Welcome
A warm welcome to the OSFC prospectus Welcome from Soraia Barbosa Student Governor
For each and every one of us, success matters, but we know it looks different for everyone. We are here to make sure you achieve whatever it is you want. From Oxford to Glasgow, via Manchester and Liverpool, our students can be found in the best universities in the UK and abroad, but there are so many other options too. Our specialist staff will help you to build your future. That may be university, or it may not. Oldham Sixth Form College alumni can be found in apprenticeships, travelling the world and even owners of their own businesses.
We know that it’s crucially important for you to study the courses that matter to you, led by expert and experienced teachers who understand how to help you maximise your potential. That’s why our Pathways give you access to over 50 courses, including the brand-new T Level qualifications, BTECs and over 35 A Levels, more than anyone else in the local area.
The Oldham Sixth Form College Experience goes far beyond the classroom. From our university-style independent study areas to the outstanding careers department and renowned Xtras Programme, you will have access to the best facilities and opportunities available. We also appreciate that sometimes we all need more support. That’s why our approachable and warm wellbeing team are always on hand to lend a friendly ear if you need someone to talk to.
If you work with us, you will find success. We very much hope you can see your future with us. Please read the prospectus and come and visit us to find out more.
Suzannah Reeves Principal
Being a student at OSFC is a transformative experience for me, marked by academic challenges, personal growth, and development of crucial life skills. It involves attending classes, engaging in discussion, completing assignments, and preparing for exams. OSFC has provided me with an environment for both personal and academic exploration.
I feel that students here have a better opportunity to connect with peers, fostering a sense of community. Tutors play a pivotal role in guiding students, like me, through their academic journey. Experts in their field, they offer in-depth knowledge and facilitate critical thinking. Here at OSFC, there is an emphasis on independent learning with tutors mentoring and supporting this pursuit for knowledge.
I feel that getting involved in extracurricular activities can significantly enhance the college experience. Participation in clubs, events, or sports can provide opportunities for personal growth, upskilling, and the formation of lasting friendships. It contributes to a well-rounded education, as students engage with diverse perspectives and interests beyond their academic studies.
I would describe college as a time of self-discovery and personal development, an opportunity to explore new subjects, challenge preconceptions, and gain a deeper understanding of personal values and the world. After leaving college, I hope to pursue a degree, or engage in an apprenticeship linked with business management and hospitality.
Results & Successes
1,800 grades awarded at A*-A and equivalent
90%
High Grades in A Level
Further Maths
100%
100%
Pass rate in...
74%
High Grades in A Level
Italian
High Grades in Diploma Science
French, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature and History
71%
High Grades in A Level Art and Design
100%
Pass rate in...
English Language, Dance
Further Maths, English Dual Accounting, Media and Spanish
62%
High Grades in A Level Maths
32 courses achieved a 100% pass rate
87%
High Grades in A Level Spanish
95%
High Grades in Extended Sport
75%
High Grades in A Level French
86%
High Grades in Extended Diploma Science
100% Pass rate in... Film, Italian, Ancient History, Art and Design, Statistics, Politics, Drama and PE
90%
High Grades in Extended Diploma Art and Design
Oldham Sixth Form College Experience
In The Know
Getting into effective independent study habits is a key factor in being a successful student at The Sixth Form College. We have all the resources available to help you do just that. The Know is an exciting university style integrated learning environment located over two floors, housing books, PCs, a wide variety of open access study facilities and a comprehensive range of digital services.
STEP INTO A COLLEGE THAT OFFERS YOU MORE
Xtras
Futures
Our Xtras Programme is the envy of schools and colleges across the country. You will benefit from access to a HUGE range of activities. These will help you to find interests you didn’t know you had, supplement your classroom learning and be invaluable to boost university/apprenticeship/job applications. Importantly, Xtras is also there to make sure you have fun.
Wellbeing
We fully recognise our statutory and moral responsibilities for safeguarding and providing you with the information and tools to be safe. But we know your wellbeing goes beyond that and we have a real focus on looking after all aspects of your emotional wellbeing and supporting you as you grow and develop.
We have two qualified careers advisers, with over 30 years of experience between them. They are based in college and are on hand every day to give you advice about Higher Education, apprenticeships and career opportunities. You will create your individual progression planner during your time with us which helps you to identify your future route in education and employment, and understand the steps to reach your goals.
Outstanding Education
The foundation of your success at The Sixth Form College will be in the high quality of the classroom learning. By joining us, you will have the chance to join our incredible alumni who have gone on to achieve extraordinary things.
Student Life You
What does it mean to be part of The Oldham Sixth Form College family?
At The Sixth Form College you will experience a different sort of student life than the one you have been used to. We deliberately are not like school because we want you to be ready for whatever comes next, be that university or employment. But we also offer you support every step of the way.
You will meet lots of other people like you - everyone studying at The Sixth Form College is of a similar age, 16-19. There are no year 7s around the place, and there are no 19+ adults on courses, which means students share a lot in common. However, students come to us from many different schools with a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds, meaning there is lots to learn from each other too.
Two years goes by very quickly, and you will change significantly in this time. As you start in September you are a school leaver and, two years later, you say goodbye to us as a confident adult. In other words you will have taken some big steps whilst here.
For starters, you will decide what you wear - no uniforms! You will decide how you manage your study time - no school timetable! You will soon realise how much we encourage your independence because in treating you like an adult, we put you in charge of your choices.
SCAN TO LEARN
You will have received your offer of a place following your interview sometime between January and April
You get your GCSE results in August You will attend an enrolment interview followed by a college induction
Get involved in our Pink Day Charity Fundraising event organised by the Student Union Collect for our Christmas Charity Appeal
Half term break 1 week
You have end of term assessments in December Christmas break 2 weeks You may have exams in January
Year 12
Parents
Year 12
Parents
Evening
Come and watch the College Musical or maybe you are in it!
Evening Easter Break 2 weeks Sports Olympathon
Once your results are published in August you can enrol onto your year 13 courses In September year 13 begins
You will be given a laptop/ chromebook
You will get a college timetable (which is not like a school timetable!) and classes begin in September Your Xtras programme begins
Mock exams take place in February
Get involved in British Science Week in March Half term break 1 week
Student Life Your Journey
What might your first year (year 12) at The Sixth Form College look like?
Look out for Wellbeing Week Half term 1 week
Summer break
The Summer Exams begin in May
You have reached the end of year 12! Its Celebration Day!
You will begin the university application process
Take part in residential trips and industry links
Start to plan your year 13 at the Futures Fair in June
Student Life Progress Tutors
Progress Tutors play a vital role in your life at the Sixth Form College.
They will guide you through the transition from school to college and remain with you throughout your two years and are the first person you should contact if you need help or advice.
Progress Tutors help you set and work towards your goals. They develop you as motivated and independent learners, who will thrive in the college environment and in the wider world. Your Progress Tutor is your critical friend, who helps you to reflect and take responsibility for your progress. Trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, they are also experts in dealing with stress and nurturing a positive mental outlook.
You will see your Progress Tutor every week in a tutorial class and you will also have 1:1 support. The weekly tutorials look at how students can make the most of their college experience and support you in making the big choices about your future. There is also a focus on careers-related activities, including looking at university, apprenticeship and job options after college.
Since graduating from the University of Salford with a First Class Honours degree, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant for a number of years before joining the police force as a Police Constable.
I am excited and proud to be taking on this role as a Progress Tutor working alongside students to ensure that they have the best experience possible here at OSFC.
“I am responsible for our work with students in schools, before they join Oldham Sixth Form College, and their progression to university, when they leave us, and I am passionate about helping students reach their aspirations. I run our programmes for our high achieving students, such as the Varsity Programme, the Oxbridge Group and our programmes for AspiringMedics (AMP) and Aspiring Lawyers (ALP).”
“I came to The Sixth Form College to work as a Progress Tutor in 2017, having previously gone back to university to do a Master’s degree in Musicology. I came to music quite late, only taking up my first instrument when I started my A Levels, so I particularly enjoy working with students to figure out what they want to do in the future and reminding them that life’s path is rarely straightforward!”
“I worked as a secondary school science teacher for several years, after studying Chemistry at The University of Manchester, and then completing my PGCE. Having worked as a teacher and now as a Progress Tutor, I have seen the impact that excellent pastoral support can have on a students’ academic progress. My main aim is to help my students realise that nothing is unachievable.”
Sahreen Ashfaq
“I am a qualified Climbing, Zip Wire, Segway and Archery Instructor. I have helped people face their fears, nurtured their hobbies and aided them with life experience beyond education.”
I am inspired to give to students the same experience I received at the college as a student, helping them to reach their potential and become who they want to be in life.
“I love being a progress tutor, as I can be part of the great team at The Sixth Form College leading our students towards their goals and helping them to make the right future plans and choices.”
Kyril Whittaker
Emma Hart
Tiree Kirk
Amreen Akhtar
Edd Pullin
Richard Lee
7:30
Catch the bus to Oldham (using my Our Pass card)
6:45
Wake up and get ready for college
A Day in the Life of an OSFC Student
8:30
Arrive at college and meet friends in The Restaurant before my first lesson
22:00
Relax, read a book, then sleep
The college day will be different every day of the week depending on your timetable.
9:00
My first lessonEnglish Literature. I take notes throughout my lesson to look back over later
10:10
Movement time in between lessons, I walk over to Duncan Lawton Building for my next lesson
10:20
My second lessonPsychology
21:00
Prepare myself and my books/equipment etc for college the next day
19:00
I will do any homework I have been set or read over my notes from today’s lessons
17:00
Relax or exercise for an hour before eating my dinner with my family
If you need to be in college for your first lesson of the day, that may be 9am or it may be later.
The college day ends at 4.15 but your last lesson may be earlier, in which case you are free to go.
11:30
I catch up with friends in The Cafe during break
11:45
I have a self study lesson so I spend time in The Know completing homework for my Biology lesson tomorrow.
16:15
I leave college and go into Oldham to get the bus home
15:05
I have my final lesson for the dayChemistry in the Science Centre. We have a busy lesson taking part in a practical experiment.
13:45
I have Tutorial, this is where we find out information about life at college, applying for university, set targets for the year and much more
12:45
I eat lunch with my friends in The Restaurant.
