Sixth Form Guide
SixthForm at Wakefield College
“I’ve become much more confident after studying at Wakefield College’s Sixth Form Centre and have really developed my presentation skills and essay writing which will be helpful to have for my degree.”
Romana Criminology, Psychology and Law student
Wakefield College will take all reasonable steps to provide the educational services and range of courses as described in this Sixth Form Guide and in other related documents. However, it does not guarantee the provision of such services. The provision of courses is dependent on there being sufficient demand to make their operation viable for the College to run. At the time of publication (October 2024) all course titles and information were correct. Updates to this Guide will be made to the online version available at www.wakefield.ac.uk
Welcome to Wakefield College
Sam Wright Principal and Chief Executive of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Hello and welcome to Wakefield College’s Sixth Form Guide. Transitioning from secondary school into Further Education can be incredibly daunting, but our experienced and supportive staff will be with you every step of the way.
We’re confident that by choosing us, we will provide you with the foundation to progress successfully onto your next steps – whether that be onto university, studying at our University Centre here at Wakefield College or into employment or a higher apprenticeship.
Our staff go above and beyond to ensure our students have the knowledge and support to thrive both academically and personally – enabling them to become the best versions of themselves, whatever their path is.
We understand that development and growth happen both in and outside the classroom, and that is why we have invested heavily in our facilities, student support services and enrichment opportunities to create an all-round exceptional experience for our students.
Our ability to equip our students with the knowledge and skills to enter a range of industries was recognised by Ofsted when we were recently inspected in October 2023, with the College receiving a ‘Strong’ skills rating.
The College was also rated ‘Good’ across the board – meaning you will study in a place where quality of education, personal development opportunities and creating a positive environment for students are at the forefront.
I hope this gives you a small insight into what it’s like to be a Sixth Form student at Wakefield College. You can come and explore this first-hand by visiting one of our Open Events, which are listed on page 25.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or need any more information, please call our Course Information Team on 01924 789111, email courseinfo@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk, or visit our website www.wakefield.ac.uk
A high number of our students progress to positive destinations after completing their qualifications with us, including Russell Group universities.
We place highly in the A Level Performance Systems (ALPS) Quality Indicator score, with our teaching exceeding national benchmarks.
We offer a wide variety of stimulating and facilitating A Level courses, from Economics to Art & Design.
Our friendly and supportive environment means staff give you the time and dedication you need to help you progress.
Our highly-qualified teaching staff are specialists in their subject areas, ensuring our students learn from the very best.
Your Study Programme
At Wakefield College, our aim is to help you to be successful on your chosen course, but we also want you to look beyond your time with us so we can prepare you for your future - whether that’s progressing to another course in College, getting a job, an Apprenticeship, setting up a business or going onto study at a degree-level programme here at our University Centre, or at an alternative university.
Our full-time study programme for 16-18 year olds is all about preparing you for your life after College. Of course, you will be given lots of support to help you to achieve your academic and vocational qualifications, but our study programmes are about so much more than that!
Your programme is made up of lessons in your chosen subject and other equally important sessions to make sure you are ready for your next step.
Support
You’ll have personal and group tutorials (called Goals) with your tutors, as well as further support from our highly skilled and dedicated team as needed.
Navigate
Activities and experiences to develop skills through trips, visits, guest speakers, volunteering, enrichment, clubs and societies.
What A Levels Might I Need for University?
