Why Choose Simon Balle Sixth Form? We offer: • • • • • • • • •
A track record of high attainment and achievement High expectations for every student High quality teaching and learning A unique ethos valuing honesty, openness, social responsibility, hard work and commitment Excellent pastoral and academic support An all-round education (extracurricular opportunities) A dedicated and experienced sixth form team Employability skills and excellent preparation for the next steps A sixth form experience that students really enjoy – talk to our students, they are our best ambassadors
What subjects should students choose? Students can therefore choose: The key to success in the Sixth Form is studying the right courses. Each student needs to consider their interests and aspirations and find out as much as possible about potential courses. • We have a wide range of A Level subjects – some which are familiar to students as they build on knowledge from GCSE subjects, and some which will be new to students. • From 2016 a new suite of qualifications will be offered as Level 3 Technicals which can be studied at Extended Certificate Level (equivalent to one A Level) and/or at Foundation Diploma (equivalent to one and a half A Level). • They are aimed at people who enjoy learning in a practical, work-related way and have been designed to provide high quality, industry recognised qualifications that acknowledge skills, knowledge and understanding of the sector, together with the settings, job roles, principles and values involved.
Level 3 Technical Qualifications
• • •
A Level Pathway (3 or 4 subjects) Mixed Pathway - A Level and Technical (3 or 4 subjects) Technical Pathway (2, 3 or 4 subjects)
Each pathway gives students the opportunity to move forward with confidence into Higher Education, Higher Level Apprenticeships or Employment. •
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – This is an opportunity for students to embark on a largely selfdirected and self-motivated project. Students must choose a topic, plan, research and develop their idea and decide on their finished product. It is worth half an A Level and is highly regarded by many universities. Further subjects are often available as part of our Consortium arrangements working closely with other local schools
All qualifications carry UCAS points. These subjects can be studied as the equivalent to one or one and a half A Levels
Entry Requirement
Business Studies Cambridge Technical
Encourages the development of a wide range of business knowledge and skills in a vocational and practical context.
C in Maths and English
Health and Social Care Technical
Aimed at students seeking a career in the health and safety sector, social work, nursing, caring or probation service and provides access to higher education/university. There will be opportunities for work placements at local primary schools, nurseries and residential care homes.
5 A* - C at GCSE normally including English, Maths and Science
ICT Cambridge Technical
Encourages the development of a wide range of ICT knowledge and skills in a vocational and practical context.
B or pass in ICT
Science Technical
Aimed at students with an interest in careers with a scientific element and builds upon the practical skills and knowledge developed at GCSE level.
CC in Core & Additional Science, CCC Triple Science, C Maths and English
A Levels
Entry Requirements
Art
Develops creative imagination and improve analytical response to art.
B in Art
Biology
Develops essential knowledge and understanding of biological concepts and refine practical and research skills
BBB (Bio, Phy, Chem with English B), or Science Core A, Additional A, Maths B
Chemistry
Develops essential knowledge and understanding of concepts involved in chemistry and refine practical and research skills
BBB (Bio, Phy, Chem) or AA in Science Core and Additional), Maths B
Drama & Theatre Studies
Combines performing scripted plays, analysing theatre production and evaluating all elements of drama and theatre
B in Drama and C in English, or a proven record in performance
Economics
Examines the forces of supply and demand in markets and how resources are allocated at business, national and international scales
B in English and Maths
English Literature
Develops clear and effective responses to literature. A love of reading is essential.
B in English Language & Literature
Film Studies
Encourages understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film.
C in English
French
Develops fluency in the French language and allows confident communication.
B in French
Further Maths
This course aims to extend mathematical skills
A in Maths
Geography
Develops insight into the relationship between the physical and human environment and examines geographical issues at a variety of scales
B in Geography
Government & Politics
Develops understanding of the political process and examines current political debates in the UK and around the world.
B in English Language & Literature
History
Extends and develops skills in evaluating and interpreting source material from specific historical periods
B in History B in English
Maths
Extends mathematical skills and sample different areas of mathematics.
A in Maths
Music
Extends composition and performance skills as well as improving analytical skills through aural perception
B in Music.
Music Technology
Develops ability in creating music and competence in the use of studio recording equipment
Ability to read music.
Photography
Explores a range of photographic media, techniques and processes and aims to develop creative imagination and improve analytical response to the work of other photographers.
B in Art and/or Design
PE
Develops an appreciation of social, moral and cultural issues which affect provision, participation and performance in physical activity as well as retaining a strong practical element.
B in PE (B in PE theory) C in Science
Physics
Develops essential knowledge and understanding of concepts involved in physics and refine practical and research skills
A in Physics and Maths or AA Science Core & Additional Maths also studied at AS
Product Design
Builds the theoretical and creative aspects of product design with the opportunity to design and make resistant materials products.
B in Product Design
Psychology
Explores the science of the mind and behaviour – how do people behave and how do their minds work?
B in Maths and Science B in English
Philosophy, Religion & Ethics
Extends knowledge and understanding of religious ideas and how people make moral and ethical decisions
B in English
Sociology
Investigates the interaction between groups of people throughout our society and the impact that social structures such as political, legal, family and education systems have on these interactions.
B in English Language