Introduction

Life in the Sixth Form at Habs is fast-paced, dynamic and exciting. There are huge opportunities for academic, social and personal development, and so there is also a need for Sixth Form students to have genuine commitment to independent study, self-discipline and a readiness to take advantage of the many opportunities that we offer.

As is the case for the current Lower Sixth, from September 2023, all Sixth Form students will have joint lessons in at least one of their A Level subjects. These lessons will be taught either at the Boys’ School or at the Girls’ School.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity, which is enabling us to maximise our resources and ensure that all Habs Elstree students leave fully prepared for the modern world.

All Sixth Form students will be enrolled in The Habs Diploma, our unique curriculum, which encourages both academic depth, and the broadening of students’ educational experience. In addition to students’ three or four A Levels, all students will take part in:

• An independent study project • Subject enhancement • Elective courses • A visiting speaker programme • An element of Community Service

In the Sixth Form, we strongly encourage students to opt for subjects for which they have a passion. We know that if students have a genuine interest in their subjects, they work harder, they do better and, most importantly, they are happier. The extent to which students enjoy their subjects must be the first priority when deciding which A Level options to take.

Higher education and career aspirations may be relevant factors, but we know that success depends on intrinsic motivation. Students and parents should not allow vocational goals to outweigh genuine enjoyment of a particular discipline. For the vast majority of career paths, what is most important is a great degree from a top institution; students should therefore opt at A Level, and indeed beyond, to study subjects that they enjoy.

You need to choose three academic subjects to study as linear A Levels. Students may wish to opt for four subjects, unless you opt for Further Maths, in which case you will be taking four in total. This is a considerable undertaking but is suitable for students who are highly motivated and determined to work very hard, and who have four subjects that they are highly passionate about.

All students should show sufficient attainment to meet a programme of study in at least three subjects in order to secure a place in the Sixth Form.

First and foremost, students should opt to study subjects that they enjoy and that they are good at. For most A Level options, you should have studied the subject to GCSE. In addition, each subject in the Sixth Form has recommended GCSE grade requirements:

For most subjects, the minimum GCSE grade required to continue to study the subject at A Level is a Grade 7.

Where the step-up to A Level work is most pronounced, there are certain further expectations in place to ensure a student is able to thrive in those subjects.

In Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, a Grade 8 is essential, although we would recommend a Grade 9.

In Further Maths, a strong Grade 9 at GCSE is required.

For following new subjects, the following recommendations apply:

Economics and Computing – a Grade 8 in GCSE Maths is required although a Grade 9 Is recommended.

Philosophy and Politics - a Grade 8 in a related GCSE, such as Religious Studies, English or History, is recommended.

The following subjects may allow students who have not studied GCSE to join their A Level courses:

Classical Civilisation Computing Design Engineering Geography History Psychology Theatre Studies Religious Studies PE (Physical Education)

Heads of Department will always be happy to discuss individual issues and all entries will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

The schools’ libraries are an excellent source of information and inspiration. All students will be expected to use the libraries regularly during their A Level studies for further research, wider reading or silent working. These are skills that all universities demand of their students.

The libraries retains an impressive stock of A Level and University level texts, which may help Year 11 students to understand the content and nature of a subject at a higher level. The excellent library teams are readily available to support and guide all students in their studies.

Most of our students apply to Russell Group Universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Bristol and the colleges of the University of London. We are delighted to support

successful applications to study Music at prestigious conservatories such as Trinity and the Guildhall. In recent years, increasing numbers have looked to America, accepting places at Stanford, Berkeley and UCLA to name a few. We are also seeing candidates succeed in applications to very prestigious Degree Apprenticeship programmes. The main principle behind the selection of A Levels has already been outlined: genuine interest and passion for each subject. However, if you already have a degree in mind, you should check that your chosen subjects will enable you to make a competitive application. If you are hoping to study Medicine, you must be aware of the entry requirements of the different medical schools. A number of Science-based undergraduate courses require Maths A Level. There are a number of ways to access guidance around A Level choices. The first is to use the UCAS website (www.ucas.com). If you click on ‘course search’ you will create a list of all the courses available and their entrance requirements. The second is to talk to someone at school. Each school has a team of University Advisors, expert in supporting students with university applications. You can also seek guidance from: Boys’ School: Mrs Turbett, Head of University Applications Mrs Nash, Head of Careers

Girls’ School:

Mrs Mee, Head of Sixth Form Mrs Graham, Careers and Higher Education Advisor Miss Lane, Teacher in Charge of Medical Applicants

The application process to universities and colleges in the UK is managed by UCAS. Students will be given extensive guidance with this process, beginning in the Autumn of Year 12. Successful UCAS applications are supported by superb GCSE results, top University Admissions test scores and excellent A Level predictions. The personal statement demonstrates love of a chosen subject while the reference explains the school’s support for the candidate. It is important to remember that it is an excellent academic track record combined with the ability to think flexibly that makes for a successful application rather than the UCAS process itself.

To support all students in making choices that are best for them, there will be a number of opportunities to seek further detail and guidance:

Monday 3 October Joint Schools Options Evening Tuesday 4 to Friday 14 October Further presentations and opportunities for questions in class and at lunch time (for new subjects)

Tuesday 4 October to Thursday 3 November Tuesday 1 to Friday 18 November Individual conversations with tutors

Individual conversations with senior teachers

Tuesday 22November Deadline for Year 11 students to submit their options

Choices will be submitted online, via a link which will be sent to all students after half term.