High academic achievements for our students supported through our OXNET programme, and Varsity+
1 10234 5 9876
A chromebook for every student whilst studying here
A state of the art science centre, climbing wall, 250 seat theatre, multi-gym, IT suites, art studios of our students go directly to University or onto apprenticeship programmes supported by our Futures Team and Progress Tutors
Top 10 ways we transform our students
Excellent facilities with easy transport links activities that will stretch your horizons and broaden your skills Xtras programme with over 80% 55 60
An adult learning environment that encourages your independence and confidence
Highly qualified teaching staff across all disciplines, working within the Pinnacle Research School
Four subject offer in year 12 giving you a wider range of subjects to choose from. You are less likely to get stuck with a course you struggle with
A Level and vocational subjects to choose from
Student Life: Supporting Sustainability
‘Staff and students take the future of our planet seriously. We set targets to reduce waste and consume less energy in order to shrink our carbon footprint.
The college is a signatory to the international ‘Race to Zero’ campaign. We are proud of our commitment to the environment. Even this prospectus is printed sustainably on recycled paper from sustainable forests
Each year a Student Sustainability Champion helps to coordinate the college’s sustainability activities with students and staff by helping launch initiatives like Sustainability Week, Just One Tree, and ‘SOS Teach In’.
Our Student Sustainability Champion contributes to the Pinnacle Trust Eco Conference which facilitates important environmental discussions in schools in Oldham. We encourage everyone to do their bit, like travelling to college responsibly on foot or by using public transport, which we hope will help make the centre of Oldham less traffic filled.
“Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes.”
Ofsted 2022
Student Life: Supporting Each Other
Financial support for your success
As a student at The Sixth Form College you can apply for financial support through our bursary scheme to help with college related expenses. Assessed on household income/ benefits received by either yourself or parent/ carer, this support is paid weekly and can be spent in the onsite cafés and restaurants. The scheme also provides assistance towards the cost of trips and exam resit fees.
Support for equipment
We will give you a chrome book for the duration of your studies so that everyone can access the online materials and resources. This device helps you interact with Google Workspace, a platform you will use extensively in college and at home in order to succeed in your studies. If you are studying Maths or Further Maths, we also provide a graphical calculator as an essential part of your studies.
Listening to You
Support for your travel: Our Pass
This pass allows you to travel for free on Greater Manchester buses, and includes a range of other benefits once you have signed up. Apply early and get all the advantages at the start of term.
Supporting You
We endeavour to empower all those within our college community to grow and have fun, feel safe and be successful. Staff and students have the freedom to be themselves and make the most of the opportunities available.
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) group is committed to maintaining an inclusive culture where everyone is valued and respected. We also have a long established student run Equality Network group which promotes awareness raising activities across the college.
The Student Union is your voice in college. It is run by students and is involved in many aspects of college life. The group regularly collects students’ opinions on aspects such as catering and marketing, and it is involved in activities such as sustainability, fundraising events and celebrations. Members of the Student Union sit on the college’s Governing Board and take part in the discussions of how the college is run. Find out who the members of the Student Union are, express your views and ideas by contacting the members, and maybe even think of joining it.
The college regularly runs consultations about your thoughts and experiences through surveys and discussion groups. Your views help shape what we do and how we do it.
The Student 100 is our sounding board that, along with the Student Union, contributes to conversations about what should happen in the college. Find out how to join the Student 100 at our Xtras Fair,at the start of term.
In The Know
The Know is an exciting university-style integrated learning environment located over two floors, housing books, PCs, a wide variety of study facilities and a comprehensive range of online services.
The Know also offers an up to date book stock covering all aspects of the courses you will be studying, popular magazines, and reference materials which will enable you to research any topic.
Wi-Fi access, laptops, e-books and e-readers are also available. Soon after you arrive, you will have an induction into The Know which will explain procedures and show you how best to benefit from your time here. You can also become a member of Oldham Libraries here.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KNOW AT OSFC
OSFC is
a
calm, focused environment in which students have a positive, mature attitude to learning. Ofsted 2022
Supporting you every day
We give you a laptop or a chromebook for the duration of your time at college. It is very important that every student has the same access to technology, so look after it, because someone else will be using it once you have left us.
It is your textbook, your notebook, your research tool and your organiser. We are a Google College which means we have pioneered the use of Google Workspace in our teaching. You will be introduced to the Google Apps needed for study, and you will soon become familiar with Google Classroom and Google Sites as important learning platforms.
Additional learning needs
If you have additional learning needs, our expert Learning Support team will ensure you can access the facilities and equipment you need to thrive. They will arrange:
� Literacy and numeracy workshops
� Individual or group support for dyslexia and other specific learning needs
� Learning Mentors
� In-class support
� Exam access arrangements
You will find study areas across all the college buildings where you can work independently on your assignments. We also have an extensive on-line resource bank including popular academic journals, National Theatre collections, The Science Reference Centre and Massolit.
You will have study periods on your timetable where instead of lessons you can use these facilities and develop your independent learning skills.
Making your learning effective
Achieve your potential and stand out from the crowd!
Being a successful sixth form college student requires you to be an independent learner and we encourage you to allocate an additional four hours of independent study per week for each subject. Through your bespoke Tutorial Programme we help you to study effectively and consistently.
A key tool we use to help you reflect on your current study habits is the ‘Effective Studying Checklist’. For studying to be effective it should include Content, Skills and Feedback activities.
� Content activities help consolidate your understanding of topics
� Skills activities help you check your understanding
� Feedback activities help you check what you know and what you need to look at again
The checklist helps students identify if they do all 3 types of activities and provides some simple, easy to use ideas for each activity.
Your timetable will include study periods, when we encourage you to make use of the many quiet and group study areas we have around college. We work hard to develop your time management skills, as well as your independent study skills, revision and recall techniques, so you become the best learner you can be.
Building independent study skills and making you the best learner you can be
OSFC Xtras
Our Xtras enrichment offer at The Sixth Form College is wide ranging and extensive.
It is designed to expand your opportunities beyond the specific requirements of your main programme of study.
We run over 60 activities as part of the Xtras programme over the year which help fuel your ambition and discover what you are passionate about.
Students flourish as individuals and become more active citizens in their communities.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT XTRAS AT OSFC
Stand out from the crowd!
With so many activities to choose from, the overall programme has to be flexible. For example some Xtras courses may last the whole year, as is the case in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which models a University style thesis in miniature, or The Music Collective, The Debating Society and Young Enterprise. They may, however, last just a term as you will find in Podcasting, First Aid or Beginners Spanish.
Ofsted 2022
Your Xtras experiences are build around a flexible menu that you can pick and choose from:
Xtras MAX
These activities last the whole year, or a large portion of the year. They really help develop important skills, new understanding and offer a real sense of achievement.
Xtras SHORTS
You can fit 2 or 3 ‘Shorts’ into your year, or combine them with Varsity Xtras, giving you flexible combinations of activity to really broaden your horizon.
Xtras GOLD
Wrap up all the activities in the DofE Gold Award? Almost all of our Xtras courses contribute towards the Award, so it can be really easy to complete DofE sections whilst you’re here. Equally, you may already be doing things that you can use towards your award such as, playing netball, musical instruments, learning First Aid, being in the College Production, improving your photography, or even learning to drive.
Xtras VARSITY
In preparation for writing personal statements and preparing for higher study on competitive courses these Xtras take place in the autumn term of year 13, and are perfect for giving personal statement/CV/application forms a boost.
Xtras LITE
Trips, activities and guest speakerseveryone should be taking part in at least 5 lite activities over the year - there is lots to choose from so take advantage of it all.
Xtras
We offer access to a range of online courses and activities, from driving theory to astronomy.
We have short courses lasting under six weeks that vary in style and structure such as Journalism, Equality and Diversity or Reading Buddies Volunteering. We also have student run activities: Chess Club, Switch, Dungeons and Dragons or Sustainability.
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is highly recognised throughout the country; according to a National Survey by the United Learning Trust, it’s the most important additional activity you can undertake in terms of employability and future prospects. Therefore, it can be instrumental in landing the university place or job you really want.
The Xtras programme helps build your personal statement for university or your CV for job applications. Places at the top universities are often awarded on the basis of your experiences beyond your subject knowledge. The Xtras programme gives you that opportunity.
Wellbeing
At The Sixth Form College, we are fully aware of the emotional health and wellbeing challenges that our students can face in their lives.
This is why we ensure everyone who attends our college has the best possible support to fulfil their potential and has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Student receive high quality support.
Ofsted 2022
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WELLBEING AT OSFC
How we help you thrive
We do this by:
� Ensuring we provide students with the information they need to keep themselves safe and well through tutorial and college-wide initiatives.
� Having high quality conversations with all students, when transitioning from school to college.
� Providing all students with a dedicated Progress Tutor, who can help with a range of issues - from study support, to mental health support.
� Giving students access to a specialist Welfare and Support team, who are able to help with more complex issues.
� Making counselling and psychological support available to students who may need it.
� Involving external agencies when specialist support is needed.
� Promoting the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
� Many of our staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid and Connect Five to help foster productive conversations surrounding mental health.
� Along with the brilliant additional support team, our Progress Tutors can confidently hold initial conversations and direct students to expert organisations, such as CAMHs, Oldham Talking Therapies and TOG Mind, so they can seek additional information and help.
Additional support and SEND
The Additional Support Team would be the key contacts you make before coming to the College and will be the people most involved in organising your support requirements. The SENDCO for the College is Karen Bates. Other members of the Additional Support Team include SkillsPlus+ tutors and Learning Support Assistants, who provide in class support, mentoring and run the supported lunch groups.
We welcome students with additional support needs and will try to make the transition from school to college as smooth as possible. Our friendly, expert Additional Support team work closely with students to ensure their learning needs are met. The College’s highly effective support for students with additional support needs is a key strength and students make excellent progress while they are with us. Support for students can take a variety of forms, including literacy workshops, individual or group support for dyslexia and other specific learning differences, skills plus+ sessions, mentoring, in class learning support assistants, and special arrangements for exams.
We are able to provide a range of specialist facilities and equipment including laptops, dictaphones and specialist software, through to adjustable height desks and a Braille facility. We also have close links with the Oldham SEN Advisory and Teaching Service, who provide valuable support and specialist advice. If you do have any special learning requirements, please fill out the relevant sections of the application form or contact the College before you start. We also liaise directly with your school, so all of your needs can be met. Copies of College publications are available in alternative formats, such as audio, large print and braille on request.
Your transition to College
We liaise with school to ensure any support that learners had at school and arrangements at GCSE level are in place for exams at College. Assessments are completed in College, as necessary by our specialist team.
We also encourage you to attend a transition appointment to meet the team and provide us with information about the past provision you have had in your exams, in lessons and any specialist equipment you may need.
Futures
We support your progression every step of the way.
