Sixth Form Curriculum
From September 2008 significant changes were made to the 16+ curriculum. Most ‘A' Level syllabuses (specifications) comprise of four assessment units of study.
The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a stand-alone qualification and is valued as half a full A Level qualification. It normally consists of two units (assessed at the standard expected for a student half-way through an A Level course) that contribute 50% of the full A Level.
The A2 is the second half of a full A Level qualification. It normally consists of two units (assessed at the standard expected for a student at the end of a full A Level course) that are worth 50% of the full A Level qualification.
Most units are assessed by examination, although some are internally assessed. The AS covers the less demanding material in an A Level course. The A2 covers the more demanding material. For example, in the A2 students might:
- specialise in an area they studied at AS
- extend their knowledge and understanding of the subject by studying new topics
- improve their skills
Also in the A2, students will combine knowledge, understanding and skills from across the A Level course through synoptic assessment.
A new A* grade has been introduced This is awarded to those students who have achieved:
- a grade A overall at A Level, and
- the A* on an aggregated A2, i.e. 180 out of 200 UMS for the combined scores of the two A2 units.
The A* grade will not be awarded at AS Level because the more challenging material is introduced at A2 only.
The Main Programme Of Study
The aim is to broaden the students' learning experience by encouraging them to study more subjects at AS Level (Year 12), typically either 4 or 5 subjects, then usually 3 subjects to full A2 Level (Year 13). Successful completion of the AS Level (Year 12) is therefore required before students embark on the A2 Level.
Enrichment
General Studies is used as a vehicle to broaden our students' general knowledge of current issues. Students will also enrich their learning experience in Careers, Games and Community Action.
The Option Blocks
As a guide only, we hope to include the following subjects:
- Art
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Design & Technology
- English Literature
- French
- Geography
- German/Spanish
- History
- ICT
- Law
- Mathematics
- Music
- Music Technology (AS)
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
The option blocks for each September are published in the Summer Term. It should be noted that for a course to be timetabled, there must be at least five applicants for that subject.
The following broadening studies are also taken by all students:
- General Studies (AS)
- Games/Community Action
- Careers
Students also have the opportunity to use the ICT facilities at any time.
There are two sixth form parent/teacher consultation evenings each year; in October and in March.
Click here to Download copy of Sixth Form Curriculum Booklet 2012