6th

What course will I study?
The curriculum at Mascalls post 16 comprises a range of A Level and Vocational (BTEC/OCR) options,
offering students an excellent range of traditional academic subjects, alongside vocational Level 3
qualifications that develop practical skills and knowledge related to an employment area.* Many
students choose a combination of the two, enjoying the slightly different study approaches to work
and assessment. Some of our vocational courses can be offered as extended qualifications, allowing
students to achieve a more substantive qualification through the study of one subject, combined
potentially with work placements.
This year students will be encouraged to make applications for up to 4 A Levels or equivalent over
a two year programme. As part of the reforms for Post 16 study, many subjects will now complete
all summative assessment at the end of the two year qualification, meaning that units of work
studied in year 1 of the course will be assessed alongside units for year 2. Therefore to assess
student ability there will be rigorous internal examinations at the end of Year 12 with success
determining entry to Year 13. There are still some exemptions with Maths, Film, Media, ICT and
Applied Science still following the AS/A2 course, where students will have externally assessed
examinations in June 2017.
Students taking BTEC/OCR subjects should be aware that they are mainly a two year programme
of study and students will need to complete Year 13 in order to gain a full qualification. Students
must therefore progress sufficiently in their other Year 12 subjects, to ensure Year 13 entry.
Additionally, these qualifications have themselves been reformed meaning that there are exam
and/or controlled assessment elements in all vocational subjects.
As a school, we work closely with students in Year 11 to determine the best programme of study
to meet individual needs alongside our curriculum offer, and in line with ongoing reforms. This is
done through regular assemblies and individual interviews conducted by the Senior Leadership
Team.
Work Skills
All students will undertake a work skills programme/qualification during Sixth Form, which
combines with their work experience placement in Year 12. This programme ensures that
students are working towards, and thinking of, their career options post Year 13 and offers a
relevant course to improve their understanding and application of work-based skills. It will help
students apply knowledge, skills and understanding that are current and useful for both learners
and potential employers, and have been designed specifically to support employability.
‘ Expectations are
high for our Sixth
Formers, they
work hard to
achieve for their
futures, with a
desire to learn.’
*Course content is subject to final specification and programme confirmation.
What else can I do?
Sixth Form students take on key roles in advisories (vertical tutor groups consisting of
pupils in years 7-13), organising activities, running small groups and mentoring younger
students. Towards the end of Year 12, from Monday 26th June to Friday 30th June
2017, students will undertake a work experience placement to support their university
or career plans. Historically, students have gained places within a huge variety of
establishments, including hospitals, emergency services, media, law, engineering,
education and the arts. Mascalls places great emphasis on the importance of careers
education, information, advice and guidance, and in the Sixth Form, students are given
full support on making university and job applications, including UCAS and career
related workshops and events .
In a fully integrated Sixth Form, students also have ample opportunities to become involved
in a wide range of social, community and in-school activities. Students can take on extra
responsibilities as a Prefect or Head Student, organise whole school events, raise funds for a
wide range of charities and act as ambassadors for the school on public occasions.
Mascalls Academy Sixth Form is a place where familiarity combines with a refreshing, mature
outlook, in a relaxed but purposeful environment which offers opportunities to all, and our
excellent results demonstrate our success.
‘ There are great opportunities for personal development. ’
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