Cotswold School Sixth Form die cut cover and inside pages for web

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Post-16 Curriculum 1. The Core Curriculum: Major changes to the A Level examination system were phased in nationally over 2015 and 2016. As these changes have become increasingly embedded, the options system is now more straightforward for students starting their Sixth Form studies in September 2017. All AS/A Levels will be linear qualifications. This means that the AS examination results will not count towards the final A Level qualifications, and the retaking of individual modules is not permitted. A Level examinations will test students on the knowledge, understanding and skills they will have gained over their two years of study. The majority of students at The Cotswold School will take four AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary) subjects in Year 12 and then concentrate on three A Level subjects in Year 13. We also offer Level 3 vocational courses in Health & Social Care and ICT. These qualifications are at the same standard as A Levels and include both examinations and coursework assessments. For Health & Social Care we are offering the Diploma (the equivalent of taking two A Levels over two years) and for ICT we are offering the Introductory Diploma (the equivalent of taking one A Level over two years). The table below lists the subjects that we plan to offer for September 2017. All of these qualifications are at AS/A Level, unless otherwise stated. Art & Design: Fine Art Art & Design: Textiles Biology Business Chemistry Computer Science Design & Technology: Product Design Drama and Theatre Economics English Language English Literature French Geography German Health & Social Care (Level 3 Diploma) History ICT (Level 3 Introductory Diploma) Mathematics Further Mathematics Music Physical Education Physics Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish 2 If there is sufficient demand and we have appropriate staffing, we may add other options to our curriculum. Although unlikely, we may withdraw an option if the number of students opting for a subject is very low. All Year 12 students will have internal mock examinations in the Spring Term, and will take their real AS Level examinations in May/ June. Year 12 students will be required to achieve a minimum of a grade D at AS Level in order to continue that subject at A Level in Year 13. Students with lower than a grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics and English Language and at least three other GCSEs at grade C may take a one-year Level 2 course in Business. This qualification is equivalent to two GCSEs at Grade C (Pass), Grade B (Merit) or Grade A (Distinction). In addition, students on this course will undertake regular work experience. Students who have yet to obtain a grade 4 or above in GCSE Mathematics and/or English Language must attend lessons in these subjects to enable them to improve their grades in these GCSEs, as these are essential qualifications for many careers and Further Education courses. Choosing core post-16 courses is an important decision which needs very careful thought. All Year 11 students will have a meeting with a senior teacher who will provide support and guidance. Plans can also be discussed with our independent Careers Advisor, Year 11 form tutors and the Sixth Form leadership team. However, as a general guide we recommend that you consider the following: Enjoyment – Are you genuinely interested in the subject? Does your interest already extend beyond the classroom? Do you enjoy lessons in the subject at the moment?
Post-16 Curriculum Ability – Are you good at the subject? Have you discussed your ability to cope with the subject at Level 3 (A Level or equivalent) with your teacher? Are you prepared to work hard to ensure your success? Suitability – Is a Level 3 in this subject going to provide you with the necessary qualifications to follow your chosen course in higher education or pursue your chosen career? It is usual to select those subjects which combine well together, such as Sciences or Arts, although there is now more scope for mixed courses (e.g. two Humanities subjects, a Social Science and a Language) 2. Enrichment Curriculum: Students may also supplement their core curriculum by taking up one or more options from our Enrichment Curriculum. For September 2017 this is likely to include: Extended Project: This is the equivalent to half an A Level, at A Level (not AS Level) standard. Students plan, research for and produce a project of their own choice, under the guidance and support of a project supervisor. MOOCs and Future Learn courses: These are free online courses designed and delivered by universities. Photography: For pure enjoyment and development of skills. Modern Foreign Languages: There are various language options, according to demand: Italian GCSE – this is a two year course taught twice a week after school. It leads to a full GCSE. Russian GCSE – also a two year course taught twice a week after school. It leads to a full GCSE. Individual Study – We can set students up to undertake independent study learning the basics of any language of their choice through online courses available. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme: The Scheme is open to all Sixth Form students. Participants can enter at any level according to their age. It offers the opportunity to work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Participants are required to complete an activity in each of 4 sections: Skill, Service, Physical Recreation and Expedition. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award encourages students to become self-reliant whilst working co-operatively with a group. Community Service: this can include volunteering for local charitable organisations, assisting in care facilities and local primary schools. 3. Compulsory Curriculum: All Sixth Form students participate in Physical Education (in which we have a range of sports options) and in our PSHE and Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programmes. We have three PSHE days during the year while our CEIAG is delivered during our ‘Futures Week’ (in the Summer term of Year 12), during daily morning tutorial sessions and at various special events throughout the year. In addition, all Year 12 students are expected to source and undertake a week of professional work shadowing in a workplace which relates to a career they are considering. 4. Extra-curricular Opportunities: Sixth Form students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of extra curricular opportunities available. Trips and visits (e.g. New York; Berlin; Iceland; Modern Languages work experience/exchanges), clubs and societies, competitions and lectures are all on offer. These vary slightly from year to year and are too numerous to list! 3
Page 2 and 3: Welcome to The Sixth Form I am deli
Page 6 and 7: Beth O’Brien (Head Girl 2015-16)
Page 8 and 9: Life in the Sixth Form Life in the
Page 10: How to Apply Prospective students a

Cotswold School Sixth Form die cut cover and inside pages for web

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