INTRODUCTION

After completing Year 11, students enter Year 12 to specialise in courses which will take them into their future careers and adult life.  Students usually spend 2 years in the Sixth Form and will leave qualified with either advanced or intermediate qualifications.

The courses outlined in this Curriculum Guide are divided into level 3 courses (advanced) and level 2 courses (intermediate).Any student wishing to enter University must complete advanced level (level 3) qualifications and is expected to study to a high level for 2 years.  Level 3 courses are only suitable for students who have the equivalent of 5 A – C grade GCSEs.  Students opting to enter further education, or begin a career can study for 1 or 2 years.  Intermediate level courses are more suitable for either EAL students or for students who did not achieve A – C grades in Year 11.

At the start of the year students will be set targets with their subject teachers.  These will be reviewed throughout the year.  Tutors will be able to support students with strategies to help meet the targets.

Students are expected to provide equipment required for their courses including files and certain textbooks.  All details regarding independent study and coursework deadlines can be recorded in the student organiser.  Teachers and parents are also able to communicate through the organiser.  A high level of independent study is expected of post 16 students.  A study room, computer suite and a library with a dedicated sixth form area is available for use in school.
Students are treated with a level of maturity, which recognises their age.  Students are then expected to respond with the same level of maturity towards staff and other students within the college.  As study at post 16 is voluntary, teachers will expect a high level of commitment and enthusiasm towards their subject from students.  Post 16 students are after all studying through choice and have the goal of a career or a place in University to work towards. 

ENRICHMENT STUDIES

Enrichment studies are a compulsory aspect of the curriculum at Post 16.  They comprise of the following areas:
• PSHE (personal, social and health education)
• Careers /UCAS
• Citizenship
• PE
• Mentoring Key Stage 3 pupils
• Theatre Trips
• Compiling a student magazine
 
The reason we include these additional areas is to give you a full and broad education.  In addition to studying towards your subjects, you have the opportunity to gain further knowledge, experience and skills in other areas.  For some of these areas there is no formal qualification.  Instead you will be guided and supported in many experiences, which may affect you in or outside of school.  You will also be able to learn new skills to support you through your studies or in adult life.

PSHE, CAREERS/UCAS, CITIZENSHIP

These sessions involve group work and have an informal approach.  Areas for study include: study skills, drugs awareness, sex education, peer pressure, our society, careers information and support for students who wish to apply for a place at university (UCAS).

Head of Year 12 &13: Mr. M. Haines