Maybe you are aspiring to Oxbridge or a Russell Group university, perhaps the course you want to study at university requires particular experience or qualifications, you could have your eye on apprenticeships and vocational pathways into employment.
Students receive highly effective careers advice.
Ofsted 2022
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FUTURES AT OSFC
Employer Partnerships
As well as striving for academic excellence, we believe that developing a young person’s employability skills is equally important. To this end we link with a number of employer partners to help deliver a range of activities. These could be work placements, mock interviews, employer led projects and workplace visits.
Rugby Academy
The programme has been developed to allow 16-18-year-old learners to combine their academic studies at the college, while also taking part in the Rhinos’ world class rugby league performance programme and pathway.
This exciting enterprise, will provide the perfect opportunity for community players with a desire to progress into a high-quality academy. Students, both existing and potential, studying a range of subjects at the college will be able to access the programme.
Step into your next journey
Phoenix Dance
We are very fortunate to be partnered with Phoenix Dance Company, whose Youth Academy is based at the college. Student dancers from 13-18 have the opportunity to develop their career in dance and for those students enrolling onto the college’s A Level, blended or vocational pathways the youth academy is a valuable additional experience.
Airwalk Reply Leadership Academy
This is a brilliant opportunity for any students applying for really competitive degree courses or degree apprenticeships. It provides the opportunity to develop the skills and qualities top universities and employers are looking for. The Leadership Academy is delivered by project managers who work for one of the UK’s leading cloud specialist and consultancy groups, developing IT architecture, design and engineering for high profile clients such as the UK Parliament, HSBC, Mastercard, Bank of England plus many more global companies.
Screen Manchester
For students with interests and ambitions in the TV and Film industries the college is partnered with Screen Manchester through their Connected Campus programme. These are exciting times for this industry sector and specifically in Manchester with the development of Space Studio and of course Media City. The programme allows students access to guest speakers from within the industry, studio visits and intensive skills development at boot camps run by industry professionals.
This is an exciting new and exclusive partnership with Airwalk Reply that develops your leadership and project management skills through a recognised qualification in leadership. The Academy will run throughout Year 12 and will also involve the first 4 days during the Summer Holidays. With their support, you will put core leadership and project management skills into practice by developing and delivering a community project of your choice. Participating students will complete the Institute of Leadership & Management Young Leaders Award. This year we enjoyed a trip to the Airwalk Reply offices in Westminster, London. Our students benefited from employability workshops and met some of their mentors who will be supporting them through Year 13. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to stand out from the crown when making your university or apprenticeship applications.
I am grateful for the Varsity opportunities I’ve been able to access through OSFC to help me pursue Maths at Oxford - from competitions to masterclasses and even summer schools. I am incredibly grateful for the support given during the application and interview process too.
Josh Bruton
Varsity+
What is The Varsity+ Programme?
OSFC are proud to offer a wide range of specialist support for high achievers via our Xtras programme and links with external organisations. Whether you are aspiring to Oxbridge or a Russell Group university, we are able to support your progression every step of the way.
Our Varsity+ programme is the college’s overarching support programme for all students wanting to progress onto university. This includes regular sessions with Progress Tutors on options after sixth form college, access to 2 full-time Futures Advisors, an annual Futures Fair and various specialist support programmes.
Varsity Academy
The Varsity Academy is an exciting new initiative led by The Sixth Form College in conjunction with all 10 of its Oldham partner schools. It is an outreach programme that will see 160 of the most able Year 10 students in Oldham engage in ‘stretch and challenge’ activities for a year in preparation for their future studies at sixth form and at university. The 160 students will be selected by the schools each academic year, with 16 from each institution.
Aspiring Medics’ Programme (AMP)
AMP is aimed at students who aspire to study some of the most competitive courses at university; Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. The sessions will cover:
• Medical Ethics
• Personal Statements
• Work Experience
• Mockup Interviews
• Entrance Exams
• Inspirational visits from former students who are current Medicine students or now working as medical practitioners
• Visits from university guest speakers
Aspiring Lawyers’ Programme (AMP)
ALP is aimed at students who aspire to study this competitive degree course at university and we have a fantastic history of securing places on Law degrees for our students. Sessions will cover:
• Personal Statements
• Work Experience
• Entrance Exams
• Mock Interviews
• Visits/talks from university representatives
• Inspiring visits from former OSFC students who are either current Law students or working successfully for high profile Law firms
Specialist Support for High Achievers
Oxbridge Group
The Oxbridge Group supports students who are considering making applications to either Oxford or Cambridge University. The group starts meeting after half term in October, in Year 12 with sessions aiming to demystify Oxbridge.
Later in the year, the cohort subdivides into 3 more specialised groups; Oxbridge Humanities, Oxbridge Science and Oxbridge Medicine, meeting on a weekly basis. These smaller groups offer help with super-curricular research, applications, entrance exams and interviews. There is also the opportunity to attend an annual trip to Oxford.
OxNet Programme
OxNet is an ‘unashamedly academic’ outreach programme offered by Pembroke College (Oxford University). Students apply to 1 of 5 subject strands: Humanities, Philosophy and Religion; Science; Languages; English. Successful applicants will take part in online seminars, study days, competitions and a week-long summer school at Pembroke College. OSFC runs the English strand on behalf of Oxford University.
Which Pathway is right for me?
One benefit of studying at The Sixth Form College is that you really do get to fit your education around your interests and your future, and this starts in the classroom. With one of the broadest curriculums on offer in the whole of the North West, you can choose to study on one of four exciting Pathways...
4 Exciting Pathways
A Level Pathway
Providing more A Level courses than any other local provider. Step into a world of choice.
Vocational Pathway
Specialise in your chosen field. Step into our Vocational Pathway.
Blended Pathway
Combine exams and coursework study. Step into the right blend for you
T Level
Pathway
Designed by business, delivered by The Sixth Form College. Step into the next generation of education with our T Level courses
Flexible Studies
Introduction to Courses
There are over 50 courses from at The Sixth Form College and making your choice is not always straightforward. Use the information on the following pages to explore and discover more about each one.
Entry requirements
A Level and T Level Pathways
A minimum of 5 passes (above a 4) at GCSE, including at least a 4 in Mathematics AND English
Vocational and Blended Pathways:
A minimum of 5 passes (above a 4) at GCSE, including at least a 4 in Mathematics OR English
will immerse you in the world of electronic sports!
STEP 1 CORE SUBJECT
A Level Computer Science or BTEC Single Award IT
STEP 2
DEVELOPING TECHNICAL SKILLS
Choose from A Level Media, A Level Film, A Level Graphic Design, or BTEC Music
STEP 3
DEVELOPING PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Choose from BTEC Business, BTEC Travel & Tourism or BTEC Sport
STEP 4
DEVELOPING ACADEMIC BREADTH
Choose from another of the subjects already listed in ‘Developing Technical Skills’ and ‘Developing Project Management’ or another recommended course.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
British Esports Student Championships - team entries playing either League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League or Valorant.
PROGRESSION LINKS
University of Salford - Esports Business Management
ESports iMedia Live and Recorded Arts
immerse you in the world of interactive digital media!
STEP 1 CORE SUBJECT
BTEC Single Award IT (to develop computer literacy)
STEP 2
DEVELOPING VISUAL COMPOSITION & DIGITAL SKILLS
Choose from A Level Graphic Design or A Level Photography
STEP 3
DEVELOPING EDITING, VISUAL NARRATIVE OR WRITTEN SKILLS
Choose from A Level Media, A Level Film or A Level English Language
STEP 4
DEVELOPING ACADEMIC BREADTH
Choose from another of the subjects already listed in ‘Developing Visual Composition & Digital Skills’ and ‘Developing Editing, Visual Narrative Or Written Skills’ or another recommended course.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Podcast Production, Film Club, Journalism, Art Social Media, e-Magazine.
PROGRESSION LINKS
SODA (School of Digital Arts) at Manchester Metropolitan University
Futureworks: digital pathways
Arts Emergency Mentoring Scheme
immerse you in the world of the creative arts!
STEP 1 CORE SUBJECT
CAMTEC Performing Arts (combining drama, dance & music)
STEP 2
DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Choose from A Level Dance, A Level Drama or BTEC Music Performance
STEP 3
DEVELOPING RECORDING SKILLS
Choose from A Level Film, A Level Media or A Level Photography
STEP 4
DEVELOPING ACADEMIC BREADTH
Choose from another of the subjects already listed in Developing Performance Skills’ and ‘Developing Recording Skills’ or another recommended course.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Musical Theatre Production, Several Performance
Opportunities, Online Content Creation, National Theatre Script Writing Scheme, Residential Trip to London, Film Club.
PROGRESSION LINKS
Phoenix Dance Youth Academy
National Theatre Young Associates Programme
Arts Emergency Mentoring Scheme
3D Design
Could you be a maker? If so, you are a hands-on person, who will enjoy being creative and like the idea of exploring ideas through 2D drawings and with techniques using 3D media, materials and processes. The OSFC 3D Design course is the one for you.
No prior 3D designing or making experience is needed, as all of the skills and techniques you will use are introduced on the course. This is a fantastic A Level if you want to pursue a future in one of the many Art and Design career routes, develop your art and design skills generally or if you want to add variety to your study programme by taking a more practical, hands on subject.
Special Features
• Trips to local and national art galleries and Yorkshire Sculpture Park to widen your understanding of key concepts
• In situ research using urban and rural settings to stimulate original work
• Competitions, work opportunities and career talks from employers and universities
Ancient History
Discover a world of murder, mystery and the quest for power by reading accounts from the people who experienced these dangerous times and by examining the relics they left behind. Ancient History is the study of Greek and Roman history through the use of ancient sources.
This course will give you extremely important skills for both university and your future career: learn to analyse, interpret, evaluate source material and to debate key issues from ancient history. A great combination with modern History, as well as a refreshing contrast to topics you may have studied at GCSE.
Special Features
• Explore the civilisations and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome through primary sources and archaeological discoveries.
• Visit the Manchester and British Museum collections to explore the physical remains left behind by both the Greeks and the Romans.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: OCR
Assessment Year 1:
100% coursework (through an externally set project)
Assessment Year 2:
100% coursework (40% of this through an externally set project)
Special entry requirements: A minimum grade 4 in an Art related GCSE is required (this can include a 3D based Design Technology GCSE).
Pathway: A Level Exam board: OCR
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Applied Science
The BTEC Applied Science Double Diploma is the equivalent of 2 A Levels and will offer you a great opportunity to develop your practical skills within the laboratory and learn how science is carried out in industry. Unlike single science options this course places less emphasis on examination, and because it is a varied and wide ranging course, the skills you will acquire are more like those required for university study.
