The answer is YES, but it is important to make sure that the courses on offer are the ones best suited to your needs. The largest number of students join our Sixth Form to take Advanced Levels in preparation for entry into university, but there are a number of 'learning pathways' available at different levels. It is therefore vital to seek expert advice before you start in the Sixth Form.
It would be reasonable to expect that if you start on courses at AS Level, you would have achieved 5 passes at GCSE including at least a grade C or above, in the subjects you were planning to study. However, in some circumstances you will be allowed to start on an advanced course without previous qualifications. If you have any queries of this nature you should ask the Head of Department or teacher in charge of the subject concerned as soon as possible. For Level 2 courses or below, this entry qualification does NOT apply!
A team of expert staff is on hand to help you look at what courses best fit your needs. Details of the courses available are provided later in this prospectus. Before choosing your subjects, you should consider the following questions: • What career do I intend following? • What qualifications does it require? • Will I be able to gain these qualifications in the Sixth Form? • How long will it take me? Don't panic if you have not yet decided on a future career, most people haven't. Remember that subject choice should be based on your interests and ability. There are many courses on offer, so it will be possible to keep your options open.
Sixth Form students will find that members of staff treat them differently from the way they treat younger pupils in the school. Relationships with staff tend to be similar to those of student and tutor and result in far more informal, individual discussions than might have occurred previously. Teaching groups will also tend to be smaller than you have been used to and individual attention is far more common. In any community certain patterns of behaviour are expected and the Sixth Form is no exception. It is particularly important that senior students set high standards and act as appropriate role models for the rest of the school. Hence correct uniform, punctuality and regular attendance are expected at all times. Indeed, it is important to stress from the outset that the sixth form is a full-time commitment!
It doesn't matter what courses you follow, there will be some free time for you to carry out extra study in the library or Sixth Form study areas. This is important as all courses expect that students work independently to prepare for some lessons or to follow-up on work set in others. Your ability to organise your own work is an important key skill and this will be recognised and recorded on your reference.
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