Key Stage 5 Options

A Levels are two-year linear courses with final assessments at the end of Year 13. Students’ progress will be assessed in school throughout Years 12 and 13. Our Applied courses favour a more practical or project-based approach to study overall, although they do include examination assessment. In most cases, Applied courses include some formal assessment in Year 12 which can lead to a certificated qualification halfway through the course. As with A Levels, Applied qualifications are endorsed by Higher Education institutions and carry UCAS tariff points. Whilst some universities favour traditional A Level courses, most are receptive to the benefits for some students of Applied courses, which are more closely related to the world of work and develop skills such as presentation, teamwork and independent research. 

Course choice

From September, students will choose three A Level or Level 3 Applied courses for their core programme in the Associated Sixth Form, although students with a particularly strong GCSE profile may wish to commit to a fourth subject, especially if this is Further Mathematics. This core programme can be supplemented by another option, for example an Extended Project Qualification or other supporting Level 3 courses such as Core Mathematics or AS Maths which will be endorsed by universities but will carry fewer UCAS tariff points than an A Level. The EPQ is increasingly popular with Admissions Tutors and employers because of the opportunities it provides for students to develop skills in research, organisation and initiative. In selecting their courses, it is possible for students to specialise in preparation for routes in to careers in Business, Law, Education, Veterinary Science, Medicine or other healthcare professions. There is significant additional support available for such areas from our expert Careers Department throughout the students’ time with us. Our non-qualification curriculum provision includes regular sessions covering topics such as religion and society, politics and current issues of scientific progress. These sessions are supported by visiting speakers from leading organisations and encourage students to prepare for life beyond school. In addition, all students follow a tutorial programme which is a part of the unique pastoral and academic support provided in the Association. The programme includes focus on study skills and organisation in addition to regular reviews of academic progress and extensive involvement from the Careers Department to support students in making their post-18 choices 

Qualifications for Entry to the Associated Sixth Form offers a broad range of courses to suit students of different abilities and aspirations. Our general entry criteria are laid out below. Students will also be expected to study Mathematics and English Language for GCSE re-sits in Year 12 if they have not attained at grade 4 or higher in Year 11. These issues could be explored at interview following applications and again at enrolment after the issue of GCSE results.