Curriculum

King's is quite unusual in that we offer a wide range of subject choices at 6th Form but also provide considerable flexibility in subject combinations. All students follow courses leading to AS level examinations at the end of Year 12 and then A2 examinations at the end of Year 13.  Initially students choose 4 subjects, which may be linked if they have a definite career in mind such as medicine, or can be quite diverse to allow students to keep their options open.

The current list of A level subjects on offer includes:

Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computing, Design Technology, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, Geology, German, Government and Politics, History, Information Technology, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish, Sport and Physical Education.

In Year 13 many students continue to study the 4 subjects already taken at AS, although students have the option to drop one and follow the Extended Studies programme. This allows for a fifth AS, which may include Critical Thinking, Politics or General Studies or the opportunity to prepare for an alternative qualification in Sports Leadership, LAMDA Acting and Public Speaking or Japanese.

In addition to the four AS subjects, all students complete the European Computer Driving Licence in ICT, an internationally recognised qualification and one that universities often require students to study.

In Year 12, the timetable is constructed as follows:

10 periods per fortnight in each subject
4 periods of Recreational Activities
4-5 Private Study periods
1 PSHE or tutorial period

The PSHE programme complements those already studied in the Boys’/Girls’ Divisions.  The course covers many areas, but includes lessons with tutors on study skills and lectures from visiting speakers on such things as citizenship, social and health issues and, of course, sessions on university applications, writing a personal statement, student finance etc.

Curricular Enhancement

Sixth Form students can benefit from regular excursions and field trips to support and enhance their curriculum. Students tell us that many of these trips, whilst not compulsory, bring a new dimension to the material on the syllabus as well as being hugely enjoyable. Examples include:

Biology investigation of the seashore
Geology fieldtrip to Arran
History visit to London (Imperial War Museum and overnight on HMS Belfast)
English visit to Royal Shakespeare Company
French study week in Normandy

In addition to curriculum visits, students are offered opportunities to attend lectures at Manchester University, visit Oxbridge Colleges, and are provided with information on University Open days etc.

Private Study

Homework is set in all subjects and students develop organisational skills to meet deadlines.  At least 4 hours study per subject per week outside the classroom in Year 12 is expected (5 hours in Year 13) and students need to read around the subject in order to gain maximum benefit from their courses.

Private study periods may be used for this purpose in the Sixth Form Study Area or the Library. In the early stages of Year 12, some private study will be supervised to reinforce good working habits, but study at home is expected. 

More detail on the subjects offered at A level can be found in our Admissions booklet, or by attending the Subject Options Evening in November.  If you would like more information from us, please telephone the Admissions Office (01625-260000).