Sixth Form Prospectus - Kimbolton School

A Level Options and Course InformationAS and A2The GCE Advanced Level qualification has a two-tier structure designed to give breadth to studiesin the Lower Sixth and to prepare for final specialisation in three subjects in the Upper Sixth. Eachsubject is examined and graded on a modular basis in four units for the majority of subjects. The firsttwo units (for most subjects) make up the AS Level and are sat at the end of the Lower Sixth yearand make up 50% of the final A Level mark and grade. The two units of the A2 (for most subjects),carrying the other 50% of marks, are sat in the summer of the Upper Sixth (some subjects take aunit in January) and complete the full A Level. The A2 is higher level work and more challengingacademically than AS level. Students are able to re-sit some of their AS units in the Upper Sixth yearin order to maximise their final marks and grades. Student’s university applications and references arecomposed on the basis of their AS results, helping to determine the choice of course and university.Entry to the Sixth FormSixth Form academic work is not suited to everyone and there is an entry requirement of 5 GCSEpasses at B grade or above. Some students who don’t quite make the entry requirement are askedto enter a probationary period. A small number may be asked to embark on a course of only 3 ASsubjects on the basis of their GCSE results.Scholarships and BursariesSixth Form Scholarships and Exhibitions are awarded to candidates who achieve excellent resultsin their GCSE examinations and have the potential to work at the highest academic level within theSixth Form.Governors’ Bursaries may be awarded where there is a financial need that would otherwise preventa student from entering the Sixth Form. Parents wishing to be considered for Bursary awards shouldapply to the Bursar by 26th April 2013.InductionAfter GCSE exams have been completed and prior to the summer break, all prospective Sixth Formstudents are invited to the Sixth Form Induction days. This serves to introduce students to theirchosen subjects and pave the way for an efficient and smooth start to sixth form life in September.It is where the change to sixth form life really begins and involves a mix of sample lessons, teamsessions and a social event.Making it PersonalYou have choices to make regarding your A level subjects and it is important that you make the rightchoices for yourself and your own university and career plans. You are able to choose AS courses,an activity or Extension Course for the L6th and then select your A2 courses, also with an ExtensionCourse. We will work to put together the best mix of courses for you for each year and look atany changes during your sixth form career if it is the right thing to do. Remember though that anychanges to courses during the year can have implications on your final results and prospects.