CURRICULUM INTENT

Our Sixth Form curriculum is designed to maximise the potential of young people. Working in partnership with students and parents, we ensure every student follows a personalised programme of study that allows them to make progress and to fully prepare them for the future. This means that all our students will be enrolled on courses that are challenging yet appropriate for their background and ambition.

A Levels

The majority of our curriculum is comprised of A Level courses. To take an A Level, students must meet the individual subject requirements. Guidance on which subjects would be most suitable for individual students will be provided at our Open Evening and throughout the application process.

All A Levels are challenging, high-status qualifications, but some are particularly prized by universities and employers. These are called facilitating subjects and provide the greatest range of possible university courses. We encourage all students to study at least 1 of the following:

• English (Literature or Language)
• Mathematics
• The Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Humanities (History and Geography)
• Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish)

For more information, have a look at The Russell Group website: www.informedchoices.ac.uk

BTEC

BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications that combine practical, vocational learning with theory and subject content. They are designed for young people interested in a particular sector or industry, but who are not yet sure what job they’d like to do.

All the BTEC courses we offer are Level 3 qualifications (the same standard as A Levels) and combine assessment by examination and coursework. BTEC qualifications can lead to employment, continuing study, or apprenticeships and are well regarded by universities, further education colleges and employers.

GCSE English and Mathematics

Any students without a Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or mathematics will work towards achieving this in Year 12. Students are expected to make sufficient progress to gaining a GCSE grade 4 by the end of Year 13. Students will have scheduled lessons in the appropriate departments to support them in achieving this.

The Extended Project Qualification

The EPQ is a chance for our most able students to pursue an independent course of study, culminating in a project. This might range from a dissertation-style essay to creating a documentary, all based on their own research. Students can apply to do the EPQ in June of Year 12, with a view to completing this during Year 13. Students who are interested in doing this will be working with the Head of Year 13. This course is particularly useful for students who wish to apply to a Russell Group university.

Personal and Professional Development (PPD)

All Sixth Formers take part in fortnightly PPD sessions covering:

• Study skills and resilience
• Career and future planning
• Mental and physical health
• Healthy relationships
• Social issues (e.g. climate change)
• Independent living