Some universities will be very specific about which A Level subjects they would like you to study, others won’t be. There is no simple rule to this, except of course, do your research. The table below will give you an idea of some typical university subjects and the A Levels that they are likely to be looking for:
UNIVERSITY SUBJECT
ESSENTIAL A LEVELS
Accountancy Mathematics
Computing Mathematics
Economics Most courses require Mathematics, Economics
English
English Literature/Language (sometimes both required)
Engineering Mathematics, Physics
Geology/Earth Sciences Mathematics, Science
History History
Law
English Literature/Language
Medicine/Dentistry Chemistry, Biology
Nursing/Midwifery Biology
Optometry Biology
Pharmacy Chemistry, Biology
Physics Physics, Mathematics
Physiotherapy Biology
Psychology Social Sciences
Veterinary Science Biology, Chemistry
USEFUL A LEVELS
Business, Economics
Further Maths, Physics
Business
Humanities, Social Science
Chemistry
Geography
Law, English
History, Law
Mathematics, Psychology
Chemistry, Psychology
Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics
Psychology, Maths, Biology, Physics
Further Science subject including Mathematics is recommended
Mathematics, Biology
Mathematics or Physics is recommended
Typical A Level subject choices that go well together are:
+ Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics
+ Economics, History, Politics
+ Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics
+ English Literature, History and one other
+ Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
+ Psychology, Sociology and one other
+ Art, Photography and one other
Our Subjects 2025/26
ART, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
+ Art, Craft & Design
+ Photography
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
+ Business
+ Economics
ENGLISH & HUMANITIES
+ English Language
+ English Literature
+ Geography
+ History
FILM, MEDIA & TELEVISION
+ Film Studies
+ Media Studies
MATHS
+ Mathematics
+ Further Mathematics
+ Biology
+ Chemistry
+ Physics SCIENCE
SOCIAL SCIENCES
+ Diploma in Criminology
+ Law
+ Psychology
+ Sociology
+ Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology
Mentoring for Excellence
Are you a high-achieving student and see your future at one of the UK’s top universities? Then our Mentoring for Excellence programme is here to help you!
Over the years, our Mentoring for Excellence programme has helped many of our students achieve places at a number of Russell Group universities, including the University of Cambridge, Durham University, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford.
What the programme offers
+ Additional support to ensure you are aware of the opportunities available to you.
+ Links with some of the UK’s best universities.
+ Summer schools, work experience and mentoring to support your UCAS statement.
+ Encouragement to take an additional subject and study for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to develop your academic skills.
+ Opportunity to attend enrichment activities, including debates, current affairs, political and economic awareness and intellectual and academic development.
How can our Mentoring for Excellence programme benefit you?
+ Opportunity to improve skills, raise aspirations and develop high levels of performance.
+ Access to a dedicated and skilled person who can offer encouragement and inspiration.
+ One-to-one support.
+ Stimulate ideas.
+ Improve motivation, persistence and application.
+ Improve communication skills, self-esteem and confidence.
+ Develop skills of reflection, target setting and action planning.
+ Raise awareness of options available in higher education.
“The Mentoring for Excellence Programme is a fantastic opportunity which many of our students have already benefitted from. Don’t let it pass you by, take advantage of the chance to maximise your potential!”
Karen Ralphs, Head of A Levels at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Mentoring sessions - what do they include?
Your mentoring meetings should have an individual and personalised approach and can therefore include a wide range of activities and discussions, such as:
+ Exploring and reinforcing the benefits of exceeding target grades.
+ Raising aspirations, for example regarding progression into top universities.
+ Tracking progress.
+ Identifying any issues blocking progress.
+ Providing encouragement and support, for example to improve attitudes to work.
+ Providing inspiration and challenge, for example through positive role models.
+ Developing employability skills including interview and presentation skills.
+ Providing the experience necessary to ease the transition from college into higher education.
To take part in our Mentoring for Excellence programme, you must be between the ages of 16 and 18 and have a predicted Grade 7-9 profile at GCSE on your College application (this will be checked on enrolment by actual achievement).
“I’ve enjoyed doing the practical assignments in my Science subjects and the independence I’ve had
in
directing my
own
learning,
whilst also receiving support from my tutors. They have been particularly helpful with my personal statement and providing opportunities outside of College, such as work experience.”
Chloe Biology, Chemistry, Maths and EPQ
“Being on the ‘Mentoring for Excellence’ scheme has been useful due to the monthly check-ins and support from my mentor.”
Ella, former student who went on to study English and History at the University of Oxford
Results 2024
Students secured places at some of Britain’s top universities, including Newcastle University and the University of York.
100%
PASS RATE ACHIEVED FOR ENGLISH LITERATURE FOR THE 19TH YEAR
100%
PASS RATE ACHIEVED ON 9 A LEVEL COURSES
Success Stories
George
Subject
Chemistry (A*) Biology (A*) and Maths (A*)
Destination
Medicine at the University of East Anglia
“The University of East Anglia was my first-choice university so I’m extremely happy I’ve got the grades to study Medicine there. I’ve always wanted to be a Surgeon from a young age as my mum works in the healthcare sector and I really look up to her.”
