St Thomas More Catholic School Sixth Form Options Evening 2015
How good are we? We are one of the top performing schools in Gateshead post 16 Over half of grades achieved last year were A*- B. Average grade at A level is now C+ with a long running upward trend. Very high completion rate for all courses.
Sixth Form Options Evening National Changes to Post-16 education The Post-16 Curriculum Making the transition from Y11 to Sixth Form Making the correct choice of courses What else do we offer?
Changes Nationally Reform to A Levels Implemented by the Government Phased in over next few years with all changes in place by 2019 Decoupling of AS from A level Terminal assessment - end of 2 years
New A level Introduction September 2015 First teaching of new AS and A level in: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English language, English Literature, Art and Design, Business, Computer Science, Economics, History, Psychology. The following remain on the existing legacy courses: French, German, Philosophy & Ethics, Geography, Theatre Studies, Music, PE, Maths, Further Maths and D.T. remain on the legacy specifications
Courses Available All course are level 3 and follow on from the level 2 courses studied at Key Stage 4. There are two potential routes available to our students: GCE Pathway: AS and A Level courses VOCATIONAL Pathway: Vocational courses & Double AS / A Levels
The GCE Pathway Most students will be expected to study 4x AS qualifications in Year 12 and 3 x A Level qualifications in Year 13. New GCE Courses AS and A Level are now separate courses. All new courses will be structured so that students can study AS and then go on to complete A2 with the exception of History.
GCE Pathway: New AS Level Studied in year 12 with examinations at the end of year AS Level qualification can be awarded if you stop at the end of Year 12 Content of the AS is the same as for the first year of the A Level The AS grade and marks no longer contribute to the final A Level grade. Graded A to U
GCE Pathway: New A Level Taken at the end of year 13 with examination at the end of the year. Examinations and Assessment covers all material covered in years 12 an 13. Graded A* to U
GCE Pathway: Legacy AS / A Level A level is split into AS in year 12 and A2 in year 13 AS levels Represent half of full A Level AS Level qualification can be awarded if you stop at the end of Year 12 AS Graded A to U A2 level Represents second half of the full A level Full A level qualification awarded on successful completion A2 Graded A* to U
AS and A2 courses Art and Design Art and Design (Textiles) Applied Science Biology Business Studies Computing Chemistry Design Technology Drama and Theatre Studies Engineering English Literature English Language French Geography German Health and Social Care History* ICT Mathematics Further Mathematics Music Music Technology Philosophy and Ethics Physical Education Physics Psychology
Vocational Pathways A variety of courses are offered that allow students to specialise in specific areas. These may be double A levels or specific vocational courses, but all courses have a significant element of coursework Double Award / 12 Unit = 2 A levels Single Award / 6 Units = 1 A level Grading will either be A*-U or Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail
Vocational Subjects ICT Art & Design Health & Social Care Engineering Sport Science Business Studies
What do the students think about our Sixth Form? Joseph Rees Amy Hood Francesca Ronan Hayley Simpson The Students View
Key Stages in Induction Autumn Term Post-16 routes covered in Pastoral sessions Targeted Careers interview Spring Term Sixth Form Options Evening Provisional subject choices
Induction (continued) Summer Term GCSE Examinations in May/June Induction Day in July August/September 2015 Results Day advice Thursday August 20th Registration Day Tuesday, August 25th Finalise subject choices Sixth Form courses begin
How to choose? Career Higher Education Requirement Evaluation of Success Wide Options Staff Recommendations
Subjects giving broad options Some university courses may require you to have studied a specific subject prior to entry, others may not. However, there are some subjects that are required more often than others. These are sometimes called Facilitating subjects.
Facilitating Subjects Subjects that can be viewed as facilitating subjects are: Mathematics and Further Mathematics English (Literature) Physics, Biology and Chemistry Geography History Languages (Classical and Modern)
Vocational Course Destinations Nursing Studies Sports Coaching Sport & Exercise Science Childhood Studies Fashion Design & Marketing Mechanical Engineering Northumbria Northumbria Sheffield University Northumbria Northumbria Greenwich
Other Destinations English & American Literature English Language Law Pharmacy Biology English Language & History Physics Medicine Goldsmiths Edinburgh University Oxford Manchester University Royal Holloway-London Glasgow University Edinburgh University Queens Belfast
Local Destinations Natural Sciences / Biological Sciences Mathematics / Computer Science Biochemistry / Biomedical Sciences Geography / Chemical Engineering Nursing / Psychology / Criminology Architectural Technology / Physics / Law Fashion Design & Marketing / Sports Coaching / International Business Man. Fashion Product & promotion English Language & Linguistics Business & Marketing Durham Newcastle Northumbria Sunderland
Monitoring Target Setting Assessment Review
Information, Advice & Guidance Students Pastoral Programme Careers Interviews Speakers, visits Parents Presentation evening in Oct 2015 HE Presentation evening in March 2016 Careers advice is available tonight in the Library
Skills Developments Extended Project Qualification Equal to an AS qualification At A2 level Liked by universities
Sixth Form Ethos Community with a shared sense of purpose Based on Christian values Each student should fulfil potential High expectations Strong work ethic Developing the whole person
Personal Development Specialised Pastoral Programme Study Skills UCAS preparation CV preparation Interview practice Debating PSHE Core Studies Vast array of activities to develop our students to be competitive and confident in the real world Extra Curriculum Drama, Duke of Edinburgh, Music, Sport, Trips.
Connexions Our advisor, Sue Oakley is available this evening in room IT1.