The curriculum in year 12 and beyond

Our sixth form prepares all students for the next steps in their career. A combination of highly relevant vocational and academic courses enables students to go onto further study at university or into work based employment. English literature, the sciences, criminology, photography and history continue to be popular choices while some of our most successful students have followed the visual arts and performing arts routes.

Typical entry requirements for each subjects is five 9-5 grades at GCSE. Entry requirements for each subject are carried out on an individual basis for each student. In some instances, classes are taught across multiple year groups within the sixth form.

Preparing for key stage 5: careers guidance

To ensure that students select the most appropriate subjects for their career aspirations our students are supported in a variety of ways:

  • all subject teachers discuss with students and parents any queries about their specialist courses and a student’s aptitude for them;
  • the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) team runs assemblies with careers experts, employers, and ex-students, individual meetings and advice sessions throughout the year as well as drop-in sessions at lunchtimes;
  • a post 16 careers evening is held early in the academic for students and their parents to discuss any queries with each specialist teacher and the subject leader as well as find out about other opportunities at post 16 such as apprenticeships and other post 16 providers
  • individual interviews are made available for specifically targeted students with an external expert and optional parental attendance;
  • an engaging and bespoke transition programme prepares all our students for level 3 learning.

For a more detailed overview of each of the subject choices available at post 16 please view our sixth form course guide.