Lillianna Romana
Subject
English Language (B), Sociology (B) and Media Studies (B)
Destination
English Language & Linguistics at the University of York
“I chose my A Level subjects because I enjoyed them at GCSE level and have always loved writing. My favourite thing about College was studying Media because it’s a creative subject and I really liked my tutor.”
Subject
Criminology (C), Psychology (B) and Law (C)
Destination
Psychology at Leeds Beckett University
“I’ve become much more confident after studying at Wakefield College’s Sixth Form Centre and have really developed my presentation skills and essay writing which will be helpful for my degree.”
Student Progression
Where our students
progress to...
Anaiya Criminology, English Language and Sociology
Destination: Detective Apprenticeship at West Yorkshire Police
Nathan Film Studies, History and Sociology
Destination: Film Studies at Sheffield Hallam University
Lillianna
English Language, Sociology and Media Studies
Destination:
English Language and Linguistics at the University of York
George Chemistry, Biology and Maths
Destination:
Medicine at the University of East Anglia Metropolitan University
SixthForm at Wakefield College
Enrichment
At Wakefield College, we offer students a range of enrichment opportunities designed to enhance your experience by allowing you to try new activities, develop skills and meet new people.
We make our courses varied and interesting by packing in extra features like guest speakers, visits and residential opportunities or overseas trips. Getting involved in extra activities can really boost your UCAS application to make you stand out from the crowd!
Trips and Visits
As a Sixth Form student, you will take part in a range of activities an including residentials and visits to some of the UK’s top universities.
This most recently includes a trip to the Yorkshire Dales, a visit to the European Organization for Nuclear Research and workshops at the University of Huddersfield and University of Leeds. Students are also able to hear from a range of professionals in the field, with guest talks delivered by Professor Chris Lintott from the University of Oxford and HMP Wakefield most recently.
Academy of Sporting Excellence
If you are forward thinking and ambitious, our Academy of Sporting Excellence provides you the chance to excel in your desired sport, get an education and progress playing professionally, semi-professionally and even abroad. Our Academy is made up of three specialist programmes:
+ Athlete Development Programme
+ Football Development Programme
+ Rugby Development Programme
Students are also able to access a range of enrichment activities including debates, current affairs, political and economic awareness and intellectual and academic development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q] What is an A Level?
A Levels (Advanced Levels) are traditionally regarded as the ‘academic’ route to university and will explore largely theoretical approaches to subjects. A Levels are assessed primarily through exams at the end of the course and your grades will entirely depend on how well you have revised and prepared for the exams. You will have assessments and mock exams during the two years to assess how you are coping with the work, to track your progress and to help you prepare for the final exams.
Q] What does studying A Levels entail?
A Levels are a significant step-up from studying for GCSEs and can be challenging. Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time per subject outside the classroom – doing set work, reviewing work from lessons, reading, research and revising. As an A Level student, you will be expected to undertake lots of independent study – which will help to prepare you for life at university if you choose to progress onto higher education.
Q] Are A Levels right for me?
If you have a real interest in your subjects, enjoy studying, are able to work independently and thrive in examinations, then an A Level programme is right for you.
A Levels are important qualifications because they open up new opportunities for you. You will need the right A Level subjects to get a place to study an undergraduate degree, or a higher apprenticeship. Also, A Levels are internationally recognised qualifications, which means they can also open up career or further study opportunities outside the UK, giving you access to a whole world of learning.
Q] What are our standard entry requirements?
Students will usually choose three subjects. The minimum requirement is at least four GCSEs at Grade 5 (or above), plus Grade 4 (or above) in English and Maths. Some A Levels will have additional requirements, such as a Grade 5 if the subject was taken at GCSE, or a Grade 5 or 6 in Maths. If you have not achieved a Grade 4 in English and Maths, you will be required to continue studying this alongside your course.
Q] What can I progress to after studying A Levels?
Our A Levels are focused on facilitating subjects to ensure the majority of our students can progress on to higher education, including Russell Group universities. However, you may choose to pursue a higher apprenticeship or employment following the completion of your A Level qualifications.