You will encounter all three sciences through core units , with slightly more emphasis on biology and chemistry when the specialist units are encountered. If you are interested in science as a prime area of study, but want to blend your programme with another course from a different discipline, then this course offers great flexibility.
Special Features
• A hands-on course which gives a real insight into working in scientific industries and prepares students well for university style assignments and coursework.
• Allows progression onto a huge range of scientific degree programmes including, Pure Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), Biomedical science, Healthcare science, Pharmaceutical science, and many more.
• Year 12 will have the opportunity to complete a week of work experience in a scientific field.
Applied Science
The BTEC in Applied Science offers you the chance to continue your studies of all three sciences but in vocational scenarios, with less emphasis on examinations than the A Level sciences. The course has a strong focus on developing practical skills within the laboratory and learning how science is carried out in industry. This is underpinned by the study of the key theoretical concepts and scientific principles common to all science courses. The Applied Science course covers a variety of general units from across all sciences, through to more specialised units like physiology of human body systems, medical physics applications and industrial chemical reactions.
As a wide ranging and varied course, the options for progressing into higher education and employment are also extremely varied. You will gain valuable organisational, time management and study skills to equip you well to continue your learning on higher education courses and throughout your career. This 3 A Level equivalent course is a full time course, so if you are a person who wants to immerse themselves in all things scientific this could be the perfect course for you.
Special Features
• Prepares you very well for university style assignments and coursework.
• A hands-on course which gives a real insight into working in scientific industries. For example, Year 12 will have the opportunity to complete a week of work experience in a scientific field.
• Allows progression onto a huge range of scientific degree programmes including, Pure Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), Biomedical science, Healthcare science, Pharmaceutical science, and many more.
Pathway: Blended Exam board: Edexcel (BTEC - Double Diploma)
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 46% Exam; 54% coursework
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 42% Exam; 58% coursework
Pathway: Vocational Exam board: Edexcel (BTEC - Triple Diploma)
Art and Design
This course is ideal if you want to study Art and Design full time. As the equivalent of 3 A Levels the course provides many opportunities to gain practical techniques and develop creative skills in a wide range of media.
Students experience many different ways of working and if you are the sort of creative individual who enjoys exploring a variety of processes, from mark making to 3D construction, there is lots for you to experiment with here.
Special Features
• As part of the course you will have visiting speakers from subject specialist areas, including previous students, University and employment providers.
• You will have the opportunity to enhance your learning through trips and visits, for example past students have visited Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Manchester art galleries and museums and university exhibition events.
• You can take part in student competitions and opportunities in Art and Design
Biology is the scientific discipline dedicated to the study of life, encompassing its fundamental characteristics, origins, and ongoing evolutionary processes. Our exploration in biology at OSFC begins with the examination of the molecular structures fundamental to life, namely DNA, RNA, and proteins. Subsequently, we delve into the intricate assembly of these molecules into specialised cells and organs, such as the heart and lungs. As a successful biology student you will also be confident in your written English as you will need to assimilate a considerable volume of terminology from across the breadth of the course. Moreover, students are encouraged to develop the practical scientific skills acquired during their GCSE studies as a foundation for their laboratory work at A Level. A robust proficiency in Maths is also indispensable for achieving success in this course.
Special Features
• Assignment of pre- and post-lesson independent learning tasks, totalling a minimum of five hours of homework per week.
• Instruction is delivered exclusively within state-of-the-art laboratory facilities by specialised teachers, thereby optimising opportunities for practical experiences.
• You are also encouraged to explore Biology beyond the realms of A Level by taking part in the Biology Olympiad competition and attend annual trips to Chester Zoo and Ainsdale Sands, facilitating first-hand observation and study of classification and ecological succession.
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Pathway: Vocational Exam board: OCR (Cambridge Technical - Triple Diploma)
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% coursework
Special entry requirements: A minimum grade 4 in an Art subject at GCSE is required. Exceptions may be made for able students who can supply a portfolio of work at enrolment.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% exam (3 x 2hr exams at the end of year 2) and Practical Endorsement
Special entry requirements: Two Grade 5s in GCSE Science
Business
Businesses are all around us; we all know and can recognise them instantly. Brands like Coca Cola, Cadbury and McDonalds are sold on every high street, in every city across the country. But how do businesses like these work? One day you will be learning about accounting, where accuracy and number skills are paramount to analyse cash flow, costs and profit. The next day you could be measuring how creativity ensures a product will sell.
The course you will study here at Oldham Sixth Form College is incredibly varied and covers the essential skills, such as communication and leadership, which you will need to one day manage or lead a business yourself.
Special Features
• You have the opportunity to take part in a simulation challenge set by Universities including the investor challenge. This is an exciting experience where students take part in team challenges, developing skills in working on the running of a virtual business. Your job is to make changes which will improve the profits of the business.
• We run a variety of trips which include a residential trip to London, trip to Chester Zoo, and Alton Towers. You also have the chance to take part in the Young Enterprise competition (see Xtras section).
“I
am grateful to all of the teachers at OSFC who have supported me in going to Cambridge to study Engineering. OSFC has been a brilliant part of my life!”
Joshua Tindall
A* Electronics, A* Further Maths, A* Maths, A* Physics
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 58% exam; 42% coursework (4 units, of which 2 are externally assessed)
Destination University of Cambridge Engineering
Pathway:
“My time at OSFC has been amazing! I am extremely appreciative of all of the support I have received over the last 2 years from my teachers.”
Iris Iftikhar
A* Biology, A Chemistry, A Maths
Destination
University College London Medicine
Our extended diploma is a full time course and is perfect for you if you are focused on developing a career in finance, marketing, event management, recruitment, planning and customer service. You have the opportunity to apply your learning through work experience which you complete during your first year of the course and through planning and managing a real event. One day you will be learning about accounting, where accuracy and number skills are paramount to analyse cash flow, costs and profit. The next day you could be measuring how creativity ensures a product will sell.
Our course is incredibly varied and covers the essential skills, such as communication and leadership, which you will need to one day manage or lead a business yourself.
Special Features
• You have the opportunity to take part in a simulation challenge set by Universities including the Investor Challenge. This is an exciting experience where students take part in team challenges, developing skills in working on the running of a virtual business. Your job is to make changes which will improve the profits of the business.
• We run a variety of trips which include a residential trip to London, trip to Chester Zoo, and Alton Towers. You also have the chance to take part in the Young Enterprise competition (see Xtras section).
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 42% exam; 58 % coursework (13 units in total of which 4 are externally assessed).
Pathway: Vocational Exam board: Edexcel (BTEC - Triple Diploma)
Business Studies
Business introduces you to the theory behind successful business management. We ask you to consider what makes a business profitable, why business leadership affects the way companies adapt to change, and how organisations can meet society’s needs and wants.
EXPLORE
We introduce you to key aspects of the business environment like marketing, strategic decision making, and the impact of the global economy. If you see yourself as a budding entrepreneur, perhaps you have an interest in business ethics or maybe creative people management, you will enjoy this course.
Special Features
• Educational trips to Alton Towers, Jaguar Land Rover, Coca Cola and residential trips to London, as well as visits to local universities.
• We arrange visiting speakers and lectures from The Bank of England and Price Waterhouse Cooper.
• You have the opportunity to enter the Young Enterprise local and national competitions to bring your business idea to life.
You will find chemistry is constantly evolving and developing as new discoveries are made. There are three main strands of chemistry that you will study which are physical, organic and inorganic, helping you to develop a better understanding of current scientific research and give you the analytical and problem solving skills you can apply in any chosen path after A Level. Many of the concepts studied at GCSE are included at A Level however the topics go into more depth. Topics such as rates and equilibrium, acids and bases become a lot more mathematical, with lots of problem solving. 20% of the marks available within the written examinations will be for assessment of mathematics (in the context of chemistry), so it is essential you are comfortable with high level maths such as logarithms, algebra and graphs. Practical skills are integrated with the theoretical topics and are assessed both through written papers and in the Practical Endorsement.
Special Features
• You are also encouraged to explore Chemistry beyond the realms of A Level by taking part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Year 12) and the RSC Chemistry Olympiad (Year 13) each year.
• You may be selected to take part in the annual Royal Society of Chemistry “Schools’ Analyst” competition; the College frequently gives a very good account of itself at this challenging event.
• You have the opportunity to take part in trips and to improve your lab skills through extra practical activities and presentations.
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
A Level Exam board: OCR
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Special entry requirements: Two Grade 5s in GCSE Science
Pathway:
Criminology Computer Science
This subject explores the relationship between hardware potential, software development, application of the principles associated with computational thinking. You will find this course an exciting blend of problem solving, systems design and operation, and legal and ethical considerations. You will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. A highlight of the course is the individual programming project. Our students really enjoy working on this. It is chosen by you, and gives you the opportunity to work independently. You will be expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to this practical coding programming project.
You will develop your technical understanding, where you will have to apply academic principles to real world systems. You will learn how to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions as well as thinking creatively and innovatively. These are skills which stretch across many subject disciplines and will prepare you for higher study in this or other related subjects.
Special Features
• Computer Systems, Algorithms and Processing, practical programming project
• Opportunities to get involved with competitions like the European CyberCup, we also offer a specialist course in cyber security and have a programme of visiting speakers from industry and higher education to incentivise you.
Shine a light into society’s darkest corners through the academic study of crime and criminals. What defines a crime? Why do people step over the line? How do the disciplines of law, psychology and sociology overlap to help us understand crime? Engage with real-life cases, tracing the path from crime scene to courtroom. If you’re fascinated with the criminal mind, eager to dissect various crime types, and curious about the link between offences and their consequences, this course is your gateway to the intricate world of Criminology.
Special Features
• Understand the psychological, social, and legal aspects of criminal behaviour.
• Tips and events such as the CSI Forensic Science Workshop, the trip to the Royal Courts of Justice in London and the Jack the Ripper tour.
Pathway: Blended Exam board: EDUQAS (Single Diploma)
Pathway:
Dance
Can you dance? If you’re passionate about Dance and enjoy expressing yourself through creative and imaginative choreography, this is the course for you! You’ll study a range of disciplines and styles, examining these both practically and theoretically to enhance your knowledge and understanding. You will develop your skills as both a performer and choreographer, performing regularly both individually and in an ensemble.
