FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH COURSES I SHOULD DO?
We recommend that you speak with or email subject teachers to find out more about the courses you will be studying.
During year 11 you will have a transition meeting. We will look at your projected grades and your future plans and together you will decide suitable courses for you. External students are asked to contact Sally Dickinson to make an appointment to discuss your transition.
Your examination results in the summer will determine whether you are able to study the subjects you have chosen.
You will be invited to an induction interview at the beginning of September of Year 12. This will be with an experienced member of staff, who will be able to finalise your timetable.
WHAT GRADES DO I NEED?
Please have a look at each subject page in this online prospectus. The grades you need differ from subject to subject. Your subject teachers and Miss Stephens will be able to let you know if your choices are suitable for you, so please ask us!
WHAT IF MY GRADES AREN’T QUITE AS GOOD AS I HAD HOPED?
Don’t panic! There will be something for you! It might mean that you change one or more of your subjects for something else. You could join our Skills Academy for one year to gain level 2 retake qualifications with one level 3 course, so that you can progress to a full Level 3 programme at the end of the year. We offer retake English and Maths GCSE qualifications and these are compulsory for any student, who has not achieved a level 4 or above in these subjects.
HOW MANY SUBJECTS DO I CHOOSE?
Most students choose three A Level subjects. This choice will depend on your preferred destination after sixth form. If you are aiming for a Russell Group university, you would be well advised to focus on achieving very high grades in three A Levels. (You might choose to take an Extended Project or Further Maths in addition). If you are aiming to go to a university, which gives a points offer, you might be better off taking four subjects, to maximise your chances of achieving these. For a work-based destination, we would need to consider the best route for you. Miss Stephens and your tutor will guide you to make the right choices for you.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CHANGE A SUBJECT?
We understand that students may not get it right first time and so we allow you to change your options during the first three weeks of the autumn term. An induction assignment set at the beginning of September will determine your suitability for the courses you have chosen. Any changes must be discussed with Miss Stephens.
WILL I TAKE AS LEVELS AT THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR?
New A Levels are linear and are examined at the end of the two-year course. Students, who do not intend to continue a subject in year 13 would be advised to take an AS examination, so that they have an accreditation to show for their efforts. For a few students an AS Level might be the most appropriate accreditation. Our internal assessments will allow us to monitor your progress carefully and to ensure that you are taking the most appropriate route for you.