OCTOBER 2024
Open Event
Wednesday 16th October, 5pm-7pm
NOVEMBER 2024
Open Event
Saturday 23rd November, 10am–12pm
FEBRUARY 2025
Open Event
Wednesday 12th February, 5pm–7pm
Have you submitted your application?
If not, do so as soon as possible. Applications received by February Half Term will be given priority for an interview date. If you need advice please call our Course Information Team on 01924 789111.
JUNE 2025
Open Event
Saturday 14th June, 10am–12pm
JULY 2025
New Student Day
Attend a New Student Day event in July to participate in course related activities, meet other students and find out what College life is like.
AUGUST 2025
A Level, Vocational and T Level results released, as well as GCSE results.
If you need help or advice about your next steps, visit our guidance events at your school or in college. Enrolment begins from GCSE results day.
Scan the QR code or visit www.wakefield.ac.uk/events to find out more and register
What our Students Say
“I have had many opportunities to speak about careers with my tutors and visiting professionals such as the local police force. We have also had the chance to visit universities. This has made me feel more prepared for when I leave College as I’ve been made aware of all the options available to me.”
ROWENNE Criminology, Psychology and Sociology
“All my tutors were amazing and were one of my favourite things about studying at Wakefield College’s Sixth Form Centre. My A Levels have taught me how to effectively write essays and be analytical, as well as build my digital skills such as video editing which will prepare me for university.”
NATHAN
Film Studies, History and Sociology
“I’ve learnt a lot at Wakefield College’s Sixth Form Centre, including essay writing and socialising skills from all the group work we do. We also get to take part in extra-curricular activities including sports teams – I have enjoyed playing five-a-side football at the College. My A Levels will massively help me go to university and onto my chosen career as a police detective.”
THOMAS Criminology, Geography and Sociology
“I really recommend Wakefield College’s Sixth Form Centre as it is a supportive and friendly environment where tutors give you time and always put you first. I have had one-to-ones with my tutor and the Careers Team where we discuss my university and career prospects. I’d love to go to a Russell Group university to study Zoology.”
ESTHER Biology, Chemistry and Maths
How to Apply
Making a decision...
Browse through the prospectus, come to our Open Events, and talk to your parents, friends, and teachers about the courses you’re interested in to help you decide what you want to study. If you are unsure what you would like to do, call our Course Information Team on 01924 789111 who will be happy to help.
Apply online
You apply online directly via the Wakefield College website: www.wakefield.ac.uk/apply
Please contact our Admissions Team on 01924 789110 or at admissions@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk if you have any questions about the application process.
Invited for interview
You will be invited for an interview for your first choice course only. This is your chance to ask questions about your chosen course and make sure the course is right for you.
Congrats! You receive an offer in writing
Please accept your place by calling the Admissions Team on 01924 789110 or emailing admissions@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Get a taste of College life
Attend a New Student Day event in July to participate in course related activities, meet other students and find out what being a Sixth Form student at Wakefield College is like.
06.
Enrolment
We will invite you into College to enrol for your chosen course in August, when you will become a full-time student.
Supporting Your Future
As a Wakefield College Sixth Form student, you will receive additional support to ensure you are made fully aware of the opportunities available to you and are motivated and equipped to apply for them. This includes signposting you to opportunities through our very wellestablished links with some of the UK’s best universities.
We will also encourage you to take advantage of summer schools, work experience and extra-curricular activities to build your portfolio. This includes studying an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside your A Levels, helping you to further develop your academic skills as well as securing an additional qualification.
We will also provide one-to-one mentoring to support you with your UCAS statement, helping you to prepare a competitive application and with any interviews you might secure.
Careers Support
We provide excellent careers and next steps support, including work experience and other enrichment opportunities, as well as activities in College and visits further afield. We strongly believe in preparing students for their future, which means not only making sure they know the right answers but also ask the right questions.
We are accredited to the Matrix Standard, which is the international standard for Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services.
Personal Progression
We want our students to be independent and to think for themselves; ensuring when they strive for a particular degree course or job that they have all the necessary skills and confidence to achieve their goals.
In addition to our considerable links with different universities, we also offer other opportunities to progress, including a range of higher education courses and apprenticeship routes with local and regional employers, at College.
Find out more by contacting our Careers Team at careers@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
College Life
As a Sixth Form student, you will be able to make the most of our state-of-the-art facilities and expansive learning materials.