We have a strong record of outstanding results by adopting a practical approach to the course wherever possible, enabling you to be fully immersed in the content and enhancing your progress. Our students progress on a variety of future paths from a range of universities, contemporary dance schools, professional dance opportunities, teaching, and many more!
Special Features
• Our recent collaboration with Phoenix Dance Youth Academy provides the opportunity to train with the UK’s leading contemporary dance company outside of London. As an OSFC student you will have access to exclusive workshops, events and industry talks!
• Further enhance your experience with us on our annual theatre trips, workshops from Leeds Beckett University and Rambert Dance Company, and performing in our Dance Showcase and College Productions.
• Maximise your performance potential by enrolling on our Live and Recorded Arts Programme, and develop all the skills you need to enter any aspect of the industry!
“OSFC is the perfect environment for anyone wanting to achieve great A Level grades, the combination of support and independence allows you to truly understand how you learn best and further develop as a person.”
Matthew Jones
A* Business Studies, A Economics, A Psychology
Destination Degree Apprenticeship with BT
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 50% Written Exam; 50% Practical Exam
SUPPORTED BY PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE
Digital Production, Design & Development
Drama and Theatre Arts
Launch your digital future with this T Level course! Immerse yourself in the high-demand tech sector as you gain the skills to craft innovative software and solve programming challenges. This diverse programme consists of a first year with exams and an employer-set project, followed by the opportunity to develop your own full software project in second year, putting to full use your new found skills.
Special Features
• A 9 week industry placement to utilise all of the skills you gained on the course
• We are partners with some amazing digital companies across Greater Manchester, not only for work placements but to offer industry insights via workshops and guest lectures for all students
As a Drama student, you’ll become familiar with the process of performance and the impact live theatre can have on an audience, in fact you will become skilled in pulling a performance apart in order to examine and appreciate all the elements contributing to its success.
You will develop your own skills as a performer, and work both individually and as an ensemble to explore and refine a variety of performance styles and conventions.
In studying the work of contemporary and traditional playwrights you’ll examine practically and theoretically how a text is lifted from the page and brought to life. You will have the opportunity to see a number of live performances to enhance your understanding.
You may also recognise a number of our former students from their recent successes, including Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon, Ready Player One), Oliver Wellington (Brassic), Jack Monaghan (Black Mirror) or Thomas Flynn (Bridgerton) to name-drop but a few. Come and make a name for yourself!
Special Features
• As a future expert in the artform, you’ll have lots of opportunities to perform in front of an audience, culminating in our annual production!
• Our fully functional theatre spaces feature a professional sound and lighting desk and black box studio space, making your work and experience as realistic as possible.
• Bring your studies to life, join us on our residential trip to London and the West End, our numerous trips to live performances, and with our guest visiting speakers from all aspects of the industry.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Edexcel
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 40% Written Exam; 60% Practical Exam
Economics
Education and Early Years
We as a country, and as a planet are facing many challenges, as scarce resources such as land, water and food, are put under increasing pressure. As the global human population has grown rapidly to 7.7 billion, what should we produce and how should goods be distributed? You will debate the economic issues which are at the heart of our wealth and wellbeing today; these range from wealth inequality to globalization, the impacts of climate change to unemployment and inflation. You will also consider the local economy and why, for instance, Oldham has one of the worst unemployment rates in Greater Manchester. What solutions can you offer as an economics student?
Special Features
• Pre-University courses at The University of Manchester
• Explore and Discover Economics trips to The University of Manchester
• Many of our students deepen their understanding by conducting economic research for an EPQ project
The Education and Early Years T Level provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to work in the education sector. The Assisted Teaching pathway focuses on all aspects of education and child development from ages 0-19, with a focus on primary and secondary age children and young people. The course has a functional balance of academic learning and practical experience, from understanding theoretical educational approaches in the classroom to planning and delivering activities and interventions whilst on extended primary school placements.
Special Features
• The primary school placement offers a unique opportunity to apply the valuable knowledge you will learn whilst in college, the benefits of this are practical experience and real life experience of working in a school. The course also provides many enrichment opportunities that will strengthen future education and work based applications.
• You will gain a Paediatric First Aid Qualification as part of the course.
• There are multiple opportunities to go on trips to educational settings, including play centres and museums.
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% coursework
Assessment Year 1: 70% Exam; 30% Coursework
Assessment Year 2: 40% Observations 60% Coursework (Controlled Assessment)
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Pathway: T Level Exam board: NCFE
Electronics is one of the main foundations of modern technology! From communication to medical advancements, electronics play a vital role in our everyday lives. This is a practical subject that equips you with the skills to design, build, test, and modify electronic circuits.
You will have the opportunity to take your ideas from concept to reality, creating solutions for real-world problems. An exciting feature is the coursework, which consists of individually chosen projects.
Special Features
• Our specialised state of the art Electronics laboratory provides you with the perfect environment to develop a wide range of practical and analytical skills in designing, building and testing electronic circuits.
• You will have the opportunity to help out in the OSFC Regional Science Centre and get involved with primary science, Nuffield placements and STEM activities, during British Science Week.
• All students studying a science course are able to become a Science Ambassador. This allows students to take part in events both at college and external trips to local universities and to promote science to younger students from local secondary and primary schools.
English Language and Linguistics
If you think English Language A Level is like English language GCSE, think again! You will explore the vibrancy of the spoken and written word through an array of non fiction texts. Whereas at GCSE you are given a contemporary and historical text to analyse, at A Level you will work with far more interesting written artefacts. And, instead of analysing a passage of creative writing you will collect examples of language use and develop confident analytical skills as you learn how writers have created particular effects for specific audiences and purposes. You will be guided through the fundamental building blocks of language and its use: grammar, structure and style in order to feel accomplished in your understanding of the power of words and your ability to use it with confidence.
Special Features
• Creative writing is offered for those who enjoy writing stories and poems and for students who are particularly interested in following a career involving writing.
• We take you to the theatre and lecture visits at conferences and universities.
• Guest lecturers from universities visit us and offer bespoke workshops on themes such as child language acquisition, or language and power.
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Special entry requirements: Two Grade 5s in GCSE Science
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 80% exam; 20% coursework
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Eduqas
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 80% Examination; 20% Coursework
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
English Language and Literature
At OSFC we are fascinated by the way English as a spoken and written language works and we think you will love reading novels, plays and poems, and learning how spoken language works in real life. Do you also think you would enjoy reading literature texts alongside a selection of non-fiction genres, such as travel writing, autobiographies and memoirs? Our English Language & Literature course gives you the chance to continue studying both language and literature, but in a single A Level.
We study modern literature texts, such as Khalid Hosseini’s ‘The Kite Runner,’ Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ which cover themes surrounding identity, relationships and power.
If you enjoy creative writing, then you will particularly enjoy the unit on ‘The Kite Runner’, as we re-write sections of the novel from different characters’ perspectives in order to understand more about what writers do when they create viewpoints and characters.
Special Features
• Our English Language and Literature course allows you to carry on with both Literature and Language without having to choose between the two. If you like modern literature and creative writing, then this could be the right English course for you.
• Alongside this course we run Xtras activities in Scriptwriting, Creative Writing and Journalism - take advantage of these.
English Literature
To study English Literature is to access a fictional world of novels, plays and poems that will challenge your open and inquisitive mind. By examining a wide range of texts, from modern masterpieces to classic works, you will see how literature reflects the political and cultural struggles of the time in which they are written. This course may even change the way you think about and view the world.
Students of English Literature read widely and independently and enjoy discussing their responses both to set texts and others that they have selected for themselves. You will be guided to engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of writing, developing and effectively applying your knowledge of literary analysis over time, and perfecting your powers of written evaluation.
Special Features
• Enhance your independent research skills with our Extended Project Qualification Xtra.
• You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your learning through trips to London and Stratford-upon-Avon.
• Attend guest lectures from experts in their field. Past visitors have included Poet Laureates Carol Ann Duffy and Simon Armitage.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 80% exam; 20% Non-Examined Assessment
“I am over the moon with my results! Thank you OSFC, your support and guidance has been amazing. I am proud to go onto to study an Ecology and Conservation degree, after having my passions supported at college.”
Katie Smith
Destination
Lancaster University Ecology and Conservation
Film Studies
You probably like watching films, but do you like digging beneath the surface of a film to really understand how and why it was made in that way? What does a camera angle lend to the interpretation of a scene, why might music be significant in understanding a character and how does the edit of a scene direct the audience’s comprehension of the action. You certainly don’t need to be a film buff but, here at college, we expect you to be open to a variety of contrasting film styles and genres. You will want to know what makes film significant within our culture today and how film theory, and film language assist us in analysing and evaluating the impact of film.
Special Features
• We have visiting speakers (from Hollywood) and ex students coming to college to talk to you
• You can attend trips and events, including a residential to London
• Our student’s practical coursework is exhibited in the end of year Arts Festival.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Eduqas AQA
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 70% Exam; 30% Coursework
Fine Art
Love to draw? Paint? Sketch? Almost everything you see around you will likely have been mocked up on paper prior to starting production, from trainers to buildings, the artists involved have been able to accurately convey a vision to make a dream a reality.
EXPLORE
Geography
Fine Art will allow you to develop your skills as an artist. Through experimenting with a variety of traditional and digital techniques, you will flex your creativity through projects designed to develop your creative expression and demonstrate your confidence as an artist. Our Fine Art students progress to a variety of destinations and careers, including illustration, graphic design, animation, fashion design, storyboarding, architecture and engineering.
Special Features
• As part of our large Art department you’ll be taught Fine Art by a subject specialist, ensuring you get individualised support and guidance to progress and improve your work.
• Exhibit your work with opportunities to contribute to our Arts Festival, College and National art competitions, and develop your profile as an artist with our Social Media enrichment course.
• Bring your lessons to life with a range of opportunities to develop your understanding and apply your knowledge further, including external speakers, university links, and a variety of day trips.
How do people and their environments shape each other? How do we manage and sustain our global home for future generations? If you’re captivated by both the natural landscapes and the intricacies of human societies, this is the course for you. From the rumbling of plate tectonics and the ebb and flow of coastal processes to the complexities of globalisation, Geography has it all. Perfect for those eager to decipher the complexities of our world and contribute to meaningful solutions, this course is your gateway to becoming a steward of the Earth.
Special Features
• Uncover the dynamic relationship between humans and the Earth, from climate change to urban development.
• Fieldwork and trips let you investigate things such as inequality in Oldham and how people interact with their environment through measuring carbon stores in woodlands and vegetation succession at Ainsdale beach.
