (1) the 'AQA Baccalaureate' (some call it the "English Baccalaureate"), and (2) the 'Extended Project Qualification' (EPQ).  See also the attached AQA Baccalaureate Specification and Student Guide.

The AQA Baccalaureate:

(1) The 'AQA Baccalaureate', which is also affectionately known as the "English Baccalaureate", is being offered to students joining Strode’s College. To take the exciting 'AQA Baccalaureate' course a student requires a minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade C or above (including Maths and English).

To obtain the AQA Bacc qualification a student needs to pass 3 A-Levels (any subjects), plus an AS in either Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking or General Studies, plus undertaking an 'Extended Project' (this is a project of a students choice, which will be supervised by an experienced  subject related teacher), plus some enrichment (work related activities, community activities, and/or personal development). Please see www.BaccBlog.co.uk for more details.

The 'Extended Project Qualification'.

(2) An 'Extended Project Qualification' (EPQ). While this is part of the AQA Baccalaureate, it can also be undertaken as a stand alone qualification worth up to 70 UCAS points. In undertaking the EPQ a student will produce a project of their choice, which will be supervised in College by a subject specialist.

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This 'BaccBlog' is the place to find information about the 'AQA Level 3 Baccalaureate' and the 'Extended Project Qualification' at Strode's College. On these pages you will find information on special 'BaccEvents'. For example, you will find an outline of ideas for the development of the 'BaccCourse' at Strode's College. The Strode's College 'BaccCourse' is due to start in June/September - with the 'Extended Project Qualification' (EPQ) starting in June 2009.  

If you wish to do/join the 'AQABacc' see your Personal Tutor, or Dr Peter Jepson, asap. If they are content, they will refer you to see Dr Peter Jepson to explain/discuss your entry.  Act now! If you want to do an 'EPQ' see Dr Jepson.

BACC and 'EPQ' specification materials, and an application form, can be found via  the download page.

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What is 'AQABacc'? In simple terms, the 'AQABacc' is designed to enable students to extend themselves academically, while demonstrating to Universities (and employers) that they have three quality A-Levels - PLUS a Baccalaureate.

It is expected/recognised that three quality A-Levels PLUS the 'AQABacc' will give students the edge when it comes to obtaining a place on a course of study at a quality University.

The Bacc Plus element is evidence of Broader Study - Enrichment Activities - Independent Learning.

BaccStudents, over two years (any combination):
Need to obtain three A-Levels of a students choice.
Plus Breadth through undertaking an AS in General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship Studies,
 Plus undertaking an Extended Project,
Plus Enrichment Activities.



A key to success in the 'Strode'sBacc' will be a number of fun filled activities which enable 'BaccStudents' to discuss and share their learning and enrichment activities.

If you want to join the 'BaccFamily' ask your Personal Tutor/Dr Peter Jepson if there are any vacancies. To qualify to undertake the 'AQABacc' students must have a minimum of 5 GCSE's at Grade C or above, including English and Mathematics.

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From AQA: "There are currently 550 points available to candidates who do all the component parts of the AQA Bacc. These are for the A Levels, the AS Level and the EPQ.

There are 140 points available for A* grades for the A2 levels
but no A* grade at AS so the 550 points come from

140*3 = 420
+70 (EPQ) = 490
+60 (AS) = 550

Sent via email, by Suzanne Oates (Assist AQA Baccalaureate Manager), to Dr Jepson on the 2nd April 2009