A Level and IB Diploma Admissions Criteria

Introduction

A Level and IB Diploma Admissions Criteria

Sixth Form study is designed to allow students to pursue subjects in which they have a particular interest to a much greater depth and breadth. As such, students are encouraged to opt for subjects they enjoy with a passion and to which they are willing and able to dedicate at least two more years of study. Naturally, a certain level of academic achievement in these subjects is also required for the student to be successful and to enable them to progress to university.

Internal Applicants

The Personalised Option Plan (POP) is the standard entry requirement used for all courses and is used to determine a current student’s suitability for Sixth Form College. It is issued to existing students in March of Year 11 and it indicates the department’s judgement about whether a student has both the attitude and aptitude to achieve at least an E at A Level, a 3 at Standard Level IBDP, or a 4 at Higher Level IBDP at the end of Year 13, assuming good progress is made. The Pastoral component of the POP indicates whether the student will make a positive impact on the cohort.

The POP takes into account the student’s track record in terms of:

• Work Ethic • Attitude and conduct • Academic Integrity • Contribution to School Life • Positive Impact on the Cohort • Academic Attainment to Date • Mock Examination Results

External Applicants

When considering a student’s suitability for entry to the Sixth Form College the same criteria apply. Successful applicants should have an average B grade profile, based on performance in the Mock (I)GCSE examinations, with at least an (I)GCSE Grade B (or 5-6 in the new I/GCSE grading scale) in the subjects to be pursued at A Level or HL IBDP, unless otherwise specified. As a guide, an MYP grade of 5 or above is generally regarded as equivalent.

External applicants applying to attend Sixth Form College are asked to provide the following information to support their applications;

• Completed Application Form • School Reports (last two years) • Confidential Education Report Form (completed by the current school and returned directly to the Admissions Team) • Pathway Choice (A Level or IBDP) • Subject Choices • University and Career Aspirations

• Mock Examination Results (if applicable)

We also take into account the students track record in terms of:

• Work Ethic • Attitude and conduct • Academic Integrity • Contribution to School Life • Positive Impact on the Cohort

The Head of Sixth Form and the Admissions Director will review the applications and interview the applicants either face to face, via Skype or by telephone. Applicants will usually be asked to complete some form of assessment to ascertain their suitability to join the Sixth Form, and to ensure that the pathway and subject choices provide an appropriate challenge and are in line with the pathway regulations.

The assessment can take the following form for both A Level and IBDP;

• ALIS Online Assessment (45-minute progressive CEM assessment, no preparation required) • A Level – diagnostic assessments for individual subjects (if the student cannot demonstrate that they meet the required entry requirement) • IBDP – diagnostic assessments for the Higher Level subjects (if the student cannot demonstrate that they meet the required entry requirement) • IBDP – Mother Tongue diagnostic assessment to ensure that the level selected will be an appropriate challenge in line with the IBDP regulations. • A Level and IBDP – students may be required to provide additional material to support their application, such as an art portfolio or attend an audition.