Special entry requirements: A minimum grade 4 in an Art subject at GCSE is required. Exceptions may be made for able students who can supply a portfolio of work at enrolment.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Pearson/Edexcel Assessment Year 1: 100% Exam
Assessment Year 2: 80% Exam; 20% Coursework
Geology Graphic Design
Unearth the secrets beneath our feet. Geology is the scientific study of the Earth—the rock beneath our feet, the mountains that stretch above us, and the processes that have shaped our planet over millennia. Geology not only helps us understand Earth’s past but also prepares us to face modern challenges like natural disasters, resource management, and environmental sustainability. Perfect for students with a passion for Earth sciences, environmental sustainability, and a curiosity about the planet’s ancient and ongoing transformations. This course prepares you for careers in environmental consultancy, natural resource management, and academic research.
Special Features
• Explore the formation and transformation of Earth’s materials and structures, from minerals and fossils to tectonic movements.
• Field trips to geological sites to study Earth’s processes firsthand.
• Get actively involved in the environmental campaigns in and around college.
Graphic Design will introduce you to the exciting, stimulating and constantly changing world of visual communication. Whilst studying the work of both contemporary and historical practitioners in this field, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of genres and be introduced to a range of media, techniques and processes to effectively express your ideas. These ideas will then be developed through experimentation and through the production of graphic outcomes, such as poster design, packaging, advertising, branding, magazine layout and illustration. On the course, you will also learn how to use industry standard design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, which will prepare you for higher education and a career in design.
Special Features
• As part of our large Art department you’ll be taught Graphic Design by a subject specialist using industry standard Adobe design software, with high quality equipment and resources such as our new Laser Cutter, Wacom drawing tablets, Cintiqs, and our Photography Studio.
• Exhibit your work with opportunities to contribute to our Arts Festival, College and National art competitions, and develop your profile as an artist with our Social Media enrichment course.
• Get a feel for the commercial art industry with a range of opportunities to develop your understanding and apply your knowledge further, including external speakers, university links, and a variety of day trips.
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Eduqas
Pathway: A Level Exam board: OCR
Health and Science
This exciting new course is designed to help you understand how the Health sector operates and to develop skills as a health sector practitioner. The stand out feature of this course is your access to ‘on the job experience’ and seeing what front line work is like. You will study how to provide person-centred care, develop good scientific and clinical practice, and understand infection control and health and wellbeing. You will also complete an employer set project where you will demonstrate the wider skills you have learnt. The second year of the course gives you the opportunity to focus on an occupational specialism (supporting adult nursing), where you learn ‘on the job’ skills to support adult nurses in their daily and clinical tasks.
Special Features
• Employer set project
• Access and experience to workplace settings through placements
• A combination of examinations and on course assessment
“I will take with me all of the valuable lessons and teaching I received from all of my teachers. I will miss everyone so much. Thank you very much for everything.”
Natty Agbongiarhuoyi
A* Italian, D* IT, B Business Studies, B French
Destination
Lancaster University
International Business Management
“Oldham Sixth Form College has been fantastic for me.”
Mykhailo Tolstikhin
A* Further Maths, A* Maths, A Physics
Health and Social Care
Destination
University of Cambridge Engineering
If you are considering a career in the NHS, social care or teaching, this course is an excellent choice. You’ll develop the skills required to build positive relationships with your service users through a variety of methods and learn about important concepts such as equality, diversity and safeguarding, which could impact on those service users’ lives. You’ll also study anatomy and physiology, infection control and physiological disorders, giving you an insight into the diagnosis, treatment and management of common diseases.
Special Features
• You will listen to and work with guest speakers from the Health and Social Care Sector.
• This course is an ideal combination of coursework and exams.
Assessment Year 1 & 2: 50% exam; 50% coursework
Pathway: Blended Exam board: OCR (Cambridge Technical - Single Diploma)
Health and Social Care
If you are considering a career in the NHS, social care or teaching, this course is an excellent choice. You’ll study equality and diversity, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, infection control and much more. In the second year, you will have the opportunity to learn about sexual health, mental health conditions and public health. For those students who are pursuing a career in the competitive fields of nursing, paramedic science, midwifery and other NHS careers, we have an option to specialise in the more scientific units, providing students with more science content to strengthen their university applications.
Special Features
• A placement organised and monitored by our Work Experience Officer who will support you in a real workplace setting.
• Guest Speakers from the field, including current NHS staff and ex students.
• As an extended health and social care student you will complete First Aid and the Care Certificate alongside your qualification.
History
Discover the past and learn where we’ve been to guide where we’re going. History is the ongoing story of us, filled with plot twists, heroes, and villains. Gain a deep knowledge of society, culture, economics and politics. Become a creative, independent thinker and learn how and why to question the world around you. Master the skill of persuasive, evidence-based argument through class discussion, essays and source analysis. Explore the struggle of ordinary people against the powerful across four fascinating, thematically linked topics - revolutionary Russia, England’s civil war, the struggle of black Americans for equality and Hitler’s terror state.
Special Features
• Time travel without the science fiction.
• Trips to Berlin including Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool
• Stand out and reveal knowledge beyond the exam specification with challenging extension workshops and our Extended Project Qualification Xtra.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Edexcel
Assessment Year 1 & 2: 30% exam;
Pathway: Vocational Exam board: OCR (Cambridge Technical - Triple Diploma)
70% coursework
Information Technology Information Technology
Across this course you will learn how Information Technology is used across various industries including different business and digital environments alongside the media and games industries. You will develop skills in application development and games design amongst other things. You will also learn about a range of different computer and hardware systems and how they communicate through networks.
Key Learning Areas:
Fundamentals of IT: You’ll explore the principles of computer systems, networks, and databases. This includes understanding hardware components, software applications, and how networks operate.
Global Information: You’ll learn how information is used within computer systems and businesses on a global level. You will cover how information can be used in machine learning to generate new data and how this can be used to inform business decisions.
Games Development: The course covers the design and creation of a computer game using Gamemaker software. Throughout this process you will cover a history of computer games and look in depth at what makes them so addictive and fun to play before designing and creating your own game.
Special Features
• As part of the course, useful links with employers will be formed - placements and employer input into assignments.
• Trips take place throughout the year, including a day at Amazon’s distribution centre.
Extended IT - This course is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the IT industry and essential skills for various IT roles.
Key Learning Areas:
Fundamentals of IT: You’ll explore the principles of computer systems, networks, and databases. This includes understanding hardware components, software applications, and how networks operate.
Data Management: You’ll learn how to handle and analyse data effectively. This includes working with databases, understanding data types, and employing data analytics techniques.
Website Development: The course covers the design and creation of websites, teaching you HTML, CSS, and other web technologies, as well as best practices for user experience.
Cyber Security: You’ll gain insight into protecting information systems, understanding threats, and implementing security measures to safeguard data.
Project Management: You will learn about planning and executing IT projects, developing skills in teamwork, organisation, and communication.
Emerging Technologies: The course encourages exploration of the latest technological trends, such as cloud computing, mobile applications, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Special Features
• As part of the course, useful links with employers will be formed - placements and employer input into assignments.
• Trips take place throughout the year, including a day at Amazon’s distribution centre.
Pathway: Blended Exam board: OCR
Pathway:
If you want to be skilled at constructing an argument and at developing an expert eye for detail you are probably interested in studying Law. As a Law student at OSFC, you will develop both knowledge and skills to debate important concepts such as justice and equality. You will see how law is made, its operation and its effect on our everyday lives in England and Wales.
You will encounter key aspects of law and its nature. These include non-fatal offences, fatal offences, negligence and aspects of law and morality and justice. This fascinating subject aims to help you develop transferable skills such as analysis, evaluation, problem solving and debating.
Special Features
• Trips to the Crown Court and Magistrates Court in Manchester, mock trials, a residential trip to London including visits to parliament, the supreme court and the Royal Courts of Justice. There is also a trip to Salford University, talks from current university Law students, universities and professionals.
• Access to our Aspiring Law Programme for gifted and talented students.
• Here at OSFC, we have our very own Amnesty Youth Group. As part of this Xtras programme, you will be campaigning and fundraising against breaches of human rights across the world. If you are a student passionate about human rights, then this group is for you.
Studying Law at OSFC, you will learn the processes behind the creation of new laws, its operation and effect on our everyday lives, who is responsible for administering justice and to what extent they are doing so fairly. You will become familiar with Criminal, Tort and Family Law as core topics and, throughout your studies you will develop the essential skills to set you on your way to becoming a legal professional. So if you have always wanted to know the inner workings of a courtroom, how legal advice is administered and exactly how lawyers defend their clients in court, then this is the course for you!
Special Features
• Fight for justice by joining our Amnesty International group and advocate for our Human Rights.
• You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your learning through trips, including our popular residential trip to London, as well as visits to the local courts.
• We also have a strong relationship with Universities and you can get a taste of life as an undergraduate Law student on a University Campus for the day.
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Pathway: A Level Exam board: OCR
Assessment Year 1 and 2: 100% Exam
Pathway: Blended
board: Pearson (BTEC - Single Diploma)
“I had an amazing experience at OSFC and created memories I will always cherish. I loved all of my lessons and the staff are very supportive.”
Aysha Iqbal
A* Biology, A* Chemistry, A* Italian, A* Psychology
Destination
University of Liverpool Medicine
Mathematics
Mathematics A Level covers three areas of study: pure, mechanics and statistics. Pure Mathematics continues on from your GCSE studies. Algebra, geometry and trigonometry are all covered along with a new topic: calculus. Statistics covers sampling, probability and hypothesis testing, along with the studying of a real-world large set of data. Mechanics covers motion with constant acceleration, the application of forces and friction.
Through studying A Level Mathematics, you will develop three key skills: problem solving, technical accuracy and the interpretation of mathematical models in the real world.
Special Features
• Use of a provided graphical calculator.
• The opportunity to participate in the senior maths challenge.
• Trip to the maths inspiration lectures.
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100%
Special entry requirements: Grade 6 in GCSE Maths
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Edexcel
Exam
Further Mathematics
Media Studies
If you are a strong and enthusiastic mathematician, then Further Maths is the course for you. Further Mathematics explores the topics introduced in A Level Mathematics to a greater depth and introduces brand new topics that do not follow on from GCSE Maths. You will study topics in three areas: pure maths, discrete maths and statistics. As well as deepening your mathematical knowledge, the topics you study will introduce you to mathematics as it is applied to physics, engineering, computer science, business and the Statistical Sciences.
Further Maths must be studied alongside A Level Maths and so half your timetable will be taken up with Maths lessons. You will have two Maths classes, two sets of Maths homework and two sets of Maths exams.
