The Sixth Form Curriculum

The Sixth Form programme centres around three main subject choices. Occasionally, and by individual agreement, we are able to arrange for a boy to take a fourth subject off-timetable (e g if a boy is fluent in a second language), or for a pupil to take fewer than three subjects, but the overall curriculum is built around three choices In this regard, BTECs and A levels are completely interchangeable – i e you can take up to three of either course Supplementing your three options, everyone also studies PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and one or more enrichment subject

The overall structure is as follows:

° 1st choice A level*

° 2nd choice A level*

° 3rd choice A level*

° Wellbeing (PSHEE)

° Enrichment option(s)

° Study Periods

* One or more of these A level options may be replaced with a BTEC alternative

There is one exception to this pattern which applies only if you want to take Further Mathematics A level. Further Mathematicians may take FM as a fourth A level on two conditions: a) That you pick Mathematics as one of your three main A level choices; b) That you accept that you will be able to choose from a more limited range of enrichment options This is because FM sits within the enrichment structure and not in the main curriculum blocks

A block system operates at A level When you make your choices you will be asked to rank them in order of preference (1 to 3) You will also be asked to select a reserve choice too After you have made your choices all subjects will be allocated to one or more of the timetable blocks Although we try to offer you as much choice as possible and will make every effort to accommodate your choices, timetabling constraints mean that it might not be possible to offer every combination of subjects In a given year, if we cannot offer the three A level subjects you have chosen, we will try to give you your reserve choice If we have to do this, you will have an interview with the Deputy Head (Academic) beforehand, who will explain what option combinations are available to choose from

Once your initial choices have been made, the timetable blocks will be fixed Should you wish to change your choices after this point, it is still possible but you will only be able to do so within the blocking system that has been devised, and subject to there being space available in that subject Therefore, your initial choices need to be as accurate as possible

Notes:

• Drama and Politics are taught at Sherborne Girls. Spaces on these courses are limited and it may not be possible to timetable these options with everything else you wish to do If you are interested in taking either Politics or Drama you must contact the Deputy Head (Academic) before choosing them

• The School reserves the right not to offer a particular course if there is insufficient demand to justify a viable set

• It is perfectly fine to study Economics and Business together The same applies to Business and Enterprise & Entrepreneurship BTEC You are not advised to take all three

• If you are considering picking two or three BTEC courses, please read the next page carefully

• Further Mathematics is available as a fourth choice A level but it must be chosen in combination with Mathematics A level

• Boys fluent in a second language may explore the possibility of taking an A level in this language in addition to their three A level choices. If this is relevant to you please discuss this possibility with Dr Filtness, the Deputy Head (Academic), and Mrs Judy Thurman, the Head of Modern Foreign Languages, before making your options choices