A-level re-takes

"I have gained so much through my experience at OTC and with the superb tuition and mentoring, I have achieved more than I ever expected."

Ben Wentworth

Oxford Tutorial College gives students the opportunity to study for A-level re-takes at both AS and A2 level.

The college offers re-take students a motivating environment in which to take a fresh look at their work. The teaching style is purposeful yet friendly and informal and puts students at their ease, enabling tutors to unravel the threads of previous performance and help to develop both subject knowledge and technique.

Working in class Small study groups of three to six students are held in the more popular subjects and each student has one-to-one tuition either within the group framework or as a separate weekly slot. In less popular subjects or options or where the student prefers, a course of entirely one-to-one tuition takes place. Typical teaching patterns are six group hours, or four group hours plus a one-hour hour individual tutorial, or three hours including tuition.

Each course involves a systematic and thorough review of the main syllabus topics, checking understanding of the material and the ability to manipulate it under exam conditions. In order to fulfil the requirements of the A-level exam, a student must not only possess clear and detailed syllabus knowledge, which can be recalled at will, but must also have mastered writing and question-answering techniques, such as selection, planning and timing. It is a combination of knowledge and technique that enables a student to do well and our re-take courses address both, ensuring that you have all the tools you require.

Course structure

One-to-one Tuition

"My time here at university and my future I owe all to you and everyone at OTC. I would not be here otherwise."

Deborah Keane

There is normally some emphasis on one-to-one tuition, to help deal with specific difficulties encountered by the individual. This gives the re-take courses a unique focus for each student, enabling them to put particular effort into the areas of their work that need most attention, with maximum tutor support.

One-to-one tuition is an extremely flexible method which is ideal for re-take students, who tend to need specific help with a number of key subject areas. It allows students to work at their own pace and to focus on their own needs, with the tutor's undivided attention. To be effective, this method demands that the student is well-organised and motivated. An average of three to four hours' preparation should be expected for each one-hour tutorial.

Seminar Groups

The syllabus is carefully reviewed in the seminar groups, with an emphasis on key topic areas; guidance is given with analysis and application, with reference to previous exam questions. A set of revision materials is developed, to replace or supplement existing notes and materials. Study techniques, such as reading, note-taking and revision skills are developed. Seminar groups provide an active learning situation, with discussion of syllabus topics under the tutor's guidance. Small group sizes allow for a high degree of personal attention. One or two hours' preparation is required on average for each study group hour.

Practicals

Those who need to improve their grade in practical exams or assessments in the sciences are normally expected to take additional laboratory sessions. A thorough grounding is provided in the essential knowledge, methods and techniques required to satisfy this part of the exam. Other subjects with a practical component may also involve supplementary practical sessions.

January re-takes

"To say OTC was a life changing experience sounds a bit dramatic, but I really do feel that the time I spent there has changed me completely, I now have A level grades I can feel proud of, a place at my first choice university and a much more mature approach to my academic work. It has also given me more self belief and independence which I have no doubt will stand me in good stead for my time at university."

Tom Rendell

For those who have narrowly missed their target grade, the one-term re-take option may be appropriate. This short and rigorous approach to a re-take course is ideal for the student who needs to polish up syllabus knowledge, revision and examination technique. It makes the assumption that basic knowledge and understanding are sound and concentrates on improving students' response to examination questions, often by reference to past papers or to specimen papers provided by examination boards. For the relatively able student, there is sufficient time to make significant improvement and little opportunity to lose momentum. The rest of the academic year is then free for other 'GAP' year activities.

Not all examination modules will necessarily need to be re-taken; a careful analysis of previous results will help to identify those which should be re-taken and the better module marks which can be safely held. This will also depend partly on which modules are available in the winter sitting, which will vary from subject to subject. The precise strategy to adopt may be discussed thoroughly at interview. Individual module marks should be brought to interview, preferably the original listing issued by the examination board.

Courses normally begin in September, continuing until the January examination session. One-term re-takes may also begin in March, with examinations in June. A two-term re-take, from January to June, is available, allowing more time to prepare.

Full-year Re-takes

"I think the teaching speaks for itself, looking at the grades which are achieved by the students. I studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths and I must say the teaching was absolutely excellent.
In each subject I was taught a lot more detail than in my previous school.....and what I enjoyed the most, learning about the practical application of the topics I was studying in the day to day economy and industry. This was very fascinating.
Now I am a first year Dental student at Birmingham University (my first choice) and am enjoying it a lot.
I can only recommend any student, retake or not, to complete their A-Level studies at OTC, especially if they may not have gained the grades they deserved in the first place."

Neal Raval

A re-take course over a full academic year may be the more sensible choice, allowing sufficient time to make the necessary improvements in both subject knowledge and answering technique to achieve the best grade. In some subjects it may be the only option. If you are looking for a significant grade improvement in two or more subjects, it is the most sensible option.

A one-year course is carefully structured, in consultation with the student, to make effective use of both the January and summer examination sessions; it may be possible to prepare a student fully for the January examinations in some modules, removing some of the final pressure in the summer and leaving more time for detailed preparation of the remaining modules.

Other Options

Combining One-term & Full-year Re-takes
A student who needs to improve existing grades should carefully consider the likelihood of success. It is only worth re-taking a subject if there is a good hope of an improved grade; you should be certain the existing grade is not a realistic one. It may be better to begin a new subject, rather than persevere with one which has not been a success. Most A-level subjects may be successfully taught to a diligent and receptive student over one year, although some subjects are more manageable than others.

There is a range of subjects which do not require any prior knowledge and may be studied for the first time at A-level. Subject choice will depend upon factors such as background knowledge, interest, compatibility with other subjects being studied, likely workload and relevance to the planned degree course. Please contact us for advice and information. We are happy to help you select suitable subjects for first-time study.

Combining Re-take and First-time Courses

A student who needs to improve existing grades should carefully consider the likelihood of success. It is only worth re-taking a subject if there is a good hope of an improved grade; you should be certain the existing grade is not a realistic one. It may be better to begin a new subject, rather than persevere with one which has not been a success. Most A-level subjects may be successfully taught to a diligent and receptive student over one year, although some subjects are more manageable than others.

University Applications

Students re-sitting their A-levels normally wish to apply to a British university for the following year and careful help is given with the UCAS application. It is important to get the choice of institutions and courses right, to make sure that realistic offers are received; this is particularly crucial with the more competitive degree courses. The personal statement is an important part of the application and care is taken to ensure that students present themselves in as positive a way as possible.

It is worth being aware of universities' attitudes towards re-take students to make sure that an application is not wasted. Most universities tend not to discriminate against re-takers, although for the more competitive degree courses the requirement may be slightly higher than normal. However, the fact that a student is prepared to re-take suggests commitment and the additional preparation involved tends to emphasise sound study habits, putting students in a good position to begin work at degree level.

Once the application is completed, further guidance is given as university offers are received. Help with interview technique is offered, as required; 'mock' interviews are held to give students confidence. Those sitting winter re-takes will normally not have university places confirmed until after they have left the college. However, our advice does not cease just because a student has completed his or her course; we continue to offer help until results are received and offers confirmed.