18 minute read
Choosing your courses
WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF LEVEL 3 COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM, BOTH A LEVEL AND BTEC NATIONAL COURSES AS WELL AS A RELIGIOUS EDUCATION QUALIFICATION. WE ALSO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TEACHING FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO RE-TAKE THEIR MATHEMATICS OR ENGLISH GCSE.
All A Levels are two year courses with examinations sat at the end of Year 13. BTEC National courses, recognised as equivalent to A Levels, are generally more vocational and practical. Studied over two years, they are highly valued by both employers and universities. We don’t want to restrict you to what fits in our timetable so we try hard to allow everyone to study the subjects they want. We build the timetable around the choices we receive on applications and the majority of students are able to study their first choice courses. However, sometimes it is not possible to timetable certain combinations of subject choice so some lessons may run at lunchtime or from 3:30pm to 4:20pm. There are certain subjects that cannot be studied alongside each other due to their similarity and overlap of material: Business A Level and Finance L3 Certificate; English Literature and English Language; Sport BTEC and PE A Level; Criminology BTEC and Psychology A Level. If the number of students applying to follow a course is low, it may make the group unviable and so we may have to withdraw that subject. This is a decision that would not be taken lightly and we do everything we can to ensure that students are offered the courses they need. Students enrol for a full time study programme. Most will study three subjects and there may be an opportunity for some students to study four A Levels, but this will be considered on a case by case basis. Universities base their entry criteria on three A Levels or equivalent and no advantage is gained by offering four or more A Levels so studying just three gives you more time to focus on those subjects and get the best possible grades.
To enrol into Sixth Form you must have gained at least five GCSE passes of grade 4 or above. For A Level, you should achieve the entry requirements for the subject, listed below. There are specific entry requirements for all subjects and these are listed in the table below. If you have any concerns about specific entry requirements, please discuss with the relevant subject leader or contact the Sixth Form team.
It is important that you choose a range of courses that are appropriate to your GCSE results and future career plans. Careers advice and help in selecting courses is available to all students and also at the Sixth Form Open Event. Please contact us if you have any questions at all.
Subject
Art and Design: Fine Art Biology Business
Course
A Level A Level A Level
Chemistry A Level
Computer Science
A Level Creative Digital Media Production BTEC Criminology Applied Diploma
English Language A Level
English Literature Film Studies A Level A Level
Finance French Level 3 cert/dip A Level
Further Mathematics Geography History Information Technology Mathematics Music Performance Performing Arts Photography Physical Education Physics Product Design Psychology Religious Studies Science (Applied) Spanish Sport Statistics
A Level A Level A Level BTEC A Level BTEC BTEC A Level A Level A Level BTEC A Level A Level BTEC A Level BTEC A Level
Minimal Additional Entry Requirement
6 in Art; 5 in English 7 in Biology or the Trilogy Science Biology modules 6 in English; 6 in Mathematics 7 in Chemistry or the Trilogy Science Chemistry modules 6 in Computer Science 4 in English; 4 in Computing or Creative iMedia preferable 4 in English; 4 in Mathematics; 4 in RE 6 in English Language 6 in English Literature 6 in English Language; 6 in English Literature 5 in English; 5 in Mathematics 7 in French 7 in Mathematics 6 in Geography; 5 in Mathematics or Statistics 6 in History 5 in English; 5 in Mathematics 7 in Mathematics 4 in Music with good standard of instrumental or vocal ability 4 in Drama is preferred otherwise a keen interest and commitment is required 5 in English 6 in Physical Education 7 in Physics or the Triple Science Physics modules 4 in English; 5 in Art or Design and Technology Product Design or Textiles 6 in English Lang/Lit; 6 in Science (triple or double); 6 in Mathematics; 6 in RE 6 in RE 4 in Mathematics; 4 in English; 4 in Science 7 in Spanish TBC 6 in Mathematics
THERE’S A GREAT CHOICE OF ACTIVITIES ASIDE FROM YOUR ACADEMIC STUDIES WHICH GIVE OUR SIXTH FORM A REAL BUZZ
These activities are designed to develop organisational, interpersonal and leadership skills as well as a sense of commitment to the school community. They will help you acquire the skills needed for working and will allow your confidence and self-esteem to grow. You will experience empowerment, responsibility, empathy, maturity and personal challenge. Each day we have ‘tutor time’, dedicated to helping students improve their study skills. Communication skills are developed through student presentation, participation debates and discussions with visiting speakers. Careers education, citizenship, mental health and wellbeing and an awareness of moral and social issues are also built into the programme. Students follow a General RE programme, designed to expose them to a range of issues, consider their beliefs and others’, and use these to form their own mind. Students engage with topics such as Relationships, Morality in the Modern World and Film in RE. Students have the opportunity to reflect on their faith with the Alpha course, a programme of faith exploration and faith development for 16-18 year olds. Please note that our usual activities, particularly trips, are subject to Covid restrictions, and we will offer them as soon as it is safe to do so.
St Gregory’s Catholic School Sixth Form Courses for September 2022 entry Sport and healthy living
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS ARE FOR SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Students have the opportunity to pursue an activity of their choice ranging from personalised workouts in our fitness suite to competing at a high standard within county competitions. The PE team ensure that all students are offered a broad and balanced curriculum. Access to excellent facilities allow the students the freedom and flexibility of choice from a variety of activities, including: football, 7 a-side football, basketball, rugby, athletics, rounders, softball and cricket. Sixth Formers also help with enrichment activities at local primary schools. As well as extensive playing fields, all weather facilities and a brand new sports centre opened in 2021, Sixth Formers have use of our new Fitness Suite which has a range of top quality equipment. This structured programme not only allows you to maintain your health, fitness and well-being but also selfesteem, motivation and personal and social development. Our Sixth Form Football Academy offers a wide range of footballing opportunities and preparation for degrees and careers in the football industry. St Gregory’s U19s football team has been very successful for many years having been Kent Cup winners and North Kent Division 1 champions.