Special Features
• Use of a provided graphical calculator.
• The opportunity to participate in the senior maths challenge.
• Trip to the maths inspiration lectures.
• Problem solving classes at Manchester University.
You may think Media Studies is about studying adverts, music videos and the news, and yes it is. However here at OSFC we use these media forms, and others, as a way of introducing and securing the challenging media theory that you will need in order to understand the significance of various media. We focus on how the media shapes the world we live in, and how it reflects the way we might be encouraged to see the world. Powerful businesses in the industry are significant players in how media is shaped, what messages it sends, and who can access it. If you are interested in discovering what lies beneath the surface of the media we regularly, and perhaps unquestioningly, consume, this subject is for you.
Special Features
• Take part in regular trips and visits, we have visiting speakers and ex students coming to college to talk to you
• Your coursework can be presented in the summer Arts Festival
• Xtras opportunities in podcast production, journalism and film club broaden your skills and experiences
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Special entry requirements: GCSE maths grade 7 or above
Assessment Year 1 and 2: 70% Exam; 30% Coursework
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Eduqas
Modern Foreign Languages - French Modern Foreign Languages - Italian
If you have studied French at GCSE and enjoyed speaking the language, you are in a very good position to study French A Level. Here at OSFC you will learn more about the culture of France and French speaking countries through the study of film, books and contemporary history. The core of the course is speaking the language and getting to grips with the grammar in its written form. Your listening skills will also be developed so that your access to and confidence in the language matures quickly.
Classes are not conducted completely in French to begin with, but as the time progresses your level of understanding of grammar and vocabulary will encourage your fluency.
Special Features
• You will have support from the French Assistante who will tutor your speaking skills in 1-1 or paired practice sessions.
• We run many trips to universities around the north west, and enter (and often win) writing competitions
• Guest speakers and ex students frequently visit the college to speak to and inspire our students
If you are a native speaker of Italian and maybe already have a GCSE Italian qualification, you should definitely consider studying A Level Italian at OSFC. This course goes beyond grammar and vocabulary, offering a unique opportunity to learn about contemporary Italian society.
You will improve your Italian linguistic skills with engaging lessons and learn about Italian culture, history, society, and traditions.
Special Features
• Classes are completely conducted in Italian which will allow you to immerse yourself in an environment which will improve your fluency.
• Your speaking skills will also be enhanced with weekly one-to-one speaking sessions with your tutor.
• You will have the opportunity to analyse a novel and film in Italian and confidently write essays about them.
Special entry requirements: Grade 6 in GCSE French
1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Edexcel Assessment Year
Modern Foreign Languages - Spanish
You will have studied Spanish at GCSE, or maybe you are a native speaker. Either way, this course places speaking the language at its very heart, which is an exciting prospect, and very different from your other subject choices. You speak and write in the language and in order to do this confidently, we develop your fluency through the in-depth study of grammar and vocabulary. During the two years with us, you will study the social, political and cultural movements of Spain and other Spanish speaking countries, and you will analyse closely some key film and literary texts. Spanish is one of the most frequently spoken languages in the world, and studying this subject at OSFC will open up a huge gateway of opportunities.
Special Features
• You will have the opportunity to travel to Spain and engage first hand with the language and the culture. We also regularly take you to Spanish study workshops and have particularly strong connections with the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
• Your language skills will be supported by a Spanish Language Assistant who will coach you in a weekly 1-1.
• We enter (and often win) writing competitions.
Music Performance
You will develop your ability to create, arrange and perform music with other musicians in a range of popular styles. It also includes a unit on the music industry with a focus on live event planning. There is a strong focus on working in collaboration with other musicians and performers.
Special Features
• Your Music Tutor is an accomplished professional musician who has had a UK Top-10 album and extensive European touring experience, including playing Glastonbury, Latitude and V-Festival.
• You’ll have a range of opportunities to perform in the College Production, Battle of the Bands competitions, and a range of other events, as well as pop-up performances around college with our mobile PA kit.
• You’ll have access to an extensive variety of high quality instruments and equipment within the department, and the opportunity to use one of our 6 rehearsal spaces in your study periods to work on raising your performance to the next level.
Pathway: A Level
Exam board: Pearson (BTEC National Certificate, equivalent to one AS Level, in first year leading to Extended Certificate, equivalent to one full A Level, in second year)
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% coursework (40% internally assessed, 60% externally assessed)
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 70% listening, reading and writing; 30% speaking. The examination consists of three papers. Assessment is 100% examination-based.
Special entry requirements: Grade 6 in GCSE Spanish
Special entry requirements: Students should be playing an instrument, or singing, on a regular basis to a good level and be willing to perform in front of others. If voice is your main instrument then you will need some ability on guitar, piano and/or music theory. We do not demand GCSE Music, BTEC Level 2 Music, or instrument graded exams for entry, although they are useful.
“Everyone at OSFC has always been polite, respectful and welcoming in all aspects. The lessons
and experience gained at this college
will be really useful in my future. I really enjoyed my 2 years here.”
Yathmi Amarasinghe
A* Biology, A Chemistry, A Maths
Destination Taking a Gap Year
CAMTEC Performing Arts
Are you interested in the performance industry and have an appetite for collaborating across the art forms of Drama Dance and Music? Do you want to find out how to get your foot in the door? Maybe you are interested in behind the scenes opportunities too? Our Performing Arts course is designed for you!
Alongside developing and refining your performance skills in a range of disciplines, you’ll explore the performance industry in depth and discover the massive range of possible careers available. You’ll learn about the industry via projects and performances, practically applying your knowledge and understanding to industry scenarios.
We’ll prepare you for a future career in performance, ensuring you can network, audition and excel in the most dynamic of industries. You may even recognise some of our alumni from their recent successes; Olivia Cooke (Actor: House of the Dragon, Ready Player One), James Oldham (cinematographer: Star Wars Origins), Helen Andrew (Actor: Channel 4’s Random Acts) or Cora Kirk (Actor: Your Christmas or Mine, Prey for the Devil).
Special Features
• You’ll have lots of opportunities to perform in front of an audience, culminating in our annual production and summer Arts Festival!
• Our theatre, dance & music spaces feature professional sound and lighting desks and our black box studio is a great rehearsal space available to you.
• Join us on our residential trip to London and the West End, and on numerous trips to live performances. And come and listen to visiting speakers from all aspects of the industry.
Pathway: Blended Exam board: OCR (BTEC - Single Diploma)
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% coursework and practical combined
Philosophy
Tackle the mysteries of reality, existence, ethics and consciousness in a secular context. Philosophy doesn’t offer easy answers but teaches us to become better thinkers. Learn to be clear and precise in your thinking and writing, to analyse and evaluate arguments of others and to construct your own. Are you prepared to open your mind to see things in a different way? Do you enjoy an academic challenge? If so, Philosophy is for you.
Special Features
• Engage with life’s big questions, exploring the thoughts of great philosophers on reality, existence, ethics and consciousness.
• Trips to Manchester Buddhist Centre and Manchester University
• Participate in The Royal Institute of Philosophy essay competition or show off your new philosophical skills at the Debating Society.
• Stand out and reveal knowledge beyond the exam specification with challenging extension workshops and our Extended Project Qualification Xtra.
You will enjoy the way we teach Photography at OSFC, especially if you have a creative eye and an interest in exploring photography techniques, experimenting with editing and learning what makes a photograph visually successful. On the course, you will learn about photography in different contexts with themes of work including People, Environment and Photomanipulation. You will be taught how to use a DSLR cameras to create a variety of innovative images and how to use Adobe Photoshop to enhance photographs further. Our projects will allow you to explore ideas through a thorough design process and you will be introduced to a variety of existing photographers to inspire and inform your own creative development.
Special Features
• Visits to rural and urban environments of visual interest to gather inspiration including Dovestones Reservoir and Yorkshire Sculpture Park
• Opportunities to enter competitions and contribute to social media and marketing campaigns
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Special entry requirements: Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: OCR
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Coursework
Special entry requirements: A minimum grade 4 in an Art subject at GCSE is required. Exceptions may be made for able students who can supply a portfolio of work at enrolment.
Physical Education
Jump into the world of sport, discovering the depth and detail of what is involved at elite level, examine sport and what it takes to excel from a range of perspectives.
Have you ever wondered how your sports gear affects how fast you can sprint? Do you know how sport psychologists operate to maximise performance in athletes? Are you aware of how society has shaped the sports we see everyday? Do you know what you should be eating to get the best out of your workouts?
If you are passionate about playing and competing in your sport, or want to work in the sports industry in the future, Physical Education is for you.
Special Features
• PE is viewed as a science by a growing number of universities, opening even more doors for your future.
SUPPORTED BY LEEDS RHINOS ACADEMY
• Alongside the academic skills and knowledge you’ll gain, PE enables you to develop all the skills sought by employers; independent thinking, teamwork, analysis of information, effective communication, and more!
• Enhance your CV further by participating in one of our many sports teams and clubs, or by gaining additional qualifications as one of our Sports Ambassadors.
Physics
If you want to learn how the Universe works then this is the subject for you.
Physics is the study of the fundamental laws that govern the Universe; from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies and everything in between and because Physics is a mathematical subject so you should enjoy calculation, problem solving and have the ability to think logically. You will develop your practical skills as you complete a wide variety of experiments, illustrating and exploring topics such as the study of mechanics, heat, waves, electricity and magnetism which underpin today’s technology and the way we live.
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
Special entry requirements: You will need to be currently competing in either a team or individual sport, and continuing this during your time at college.
We can also travel forwards in time to consider how the study of nuclear and particle physics will underpin the way we will live in the future. If you are interested in a career in engineering Physics and Mathematics are essential subjects for higher study.
Special Features
• You will encounter external speakers on a range of topics: Astrophysics, Acoustic Engineering etc.
• You take part in a Particle Physics Masterclass at Manchester University.
• Study in state of the art laboratories filled with high-tech equipment
This course cannot be studied as part of a blended programme
A Level Exam board: OCR
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Special entry requirements: Two Grade 5s in GCSE Science
Pathway:
Politics is the study of power; who has it and why and how it affects us all. Whether you’re passionate about UK and US politics, intrigued by the underpinnings of political ideologies, or simply eager to deepen your political knowledge, our Politics course is a rich, engaging educational experience. No prior detailed knowledge is needed—just bring your curiosity and a keen interest in the world of politics.
