The Academic Curriculum

You will be encouraged to be aspirational and to aim to achieve the highest academic standards. We offer a superb learning environment with small classes, excellent teaching and a first class level of pastoral care. You will have a wealth of opportunities available to you in the Sixth Form and can take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Most students are appointed to a leadership position which provides them with increased responsibility and helps in their personal development. All this is offered in an incredibly friendly atmosphere which is noted and remarked upon by many visitors to St James. In return, we require you to demonstrate a high level of commitment both to your studies and to carrying out your positions of responsibility. Our Sixth Formers work hard from the very beginning. They need to undertake additional study for their chosen subjects and not simply rely on their textbooks. This additional study could involve background reading of books, periodicals and research papers as well as attending external courses and lectures. Although supported, you will also need to learn to work independently in preparation for university life and many students are helped in this aspect by undertaking the Extended Project Qualification. A vital element of the two year A Level course is your commitment to your own learning and a spirit of independent enquiry. We offer a wide range of subjects: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Greek, Computer Science, Drama & Theatre, Economics, English Literature, French, Geography, Hinduism, History, History of Art, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology and Spanish. In Year 12 you may choose four subjects from a five band matrix. Most students will continue to A Level with three subjects although it is possible to continue with all four subjects. We also offer the Extended Project Qualification which is highly respected by universities and helps students to develop outstanding research practice and achieve a valuable qualification. In Year 12 you will begin the Extended Project Qualification and in the Spring Term you will give a presentation or performance of your project. If you wish to pursue your study further you will complete the project during the summer holiday and at the beginning of Year 13. In the Autumn and Spring Terms, Examination Practice Papers are given once a week after school. These provide opportunities for regular practice of writing answers to time and development of examination technique. You will be in a tutor group and will meet your Sixth Form Tutor every two to four weeks. At these regular meetings you can discuss your progress and any issues relating to your work or personal development. Your Form Tutor will help you manage your time and workload and will work with you to set clear working objectives for the following two to four weeks.