FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Sixth Form

1. What are Level 3 courses?

All qualifications are given a level with indicates their difficulty. This goes from entry level to level 8. A-levels are just one example of Level 3 courses. BTEC’s are another form. On completing A-levels students might go onto degree courses which are referred to as Level 6.

2. Are BTEC’s the same as A-levels?

They are equivalent to each other but involve different ways of getting to the end grade. BTEC’s usually use a mixture or coursework and examinations to assess students and these can be completed at various times during the course. A-levels on the other hand will always involve exams and for many subjects it will be 100% exams. Grades come in the form of Pass, Merit or Distinction (rather than A*-E grades as with A-levels). Each unit of work will be graded (Pass, Merit or Distinction) and goes towards the final grade. In terms of University, a Pass is the equivalent of a grade E (worth 16 UCAS points), a merit the equivalent of a grade C (worth 32 UCAS points) and a Distinction the equivalent of a grade A (worth 48 UCAS points).

3. Are some A-level subjects considered better than others?

This is quite a controversial issue; people have worried that certain universities have a secret list of A level subjects they prefer, but the reality is that all A-level subjects are of value. Some courses will require specific subjects because they are relevant to the subject of the degree applied for. For example, music A-level is required for a music degree. Top universities like Oxford and Cambridge and Russell Group universities want to see students who have taken some A-levels that indicate students can cope with challenge. They like certain combinations of subjects, because they believe they are more likely to provide an effective preparation for study at their universities. The important word here is ‘combination’ of subjects so they aren’t saying there are any individual subjects that will be rejected. Apprenticeships and employers may require certain subjects because they provide the skills they are looking for but others are more likely to be concerned with grades rather than the subjects.

4. Do I need to have studied the subject at GCSE in order to study it at A-level?

It will depend on the subject. You will need to check the individual subject criteria in order to see what each subject requires. Some subjects like psychology are often not available at GCSE and so there is no expectation that you have studied it previously, however due to the nature of the course there are requirements in science and maths in order to study the subject at A-level.

5. What is UCAS?

It stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. This is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. They process more than two million applications for full-time undergraduate courses every year and also help students to find the right course via their excellent website www.ucas.com.

6. What are UCAS points?

It is a system for allocating points to qualifications used for entry to higher education. In simple terms a grade A* at A-level is worth 56 points, an A worth 48 points, B 40, C 32, D 24 and E 16 points.

7. What is a Russell Group University?

The Russell Group of universities is a group of 24 universities which all have excellent records in academic achievement and research. It is called the Russell Group because meetings of the group take place in the Russell Hotel. The term is used as a sort of short hand for top universities but actually many of the top universities are not part of this group. Universities who fall into these types of categories generally only take students with top A level grades. Typically the minimum for such universities will be at least ABB grades at A level and many will also look at GCSE results as well, expecting students to have achieve mainly grades 9 and 8 at GCSE.

8. Do I have to wear school uniform in the Sixth Form?

Sixth form students are required to dress in a manner which reflects the ethos and high expectations of the school, providing good role models to students in the lower school. The Sixth Form Dress Code parallels that for staff, ensuring there is consistency in the messages given. School issued lanyards must be worn at all times by staff and sixth form students. 

9. Can I take four A-levels?

Most students study only three subjects in the sixth form. Universities, apprenticeships and employers do not require more than this and the offer of a place will be based on three A-levels. However, we do have a small number of students who study four A-levels. Normally Further Maths is the fourth choice to combine with Maths and two other subjects. If your GCSE profile suggests that you would be capable of doing four subjects and you wish to do this then you will need to talk to Mr Starr to discuss this during registration. We would need to be confident that doing a fourth A-level would not impact on your performance in the other three.

10. How do I pay for food and drink at break and lunchtime?

The coffee shop in the school restaurant, the Olive Grove, is just for sixth form students and staff. It is open all day, not just at break and lunchtime. Payment can be by using contactless card and by your phone (if payment is set up on it). Mobile phones may be taken out in the coffee shop for payment only and then must be immediately placed out of sight again. We also operate a fingerprint payment option (whereby money is prepaid onto the system), but this is under review at the moment due to the current coronavirus situation.