Welcome to Sixth Form
Welcome
We are delighted you are considering joining the Sixth Form at Bryanston School Whether you are continuing your journey with us or joining from another setting, our Sixth Form offers an intellectually broad curriculum and is a dynamic supportive and fun environment designed to prepare you for life beyond school
MAKING YOUR CHOICES FOR CURRENT PUPILS
In the January of B (Year 11), following GCSE mock exams, a Sixth Form Subject Fair, and ongoing careers discussions, pupils will begin to make their Sixth Form programme and subject choices These choices are finalised during the B Parents’ Meeting at the end of January
FOR NEW PUPILS
New pupils joining Bryanston in the Sixth Form follow the same selection process after they have been offered a place
Your first decision will be to choose between one of the following academic pathways: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
A level programme
Combined A level and Cambridge Technicals (CTEC)
Once a pathway is chosen, you will be guided to select specific subjects within that programme We are proud of the breadth and flexibility of subjects and pathways available
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AND EXPECTATIONS
While the IB and A Level programmes have many similarities most notably in their aim to prepare pupils for the wider world there are key differences The IBDP offers a more structured and guided subject framework, including the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge course A Level pupils are expected to broaden their experience through academic enrichment opportunities, independent research projects and our Life Matters programme, which are essential for building a strong university application and, just as importantly, for personal growth
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBJECTS
When selecting your subjects:
You should aim to have achieved at least a grade 7 at GCSE in subjects you wish to continue at Sixth Form
A Level pupils will typically choose three subjects to study in A3 (Year 12)
A compulsory weekly enrichment programme adds academic and co-curricular depth to your timetable
Some subject combinations may not be possible due to timetabling constraints We always strive to accommodate your preferences, but we advise you to consider your choices carefully.
MAKING CHANGES
While we understand that interests may evolve:
Changes after the end of the summer term are difficult to accommodate and are not guaranteed
Changing subjects in Sixth Form affects a much larger portion of the academic programme than at GCSE
Course changes will be considered: Within the first two weeks of the Autumn term (A3/Year 12)
In the week before the October half-term, your first formal assessment
We are always reviewing and refining our subject offerings, and this guide may be subject to change year to year
SELECTING A LEVEL SUBJECTS
Course choices and combinations should be based upon subjects you are good at, enjoy studying and of which you wish to acquire a deeper knowledge and understanding The incidence of Non-Examination Assessments (NEAs), formerly called coursework, should also be taken into account when building the desired combination; obviously, NEAs reduce the weight of written exams but may have deadlines which overlap with other subjects
After those considerations have been weighed, the effect of a particular combination on future options ought to be taken into account
WORKLOAD
It is expected that during assignment periods and prep you will spend on average five hours per subject each week
CONTACT US
If you have any questions about the Sixth Form curriculum, subject combinations, or academic pathways, please don’t hesitate to reach out We are here to support you through every step of the decision-making process
Liz Thornton Head of Sixth Form
Sixth Form ichment
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e has top GCSEs (think 8s and 9s) and will On top of that, successful candidates m for the subject of their choice are rarely successful
roject of at least 12 months This consists of irements of your sixth form course, and After all, these courses receive applications from the top students around the world Bryanston’ s incredible sporting and extra-curricular programme may have to take a back seat while you prioritise your academics
One of the things that makes teaching at these universities so distinctive is that it is often carried out through discussion and dialogue So our preparation for an application, and hopefully, an interview, involves presentations, debates and discussions. If you are willing to talk about an obscure detail at great length, or debate to the point where you change your position entirely, then this style of teaching might be for you
For some subjects there are admissions tests – for which intensive preparation and practice is required The universities’ websites have all the details
If you have not yet been put off, then it’ s time to start Where is your passion and what course fits that passion? Go to an open day and check out these universities in real life Can you see yourself there?
If so talk to your tutor, and get the ball rolling.
