Sixth Form Curriculum

In Year 12, students taking three A Levels also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is a Level 3 qualification from AQA which is highly regarded by universities. It allows students to undertake a project on a topic of their choice outside of and beyond their A Level studies. This is an independent project which allows students to develop their research and presentation skills.

In Year 13, the Extended Studies programme continues with students able to choose from a range of additional qualifications including: AS Level Theatre Studies, a Community Sports Leadership qualification, the Arts Award, Business Spanish or Japanese.

The Tutor Programme and Careers Support  programme cover many areas, including tutorials on study skills and lectures from visiting speakers on subjects and, of course, sessions on university applications, writing a personal statement, student finance, student cooking skills, etc. Sixth Form students benefit from opportunities to attend lectures at Manchester University, visit University Open days and Oxbridge Colleges, and are provided with information on relevant events.

In addition, there are curriculum visits, regular excursions and field trips. Many of these trips bring a new dimension to the material on the syllabus as well as being hugely enjoyable.

Opportunities abound for international travel with ‘Global Challenge’ expeditions to India, Borneo and Bolivia, plus trips to Japan and America in recent years.

Each year, Sixth Form students raise thousands of pounds for charity through organised events such as  the annual Fashion Show. We host a Volunteering Fair and many students volunteer as part of their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. 

In Year 12 and 13, students who are thinking of applying for highly competitive courses (such as Medicine, Law, Veterinary medicine) or universities, such as Oxford or Cambridge, are invited to be part of our Aspire programme. This involves a series of lunchtime sessions from the Spring Term of Year 12 onwards designed to give students more information about the application process, from choosing a college to writing their personal statement. These sessions will also encourage applicants to explore options for super-curricular learning, where they can demonstrate their passion for their subject beyond the A Level curriculum.

Students who are part of the Aspire programme are assigned a teacher who is a subject-specialist mentor for their chosen course of study. They can help with wider reading suggestions, competition entries, interview practice and preparation for admissions tests.

We also arrange for students to have mock Oxbridge interviews with external experts as well as members of staff from school to make sure you are confident and prepared if for interview. For some courses, particularly at Oxford, students will need to sit an admissions test before interview. We arrange for students to take a mock admissions test in school under exam conditions so that they can receive formal feedback in advance of the real thing.

All of the information students need is shared at our Competitive Entry Evening in the Spring Term where there are sessions on Oxbridge as well as Medicine, Law and other competitive entry courses.

Every Wednesday afternoon is devoted to recreational activities. Students choose from a range of activities including art, drama, team sports, volunteering, swimming, indoor games, yoga and outdoor activities including rock-climbing, caving, abseiling and sailing.

There is a wide range of activities for all abilities in competitive and non-competitive sport, including rugby, netball, athletics and hockey. Competitive Frisbee is also a firm favourite of our Sixth Form students!

Many Sixth Form students achieve very high standards as individuals in representing their county, region or even their country. Alternatively, students may pursue arts-related or music-related activities, or undertake work experience according to their specific interests and future plans.

Independent study plays a large role in A Level courses and facilities are provided for timetabled private study periods. Students can use the Sixth Form Common Room, dedicated library area, quiet study room or the Sixth Form cafe. It is expected that each A Level subject will require around 5 hours per week outside lessons to consolidate knowledge and read around the subject. All students are encouraged to take independent online courses (MOOCs) as a way of extending their knowledge.

Students in the Sixth Form have the opportunity to become a mentor younger pupils, ranging from Year 3 to Year 11. Sixth Form mentors receive training before they meet their mentees so as to begin their sessions fully equipped to deal with an array of possible situations. The aim of the mentoring scheme is to allow our Sixth Form students the opportunity to develop and establish vital interpersonal skills as well as for them to contribute to the wellbeing and success of our school community. 

Sixth Form students use mentoring, teaching and coaching techniques to encourage their mentee to help them find the solutions themselves and to build their self-confidence in diagnosing and resolving any difficulties they may be experiencing. Those students who are involved in the scheme have a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with a range of different people as well as gaining valuable skills that will be of great use beyond King’s.