Politics is your gateway to understanding and engaging with the forces that govern our lives. Oldham’s local MPs Jim McMahon and Debbie Abrahams and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham have been recent visitors to our college, as have national figures Sir Keir Starmer, James Cleverly and Angela Rayner. Through our Politics course you become a confident analyst of power structures and an expert critical thinker.
Special Features
• Summer schools with local MPs
• Visits from political figures and visits to institutions of local and national power
• Develop academic confidence; be convincing on paper and in discussion
Psychology is defined as “the science of mind and behaviour”. You‘ll be introduced to the central debates, investigate the methods used in research, and apply what you’ve learned to a range of contemporary topics such as mental illness, crime and forensics, gender, attachment, social influence and memory.
Expect to research a range of psychological perspectives as a means of explaining human behaviour, including social, biological, behaviourist, cognitive and developmental approaches. You will look at how data can be analysed and how psychologists reach conclusions about human behaviour.
Special Features
• Chester Zoo trip and primate behaviour workshop examining what animal research has taught us about human behaviour,
• Two night residential trip to London to visit the Freud Museum, the psychological exhibits at the Science Museum, experiencing the Jack the Ripper tour and taking part in a mock trial at the Royal Courts of Justice.
• Visiting speakers and academics regularly come to college to develop your thinking about the subject.
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Edexcel
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
“College was one of the best experiences of my life, making lifelong friends, independence and the overall experience - I wouldn’t swap it for anything else.”
Vanessa Tanoh
A* Chemistry, A Biology, A Maths
Destination
Imperial College London Chemistry
Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
If you enjoy discussions and debates, then you will enjoy Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. This course sharpens your logical thinking, issue analysis, and clear expression of ideas. It not only hones reasoning and communication skills—traits prized by employers and universities—but also explores a range of beliefs through Islamic Studies, reflecting on our multicultural society. Engage, question, and understand diverse perspectives in this dynamic field.
Special Features
• Examine the beliefs and moral systems that guide human behaviour.
• Take part in thought-provoking discussion and debate with the Oldham Interfaith Forum panel of experts.
• Explore ancient and contemporary cultures at Manchester Museum, get a taste of university life on our trips to the University of Manchester and the world famous University of Cambridge, as well as explore the spiritual and environmentally friendly credentials of the stunning Cambridge Central Mosque.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Eduqas
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Sociology
Ever find yourself questioning the world around you? If yes, then Sociology may be the subject for you! Sociology is the study of society, a critical analysis of the way things are in Britain. You will gain new insights and fresh perspectives on your own life and social experiences. You will debate and evaluate a range of sociological theories on patterns of social behaviour in institutions such as education, the family, the media and the criminal justice system.
Special Features
• Critically analyse the world around you
• In-college talks with Sociologists covered on the course including Gary Wilson in the Education topic and Prof Simon Winlow and Dr Katy Snell in the Crime and Deviance topic.
• Trip to London to attend the UCL Institute of Education A Level Sociology Conference, West End show and sightseeing.
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Exam
Sport and Physical Activity
Our Sport & Physical Activity course is your opportunity to use your passion for all things sport in order to develop a diverse and unique skillset. In covering a range of units you’ll be immersed in the sports industry and the varied disciplines and roles available. You’ll develop your understanding of coaching and improve your practical skills in a variety of sports, you’ll learn how the body systems respond to exercise in anatomy & physiology, and develop understanding of the entire industry in sports development. You’ll also undertake detailed performance analysis of individuals and teams, and work as part of a team to plan and deliver your own sporting event. No prior knowledge is required, simply bring your interest in sport and a desire to succeed!
Special Features
• Our department has strong links with a wide range of organisations who support and influence our curriculum, ensuring we are always current and relevant to the needs of both the industry and your future.
• Bring your lessons to life with a range of options to develop your understanding and apply your knowledge further, including a range of external speakers and trips such as SportCity, the National Football Museum, Centres of Excellence, and Graystone Action Sports.
• Supplement your learning with a Sports Leadership award by volunteering as one of our Sports Ambassadors!
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 2 units examined, 3 units coursework
Pathway: A Level Exam board: AQA
Pathway: Blended Exam board:
SUPPORTED BY LEEDS RHINOS ACADEMY
Sport and Physical Activity
The Sport course offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves full-time in the varied disciplines and roles possible within the sports industry. If you have a passion for sport, you will be able to examine it from the perspective of a huge range of possible future careers. Learn how to analyse elite performance, psychologically prepare an athlete for their biggest sporting achievement, develop a new product to take the sporting world by storm, plan and deliver a rehabilitation programme, and so much more! Experience what each individual unit has to offer as you discover just how many options there are in the industry, and uncover your strengths and interests to guide your future career path.
Special Features
• If there’s an opportunity to leave the classroom and teach a topic practically, we’ll take it. Why be sat at a computer when you could learn by experiencing it in a more exciting way!
SUPPORTED BY LEEDS RHINOS ACADEMY
A Level Statistics involves you working with mathematical formulae to produce useful results. Using a graphical calculator, you will solve mysteries in probability and data, not just crunching numbers, but explaining what they truly mean. Dive into the world of probability distributions, data collection techniques, and hypothesis testing.
This course is very useful if you wish to pursue university and career routes that require the ability to work with and interpret numerical and statistical data.
Special Features
• We take full advantage of a wide range of assessment methods across all our 19 units, allowing you to develop industry relevant skills and experiences alongside demonstrating your knowledge and understanding.
• Bring your lessons to life with a range of options to develop your understanding and apply your knowledge further, including external speakers, additional qualifications, a variety of residential and day trips, and our Sports Ambassador Programme.
Specific entry requirements: You will need to be currently competing in either a team or individual sport, and continuing this during your time at college.
• Group and individual projects investigating data to develop a better understanding of how this is done in real businesses
• Guest speaker talks/workshops, trips and visits available
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% exam (3 papers)
Specific entry requirements: GCSE Maths grade 5 (from higher tier) and GCSE English grade 5 are essential.
Pathway: A Level Exam board: Edexcel
Pathway: Vocational Exam board:
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Coursework
Ever wondered what it would be like to make your own clothes? Sick of seeing the same fashion hitting the shops and know you could design better? Do you have a natural flair for detail and would love to make your own decorative products? Then A Level Textiles is for you!
No prior making or designing experience is required as we will equip you with all the skills and techniques you will need. Working with a wide range of materials and processes, exploring wearable design and decorative surfaces, you will learn how to research, design and produce your own original pieces. Come and be the next Nadine Merabi (a former student no less!).
Special Features
• You will be taught Textiles by a subject specialist, ensuring you get individualised support and guidance to progress and improve your work.
• Exhibit your work with opportunities to contribute to our Arts Festival and enter both College and National art competitions.
• Visits from external speakers, links with local universities and a variety of day trips.
Travel and Tourism
Do you love travel? Want to experience new places? Tick things off your wish-list? Here’s your opportunity to create a career out of it, in the dynamic, diverse and ever-expanding travel and tourism industry!
Memories of travel can last a lifetime and all travellers need the help of those who work in the travel and tourism industry to ensure their trips run smoothly. You’ll study all aspects of the industry and discover the wide variety of roles you could aspire to in the future within events management, hospitality, marketing, and many more.
Special Features
• We take full advantage of a wide range of assessment methods across all our units, allowing you to develop industry relevant skills and experiences alongside demonstrating your knowledge and understanding.
• Bring your studies to life by experiencing it for real… with opportunities to join our annual residential trips to Paris & Barcelona, as well as trips to Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Knowsley Safari Park & Manchester Airport.
• Alongside the skills and knowledge you’ll learn, our course enables you to develop all of the skills sought by industry employers; independent thinking, teamwork, analysis of information, effective communication, and many more!
A Level Exam board: OCR
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: 100% Coursework
Specific entry requirements: Grade 4 in an Art subject at GCSE is beneficial but not required. Drawing and design skills are desirable but will be developed on the course.
Exam board: Edexcel (BTEC - Single Diploma)
Assessment Year 1 and Year 2: External Assessment 2 Units – Including 1 Examination
Pathway:
Pathway: Blended
Facilities, Directions and Map
Sat Nav
Please enter OL8 1EU as the college postcode will send you to an incorrect location, and then select Connaught Street this will bring you to the entrance of the college car park.
Car Parking
The college is unable to accommodate visitors with a parking space. There are a number of public car parks within the local area that are within east each of the college.
Bus or Metrolink
For full details on bus, train and metro routes from your home or school to Oldham Sixth Form College, please visit the official Travel Line North West website: www.traveline.info
The Main Building
Our main building is home to a wide variety of our subjects, spread over four floors. The building boasts a recently refurbished cutting edge art department and photography studio, our unique Large Lecture Theatre, a modern drama studio and music practice rooms. There are also numerous study areas, computer suites, as well as the Additional Support Hub and our careers advice team.
OSFC Regional Science Centre
If you are considering studying a science subject, then our science centre really does have the best facilities in the area. With state of the art labs and equipment not even available to all universities, we will help you advance your knowledge and expertise in this highly competitive field. Spread over five floors, with over 20 labs and fantastic views, we can’t think of a better place to study science. Make sure you visit the science centre on one of our Open Days and see the amazing facilities for yourself.
The Sports Centre
Duncan Lawton Building
The modern DLB is home to Psychology, Health and Social Care, Mathematics, Computing and IT. You will also find The Know, our Learning Resource Centre, which has a fully stocked library, computer suites, mobile charging stations, quiet study areas and a literacy hub. We even have our very own Costa Coffee!
The sports centre offers a fully equipped modern gym, a spacious dance studio, large sports hall and the new climbing wall. The facilities are available to everyone, whether you’re studying sport, taking part in one of our active Xtras, or just wanting to keep yourself in shape. Our sports staff are always happy to offer an insight into the sports teams and clubs available to join at OSFC.
Celebration Evening 2024
How do I apply?
Find out more
Explore our website: OSFC.ac.uk
Visit us
Attend one of our Open Events in October: Saturday 12th October 10am-2pm & Monday 21st October 5-8pm
Apply
Apply online by Friday 17th January
Attend an interview
Interviews will be held between January and March. The interview is a supportive process, aimed at helping you make the right decisions. Before we invite you for an interview we’ll look at your predicted grades and mock results, as well as your attendance and commitment at school. You will be sent an email with details of your interview
New Students’ Day
You will be invited to our New Students’ Day on Monday 7th July
Pre-enrolment
Over the summer, you will be emailed with details about how to complete your pre-enrolment for OSFC
Enrol
To complete your enrolment, you will need to attend an enrolment appointment in late August, after you have received your GCSE results.
Enquiries about applications can be made to admissions@osfc.ac.uk