Our A Level curriculum is mostly delivered in our Sixth Form Centre in the Harrison Building, which has dedicated classrooms and spaces for learners. The building is also home to our fully-stocked library and Student Central. We also have specialised science laboratories, sports facilities and an Art, Design, Photography and Media centre.
Our campus also has a range of social spaces, including our onsite Coffee Shop which proudly serves Starbucks coffee – providing you with a space to relax, grab a drink and meet with friends. Our refectory also serves a range of delicious hot and cold food.
Work up a sweat in our extensive facilities for Sports students, including a gym, fitness testing lab, therapy and massage suite and pitches.
Student Central
Student Central is designed to support your success as a student, by providing you with:
+ Attendance Support
+ Careers Information and Guidance
+ Financial Support
+ Safeguarding Support
+ Wellbeing Support
+ Young Adult Carers Support
Activity Leaders
You will also have the opportunity to become an activity leader, helping to organise clubs, social trips and visits as well as supporting the Students’ Union. Take advantage of your timetable-free Wednesday afternoons!
If you are into sport, you can also become a Sports Activator which organises extra-curricular sports and activities across all campuses, alongside offering you advice regarding any volunteering, coaching, and training opportunities in sport.
Volunteering
Do you want the opportunity to develop key skills, become a leader, or work with other students or young people? We have lots of volunteering opportunities available so please contact your activity leader!
Students’ Union
Every student at Wakefield College is part of the Students’ Union. Your Students’ Union is here to support and represent you and is a big part of college life. You can also put yourself forward for a role in the Students’ Union Executive to be a class rep and become the voice of your fellow students. You can also register for a TOTUM student discount card (replaces old NUS card) and get discounts in high street stores and online.
Navigate
Navigate is a programme of events and activities to develop your wider employability skills. You’ll get a programme for the year during induction and additional activities and reminders will be advertised on a weekly basis.
For more information come and speak to us in Student Central.
Student Voice Council
Each group at College has a class rep so that your voice is always heard and your opinions shared. If you’re a class rep, you’ll be a member of the Student Voice Council and will meet regularly with staff to help inform change and improve things for students.
Counselling Support
Counselling offers a confidential space to talk in privacy about anything that is bothering you. This may be online, telephone or face-to-face.
Work Placements
As a Wakefield College Sixth Form student, you will have the opportunity to undertake work experience that is relevant to your studies. We have a dedicated Work Placements Team who have excellent links with local employers.
Work experience is a great way to build your skills and to try out a certain role or career before you embark on it. A work placement also enables you to get hands-on experience in the workplace, helping to prepare you for your next steps once you have left College.
Our supportive Work Experience Team has strong links with local and national employers in a range of sectors, meaning they can help to find a work placement that’s right for you.
Contact the team on 01924 789413 or at workplacements@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Types of work placement:
Work placements can be carried out throughout the academic year as an extended placement which runs alongside your course, in a variety of ways:
+ Block placements of 1-2 weeks during non-term time hours.
+ As a commissioned project around your timetable.
The Work Placements Team will:
+ Inform you of placement and apprenticeship opportunities.
+ Speak to employers on your behalf and set up interviews with them.
+ Prepare you for your placement and support you while you’re there.
+ Make sure that you are in a safe and positive environment.
+ Review your placement with you, your employer and your tutor.
+ Support you to source your own work placement in your chosen field.
Student MADDIE said about her work experience:
“I really enjoy the work placement and getting to bond with the children. We have learnt about safeguarding and how to keep a child safe in class, which I can put into practice on my work placement. I want to become a Teacher in a Nursery or Primary School and this course is giving me the qualifications I need to achieve this.”
Many
employers treat a placement like work, so you will need to be
prepared to:
+ Research your chosen career.
+ Create a CV and prepare yourself for interviews.
+ Contact local employers about placement vacancies and pass the information on to the Work Placements Team.
+ Undertake a work readiness assessment and attend workshops.
+ Be prepared to undertake your placement outside of the days you are in College.
+ Be punctual and keen to learn new skills.
+ Keep a log and complete a relevant piece of coursework while on placement.
+ Complete an agreed placement of a minimum of 30 hours.
