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COURSE CHOICES A LEVEL COURSES: the majority LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL: Music, Travel & Tourism APPLIED A LEVEL: ICT & SCIENCE www.thepolesworthschoolsixthform.com. Our students are expected to be: Full-time students Committed, active & engaged learners
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COURSE CHOICES • A LEVEL COURSES: the majority • LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL: Music, Travel & Tourism • APPLIED A LEVEL: ICT & SCIENCE www.thepolesworthschoolsixthform.com
Our students are expected to be: • Full-time students • Committed, active & engaged learners • Ambitious, enthusiastic and autonomous students • Role models • Students who develop a wide range of skills through opportunities beyond the classroom • Well organised students who take on the responsibility of private study commitments & meet deadlines • Determined to achieve their best, responding positively to assessment, feedback & target grades • Courteous, tolerant and respectful of others.
STUDY COMMITMENTS • 9 lessons per fortnight for each main subject • 4 lessons a fortnight for General Studies/Further Maths/GCSE re-sit in Maths or English • Private study time: in Y12 - 3 or 4 hours per subject per week; increases in Y13 – as a guide, every hour spent in the classroom should be matched by an hour of independent study!
A minimum of 5 GCSEs - or their equivalent - at Grade C+, including English or Maths and also in any subject to be taken on to A Level in order to join the Sixth Form • GCSE grades converted to a points score used to determine course: 3 or 4 subjects + additional study • Take your best 5 GCSE grades/equivalents & score them: A* = 8 points, A = 7 points, B = 6 points, C = 5 points, D = 4 points, E = 3 points, F = 2 points, G = 1 point ENTRY CRITERIA
Use your total points score to make your course choice as follows: 30 – 40 points 4 subjects + General Studies (or even Further Maths) 27 – 29 points 3 or 4 subjects + General Studies 25 – 26 points 3 subjects + General Studies
A LEVEL COURSES 2 year courses – very flexible YEAR 12 – AS Level: 2/3 modules per subject with examination slots January & May; results August. Re-sits possible. Year 13 courses begin in the May following AS exams.
A LEVEL COURSES YEAR 13 – A2 Level: Specialise in 3 subjects from September following AS results(plus General Studies or Further Maths). 2/3 more modules per subject with examination slots January & June. Results in August.
WHY STUDY A FOURTH SUBJECT AT AS? • Stretch and challenge • Breadth or a chance to take up a new subject • Another qualification • Personal interest • Preparation for university – top universities expect it & it provides extra points • More choice at A2.
CHOOSING YOUR A LEVELS • Career & university plans – take advice or check outwww.ucas.com • Subject interest • Subject strength • Talk to your teachers. Remember that for most employers & university courses it’s the qualification that counts!
AIMING FOR UNIVERSITY?MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE (1) • Research university entry requirements if you have a particular course, career path or area of study in mind • Use the UCAS website • There may be both GCSE & A Level requirements • No two universities are exactly the same.
AIMING FOR UNIVERSITY?MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE (2) • Facilitating subjects: English, History, Geography, Languages, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology – at least 2 for entry to some of the most competitive universities • Traditional A Levels providing a strong foundation for Higher Education • If you are unsure about career direction, choose 2 to keep your options open • The Russell Group guide for parents and students: INFORMED CHOICES – information about how to access the guide given out with programme.
ACHIEVING BREADTH – or those little extras! • General Studies at both AS & A2; 2 lessons per fortnight • Further Mathematics at AS • Re-sit English and/or Mathematics GCSE • Enrichment, work experience, voluntary work, sport, PSHE days, trips & visits
THE APPLICATIONS PROCESS • Application forms available on the website; we can provide paper copies if necessary • No option boxes • Choose 5 subjects & list them in order of preference; 5th choice = reserve choice • Personal statement
Complete form, print out & hand in to your tutor/Main School Office • Email form to Mrs. Munn : l.munn@thepolesworthschool.com • Post form (external applicants)
DEADLINES! • FRIDAY 9th March – for the initial round of applications • Vital to secure subject choices & for timetabling • BUT: we continue to accept applications right up to the end of the academic year; course choices & places may be restricted.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I’VE APPLIED? • INTERVIEWS – Spring Term • OFFERS • INDUCTION DAY – TUESDAY 17TH JULY • REGISTRATION – GCSE Results Day in August; course choices confirmed or amended
VISIT DEPARTMENTS www.thepolesworthschoolsixthform.com