Sixth Form Handbook 2022-24

Introduction

Life in the Sixth Form Sixth Form will not be ‘just like school so far, but with more free time’! You have been used to studying nine or so subjects but it is now your choice to spend two more years studying your favourite subjects in depth. The Sixth Form demands that you work to a more adult standard. However, besides the academic aspect of Sixth Form, you do have the chance to make new friends, become a School Leader, enjoy the privileges of the Sixth Form facilities and enjoy a more mature relationship with your teachers. Life in Sixth Form is exciting but also rigorous and challenging. In the Sixth Form, you will be able to show initiative in your learning as you will be studying independently, pursuing your own research and developing the ability to think for yourself - all skills vital for university and beyond. You will be spending more time on independent study for each subject than you spend with your subject teacher, so of course it will be important for you to manage your time carefully (and to seek and accept advice about this when necessary). You will also be expected to meet the responsibilities that come with increased independence – in your studies, in your relationships with others and in your use of Sixth Form facilities. Entry Requirements To begin our Sixth Form programme you need to have achieved at least 59 points from your nine best (I)GCSEs. The following tariff explains the points system:

Sixth Year. The Extended Project Qualification, which all of our pupils take, carries the same weight as half an A-Level, so long as it is taken at Level 3. You will find an overview of the courses in this booklet. Use this to determine those in which you might be interested and then visit the staff at the relevant display at the Open Evening in September 2021 for more detailed information. They will be there to tell you about the course and to advise you on your strengths and abilities. Choosing subjects We do not prescribe the combination of subjects you should take but we do have the experience to recommend an appropriate course based on your strengths, interests and aspirations. That said, one of the great features of the IPS Senior Curriculum leading up to PVI is that, if you have worked hard at (I)GCSE studies, you will have the academic background to take almost any of the subjects on offer. You may be interested in new subjects such as Business and Management, Classical Civilisation, Economics, History of Art, Politics, Psychology or Religious Studies, or wish to pursue your favourite subjects in much greater depth. Whatever combination you choose, providing we know your choices before March, we shall construct the timetable to accommodate it. It can be helpful to select at least one subject that contrasts with the others to demonstrate your breadth of study, unless your university aspirations are firm and the entry requirements for that course dictate another course. At the end of this booklet is a general list of prerequisite subjects for certain university courses; you should look at the individual university’s website or handbook to check what is required, as these change regularly. Your tutor will be happy to help with this task. It is normal for some Sixth Form entrants to be unsure about their subject choices. What follows provides some guidelines about how to choose between the possibilities. Even if you are certain, it is an important decision so it is sensible to think as clearly as you can about why you are making your selection.

Number-graded (I)GCSEs 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 8 points 8 points 7 points 6 points 5 points 4 points 3 points

Practical Music examinations (ABRSM) obtained at Grade 7 (Pass) or above will be considered equivalent to a grade 7 at IGCSE/GCSE, as will a Pass or better in the PCertLAM (LAMDA). There are also individual subject requirements you need to meet – precise details can be found on the subject pages later in this booklet. The Sixth Form Curriculum In the Sixth Form, you take either three or four subjects for A-Level. Pupils start on four subjects and then the majority drop to three during the Autumn Term, once they are confident that they have chosen the right ones. All of your public examinations will be taken at the end of the Upper

Ask yourself these questions:

What really excites you about the subject? • How much reading is involved?

• How long is the preparation for a science practical or art assignment? If you are considering Drama or Music, how much rehearsal time is needed? • How often will you be preparing essays? • Is there a coursework element? Do not worry if you are not sure what you want to do afterwards. You will go to university to study something that interests you. You may not use the knowledge you gain from your degree in

2