Course Notes: A-level courses

On 15 August, thousands of students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their AS and A-level results – an important step towards further study and finding work. 

Whether you didn’t get a chance to take them earlier in life or weren’t happy with your original results, PET offers you the chance to gain these widely-respected Level 3 qualifications.

Like the seven GCSEs and IGCSEs we also offer, you can start an A-level with PET at any time of year, but exams usually take place in May and June. 

Take a look at six of the 13 options we offer here. Make sure you read next month’s issue of Inside Time for the rest!

A-level Business

This course will help you to develop your knowledge of how business works, whether you are interested in setting up your own company or want to explore different industries. You will develop sound reasoning, leadership skills and an analytical approach.

A-level Classical Civilisation

The ancient Greeks and Romans created a legacy that has shaped the literature, language, arts, politics and philosophy of the western world. On this course, you will study poetry and plays and analyse the issues and values that shaped classical civilisation.

A-level Economics

Whether you’re pursuing a career in business, finance or politics, this course will build your problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills. You will study the UK and global economy, using economic theory to analyse issues and to present your ideas in a clear way.

A-level English Language

This course explores language use in a variety of contexts – from song lyrics to political speeches. You’ll learn about the terminology and grammar that underpins English, building your understanding of how language works in the way it does.

A-level English Literature

This qualification will help you to develop a love of the written word. Reading widely across centuries and genres, you will use theories and critical ideas to analyse literary issues, developing skills useful for higher education and highly valued in a wide variety of job roles.

A-level History

From the abolition of the slave trade to the history of Germany, on this course you will improve your knowledge of the past while developing skills for your future – including how to form reasoned arguments and draw logical conclusions.

Before applying to PET for your A-level of choice, speak to us or your education department to find out if your prison can hold exams. Alternatively, you might be able to take the exams on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) or after your release – get in touch to find out more.

Start a course with PET

Prisoners’ Education Trust funds a wide range of distance-learning courses. To apply, you need to:

• Be serving your sentence in a prison in England or Wales;

• Have at least six months left to serve;

• Have gained Level 2 English (literacy). Some courses also require Level 2 Maths (numeracy);

• Be over 18 years old.

If you’d like any advice about which course to study or how to apply, 

you can speak to a member of our team for free on 0800 048 7520 on: Tues: 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm. Thurs 10am-12pm & 2pm-6pm

You can also write to us at FREEPOST, Prisoners’ Education Trust or speak to your prison’s Education Department.