The AQA Baccalaureate

The AQA Baccalaureate (Bacc) at Barnsley College offers additional experiences to a straight A level course.
The Bacc allows extra opportunities for developing independent research skills and community participation or work-related learning through wider ‘enrichment’ activities. The main advantage of this is that it adds to the broad range of experiences which can boost the chances of moving on to Higher Education or into employment.

With competition for many opportunities being intense, it is becoming more important to be able to demonstrate additional achievements at interview so that you can secure your chosen career or place in Higher Education.

The achievement of a Bacc is a widely recognised demonstration that a student has gained a fuller, more rounded education, with greatly enhanced personal qualities and skills.

The main difference is the ‘Enrichment’ element which means that students have extended their education and personal growth beyond their A-Level studies.

It demonstrates that they have developed their skills and individual potential to take their places as successful members of society.

Employers and Higher Education centres are increasingly looking for students who can demonstrate they are resourceful, imaginative, can use their own initiative, and can work both independently and with others. It is expected the AQA Bacc will offer additional UCAS points to help with entry into Higher Education.

You still choose your own mix of four AS Level courses, but one will need to be from the Enrichment Area.

You will need to:
Study at least 3 A Levels
Study a further ‘breadth’ subject to at least AS level.
Complete an Extended Project
Participate in ‘Enrichment’ activities

There are three parts to the Bacc. These are:

Broader Study
Designed to develop citizenship skills through through the Citizenship AS Level.

Enrichment Activities
Community participation (eg. community work in local schools, hospitals, charities), work-related learning and personal development activities (eg Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, debating society etc).

Independent Learning
The Extended Project will develop your abilities to manage tasks using your own initiative and resources