INTERNATIONAL PATHWAYS
Every year thirty or more pupils show an interest in applying to universities abroad There is nothing wrong with the well-trodden path through UCAS to British universities, but young people - and Bryanston pupils in particular - are more outward looking, open to new ideas and willing to explore what the world can offer them Here at Bryanston, we want to give them every opportunity to look beyond the obvious and see what is out there, and regular events in the sixth form calendar do that There are the bigger events such as University Roadshows where representatives from up to twelve international universities visit Bryanston, as well as smaller events throughout the year where reps from specialist universities visit to talk to smaller groups of interested pupils In school, pupils are welcome to come and chat one-to-one and explore options
In recent years, pupils have received offers from prestigious universities around the world, including USA, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Hong Kong and even Korea. There are former Bryanston pupils at specialist hospitality universities in Switzerland, studying fashion in Paris and attending Ivy League universities in the US If pupils make the decision to apply, we meet regularly with them in one-to-one sessions They will get the support they need with their application in terms of references and documentationand support doesn’t stop when A level or IB results come out as documents may need be sent to universities Some pupils also decide to post apply and Bryanston has always been very supportive of those pupils who decide to take that route
Like Oxbridge applications, applying internationally is better if not left to the last minute Some countries have very straightforward application processes, but others can be very involved Some universities in the US require the SAT/ACT exam and preparation for this takes time. American universities also look at the whole person, so extra-curricular activities, clubs, sports and responsibilities will feature in your application, so you will need time to get involved and build a suitable portfolio of these
So, to explore the idea of international universities further, check out the various events and book in for a chat
DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS
WHAT IS A DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP?
A degree apprenticeship allows you to gain a university degree while working combining a fulltime job with part-time study Your employer covers the cost of your degree, and you also receive a salary Typically, you'll work four days a week and study one day, which could take place at home, online, or on-site.
KEY BENEFITS
1 No university tuition fees
2 Earn while you learn
3 Gain a recognised university degree and work experience
4 Develop valuable skills and professional confidence
5 Starting salary circa of £20K
TIMELINE & SUPPORT
Vacancies typically open in the October of the pupils A2 (Year 13)
Throughout A3 (Year 12), the pupils will have chances to connect with companies offering degree apprenticeships, receive CV writing help, interview tips, and take part in mock assessments to build up their experiences
In A2 (Year 13), the pupils will receive one-to-one guidance including finding suitable apprenticeships, the application process, mock interviews with industry professionals and Old Bryanstonians (OBs) who have previously taken this route
Every business and pupils' application is different Having one to one support throughout the process helps to give them the best chance of success
WORLD OF WORK
Accessing opportunities to engage in real world learning; hear from career professionals and entrepreneurs; and experience the rapidly evolving world of work are essential for our pupils irrespective of their preferred future pathway Employability for all pupils is about developing an enquiring mindset, acquiring the skills and competences to start and develop your professional career, gaining lived experiences and building valuable connections
My role is to bridge the gap between school and the world of work through a combination of skills workshops, speaker series and, if appropriate, one to one guidance sessions We also provide dedicated support to pupils looking: for work experience to learn about a potential future career or develop their knowledge of a particular field to enter work on leaving school (including those looking for real world experience before committing to a degree or degree apprenticeship) planning to start up their own business
EPQ
The EPQ is highly recommended for pupils applying to university as it demonstrates an ability to write and reference academically and provides evidence that pupils have a real interest in a subject It mirrors the independent style of learning required for success at degree level and in the workplace
The EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points for an A* and it could just tip the scales to get pupils into their chosen university on results day
The project is also valued by employers In addition, it provides you with key skills which are valuable to universities and the world of work
There are three compulsory aspects of the EPQ:
A log (on Project Q) detailing the whole of your research process
A presentation
An academic essay of 5000 words or an artefact with a 2000 word essay
The course comprises of 30 taught hours and 90 of independent work with the aid of an assigned supervisor