Sixth Form Pathways And Entry Requirements - Under Review
Our Sixth Form offers students a wide range of courses at both Level 2 and Level 3, together with a range of enrichment opportunities. Our flexible system allows you to study the combination of courses that is right for you.
Students’ individual study programmes include either academic qualifications (A Levels), vocational qualifications (e.g. BTECs) or a combination of both. Your timetable will also include non-qualification activities such as work experience, volunteering, on-line learning, tutor time, supervised study, PSHE and progression activities. If you have not achieved at least a grade 4 in English or Maths GCSE (or equivalent) you will attend lessons and be supported to re take these exams.
From 2017 all A Levels became linear, assessed by examination at the end of a two year course. With this change and the loss of most AS courses, most providers encouraged students to take just 3 A levels (or equivalent) from the outset instead of the previous convention of taking 4 in Year 12 and dropping to 3 in Year 13. As such it has become crucial to ensure that students make the right course choices and we invest a good deal in supporting them in this decision. Furthermore, we allow a 4-week grace period at the start of year 12 in which changes can be made. Each year there are a number of students who take four A levels and approximately half take the Extended Project Qualification as well.
Though it is rare that students’ leave before the end of a two year course, plans and circumstances do sometimes change and we do all we can to ensure that students receive the maximum benefit from their time with us. This may involve taking an AS qualification at the end of the first year but only where sufficient content has been studied to make this a successful outcome.
What’s your Preferred Learning Style?
As well as deciding on the right level of study, it is equally important to think about how you learn. We understand that different students show their potential through different assessment systems and learning styles. While some students perform at their best in subjects assessed through exams at the end of the year, other students do better in qualifications which are assessed mainly through coursework and which place less emphasis on recalling factual information under tight time restrictions.
Thinking about which learning style suits you best is particularly important in the light of the changes to A-levels. All material will be assessed in the summer of Year 13. This is why in both the Level 2 and Level 3 pathway we offer students the ability to choose between mainly coursework based qualifications (BTECs) and examination based qualifications (GCSEs and A-Levels).
A-levels and Level 3 BTECs are at the same academic standard. Each qualification is worth the same number of university entrance points and both are widely recognised by employers. Most universities accept both A-levels and BTECs, however some of the most competitive universities may prefer A-levels for courses such as Law and Medicine.
Level 2 Entry Requirements
The general entry requirement for study at Level 2 is five GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-E) and suitability for the individual components of the pathway that you have chosen. All students who apply for the level 2 pathway will have a guidance interview to discuss exactly what options they would like to study and their progression plans. To do well on this course you need to be organised, have the ability to meet deadlines and be keen to succeed.
Level 3 Entry Requirements (A Levels & A Level-equivalent courses)
The general entry requirement for study at Level 3 is five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) including English Language and Maths. Many subjects require grades 9-6 (A*-B) at GCSE in the relevant subject. Please see the individual course descriptions for details of the entry requirements for each course. Students who narrowly miss English or Maths but gain 5 other 9-4 (A*-C) grades may be offered a place with provision to retake if these subjects do not form part of the subject specific entry requirements. Furthermore, we have a good track record of working with students who may not have the typical grades required and we are always open to discussing options.