Sixth Form
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| Students may choose from the following: | ||
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| English Language | Maths (i) | Latin |
| English Literature | Physics | Greek |
| Theatre Studies | Chemistry | French |
| Ancient History | Biology | History (ii) |
| German | Geology | Art |
| Geography | Theology | Music |
| Spanish | Politics | PE |
| Business Studies | Economics | ICT |
| Critical Thinking | Design & Technology (iii) | |
- courses include Maths with Statistics, Maths with Mechanics, Further Maths.
- courses include Modern History and Tudor History.
- courses include Resistant Materials and Graphic Design.
- available in the second year of the Sixth Form.
PSME continues through the twice-weekly Religion periods which are also intended to promote a greater awareness of the faith.
A Study Skills programme is offered on a “drop in” basis for those who need extra help.
At the beginning of Sixth Form courses, strategies are employed to bridge the gap after GCSE to accommodate the more rigorous demands of A level and to encourage a gradual shift of responsibility for learning from the teacher to the student. There is the possibility for all students to take a combination of arts and science subjects to AS and A2 level.
A structured General Studies course is followed by all to increase breadth in the Sixth Form curriculum, with particular focus on Key Skills.
There is constant review and frequent revision of courses by departments with regard to schemes of work and the appropriateness of examination board and syllabuses.
The variety and richness of the curriculum is evaluated by individual success at GCSE and by the fact that almost 100% of pupils go into our Sixth Form and subsequently gain places in Higher Education.
The Sixth Form Curriculum explained
Our Sixth Form curriculum offers a unique variety of subjects to study with 31 different AS and A2 options being offered and with almost every combination of subjects being possible due to our very flexible timetabling. We continue to believe that a Sixth Form education encompasses not just the academic but must integrate physical, moral and spiritual development too. The Sixth Form methods of study which we inculcate offer an appropriate introduction to university teaching whilst retaining the high degree of support, practical assistance and pastoral care that is essential for the well being of our students.
In the Lower Sixth, students study 4 subjects at AS level, allowing a broad base of academic interests. A General religion class supports their spiritual growth as young Catholic adults and a Wednesday games afternoon allows for a wide range of leisure and physical fitness activities to be pursued. Each student is placed under the care of a highly experienced tutor who works within a small tutor group to provide a very high level of individual pastoral and academic care and support. That member of staff will very clearly understand the pressures and pitfalls likely to beset the student as they develop their sixth form career and acts as a personal mentor for two years. Direct contact time in class, is balanced by study periods when a student may pursue independent research and encounter a different style of more self directed working.
The Upper Sixth, usually finds a student choosing to specialise in 3 courses to A2 standard to fulfil university entrance requirements. General Religion and Games continue to form key elements of a balanced programme, but we recognise that any student may feel the need for Study skills as examinations approach. Specialist Oxbridge teaching, available until the interview season is gradually replaced by specialist Study Skills classes and additional private study if required. To prepare our students for the General Studies Examination and to continue to give a broad based education, we provide classes in this area. The role of the tutor remains paramount in assisting the student to manage their programme of work and to offer support and guidance in university choices and applications. Time will be offered to facilitate the completion of the electronic university application form. There continue to be periods of individual study.
A few students may wish to study for 4 A Levels, after suitable advice has been sought as to the benefits of this course of action. Such students will find their timetable is lightened by exemption from attendance at General Studies lessons. Other students may take a further AS, and again we hope to offer the flexibility of approach to allow this to be part of a realistic programme of study. For some students Critical Thinking provides an extension to their range of skills.
Our Sixth Form curriculum has been proven to allow students to deliver their full academic potential. Of equal importance to us as a Catholic community however, is that our Sixth Form students enter the world beyond St Bede’s as confident, socially compassionate and caring men and women who understand how they can contribute to furthering the Christian case in Britain.