Curriculum Content

About The Course Details of the 6th Form Course

Course Structure Structure of the 6th Form course

Available Subjects What subjects are avaiable?

Students will select four AS level subjects in Year 12 with a view to carrying on with three of these subjects in the final year, Year 13. Each group of subjects is carefully considered to reflect the changing views and requirements from Universities and so ensure students have a breadth of study at this level.

Students will be expected to have achieved at least a grade C or its equivalent in the subjects they choose to study at A-Level.

In addition to their 4 subjects selected students will integrate a more independent study programme through CAS – a tailored education scheme based on elements of the IB involving students undertaking one Creative course, some Action (PE activity) and a Service. Students can arrange a huge variety of options within this to suit their individual needs and personalities. This pushes our students to stand above the rest as they prove consistent commitment and dedication to an independent choice, and even possibly gain further qualifications, as well as gathering evidence of being a well-rounded contributor to their choice of university (universities are not just looking for academics, there are plenty of clever people out there and they often ask about other aspects).

How will the course be structured?

Initially we are offering the ten subjects most in demand by the current 6th Form intake. We intend to broaden the selection available over time.

In Year 12 students will choose 4 subjects at AS level, one from each group. Examinations will be taken in June 2010. In Year 13 students can then opt to drop one subject and take the remaining three subjects to the A2 level. Ultimately they should achieve three A levels and one AS. Each subject will be allocated 5 hours instruction a week in six 50 minute periods.

The CAS aspect of the course takes up 5 periods per week and students also have 3 independent study periods per week.

In addition to all this we are offering the CIE Thinking Skills course which is highly regarded by many universities for its ability to encourage pupils to analyse arguments, evaluate evidence and to think critically. All students attend these lessons but the final examination will be optional.

With all this combined, we believe we have created a Sixth Form programme of study that will prepare students for the demands of Higher Education whilst maintaining the flexibility and enjoyment of learning that is still so key at this age.

What subjects are on offer?

To find out more about syllabus content on the CIE website please click here.