Ratcliffe College - Sixth Form Handbook

What are the entry requirements
to study in the Sixth Form?
In order to follow a full A Level
programme, under normal
circumstances you will need to
achieve a minimum of 6 GCSE’s at B
or better. This will include English
and Mathematics. We do allow some
of our existing students into the
Sixth Form with fewer than 6Bs, but
they must have a viable programme.
The minimum for an A Level
programme in these circumstances
would be passes in Mathematics
and English (C grades) and B grades
in your chosen subjects.
For all students entering the Sixth
Form it is essential to have at least
a B grade GCSE in your chosen
subjects or where relevant a related
subject. However, in subjects such
as English Literature, Mathematics
and the Sciences, we strongly
recommend at least an A grade at
GCSE.
The majority of our students will
achieve three A Levels. However,
particularly able students may
consider continuing with all four
subjects or 3 A Levels and the
Extended Project Qualification.
When will you be taking your
examinations?
• For Linear A levels, you will take
all of your examinations in May/
June of Year 13.
• The EPQ will be completed in the
Summer term of Year 12.
• The ECDL Level 3 will be
completed by most students
before the start of the Summer
term.
Subject Choices
The Sixth Form Information
Evening takes place in the
Autumn term and will give you
the opportunity to discuss your
potential options before making a
final decision.
A small number of very able
students will be encouraged to
have a 3 A Level programme
and take the Extended Project
Qualification (EPQ). It may also be
necessary to ask some students to
have a 2 A Level programme and
they will complete the EPQ in Year
12 and the European Computer
Driving Licence Level 3 in Year 13.
A Level Subject Options
• Art and Design
• Biology
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Design & Technology
• Drama & Theatre Studies
• Economics B
• English Literature
• French
• Further Mathematics
• Geography
• German
• History
• ICT*
• Latin
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Music
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Religious Studies
• Spanish
Diploma Level 3
Equivalent to one A Level
• Food Science and Nutrition
* The Examination Board for ICT is
currently under review and we are
awaiting confirmation as to whether this
will be a Linear or Modular A Level
qualification.
-14-