St Gregory’s Catholic School Sixth Form Courses for September 2022 entry Supporting you along the way
WE DON’T JUST TEACH YOU! AT ST GREGORY’S THE SUPPORT GIVEN TO STUDENTS AND IN PARTICULAR THE PASTORAL CARE IS FIRST CLASS. EVERYONE IS KNOWN AND UNDERSTOOD AND SUPPORT IS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS.
A STEP UP
The nature of Sixth Form study and life is a step up, both academically and in maturity. You need to be a thinker, an organiser and a team member. You will be expected to undertake independent learning of at least five hours per week per subject which will include wider reading and taking an active interest in your chosen subjects. Our induction programme is well planned, divided between study-based activities and activities to develop group dynamics, encourage team building, leadership and communication skills. In January, internal Year 11 students will take part in a Sixth Form taster day, to help them discover for themselves the subjects that have the most appeal. The first two days of Year 12 is dedicated to our induction programme to ensure all students, especially those who join us from other schools, are prepared for their Sixth Form studies. Parents are invited to talk with staff about their child’s Sixth Form study programme. STAYING ON TRACK
You will be allocated a tutor who will carefully and regularly monitor your progress towards expected grades and ambitions. They provide support and advice where necessary, working with subject teachers. Students are always welcomed to share any difficulties with subject teachers or review tutors and together work out a plan of action. A half hour tutor time at the end of each day is designed to help students reflect and ensure they are on track. St Gregory’s prides itself on its pastoral care throughout the school and Sixth Form is no exception, particularly as students move towards greater independence and have important decisions to make about their futures. A team of staff are on hand to help you. We also continue the high quality support for any students with additional educational needs, including hearing impairment or have English as an additional language.
St Gregory’s Catholic School Sixth Form Courses for September 2022 entry Getting you to where you want to be
WE OFFER A RANGE OF PROGRAMMES TO HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR FUTURE. WE ADVISE AND HELP YOU SELECT COURSES MOST SUITABLE FOR YOUR NEEDS, ASPIRATIONS AND ABILITIES AND PROVIDE ALL THE SUPPORT YOU’LL NEED FOR APPLICATIONS FOR UNIVERSITY, APPRENTICESHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT.
Each year students attend a UCAS higher education convention (online in 2021) where they meet representatives from all 140 universities.
Our biennial Careers Fair is a hugely popular event where you can speak informally to representatives from a wide variety of careers. ‘Futures Week’, after the Year 12 exams, is dedicated to preparing you for beyond Sixth Form. During the week visitors from higher education and employment give presentations, and run seminars. You’ll learn how to write successful application forms, personal statements, CVs, letters of application and even have mock job interviews. ‘Futures Week’ enhances work and study-related skills, such as problem-solving, lateral thinking and team work. There’s even a session on healthy cooking! We have a team of staff who are highly experienced in advising and helping students through the university and apprenticeship application process. For those who intend to apply for places at Oxford or Cambridge universities, there is a dedicated Oxbridge programme which includes advice and a series of mock interviews and tests. In addition to this we have a ‘Competitive Admissions Programme’ for those wishing to study courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and law.
Applications for September 2022 entry will open on the Kent Choices website on 24 January 2022. Please submit your application before the closing date, 1 March 2022.
Internal Applicants
Our students will receive support with the online application process via the Kent Choices website in their Area of Learning and will receive on-going discussions with dedicated members of staff.
External Applicants
If you currently attend a school in Kent you can apply for our Sixth Form using the Kent Choices website. If you attend a school outside of Kent, you can self-register directly on the Kent Choices website. External applicants will also need to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) as well as applying via Kent Choices. The SIF can be found on the Sixth Form area of our website under ‘How to Apply’ and must be returned to Sixth Form Admissions at our school office by our closing date. Please contact us if you need any advice on courses or completing an application - 01892 527444 Ext 1105. Kent Choices website https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/
ATTENDANCE
Sixth Form at St Gregory’s is full time study and you will be expected to attend daily. Whilst you will have periods of independent study within your timetable, you will be expected to remain in school to study throughout the day. The Sixth Form centre and school library are excellent facilities for independent and group study, with staff on hand to discuss learning. It is essential that you attend each day as universities and employers ask for attendance records.
LOOK SMART-BE SMART!
Students attend Sixth Form to work and prepare themselves for their future careers. You will play an important role in our community, providing leadership and acting as role models for younger students. Smart appearance is an essential part of this and being well dressed has a positive impact on students’ attitude to their studies.
We require all students to conform to our dress code. Male students are expected to wear a smart suit in any colour; a smart plain shirt with an optional tie (to be worn for school events); a plain v neck jumper or waistcoat can be worn underneath the jacket in cold weather; comfortable, smart shoes or boots. Female students are expected to wear a smart skirt of appropriate length, trouser or dress suit with a jacket or blazer in any colour; a smart plain top, shirt or blouse; comfortable, smart shoes or boots. The full dress code, with exclusions, is detailed on our website.
TRANSPORT
In Years 12 & 13, students living in Kent can apply for a 16+ Travel Pass, details of which are on the KCC website, please click on this link .
Students living outside Kent should apply to their Local Authority regarding transport passes.
FINANCIAL HELP
The government has set aside funding for schools to allocate to young people who need financial support for their education between the ages of 16 and 19, called the 16-19 Bursary. The fund is available to help with education related costs that may arise. Full details and information on how to apply is on our website.
Art & Design: Fine Art A LEVEL
COURSE OUTLINE & ASSESSMENT
This course enables students to develop their creativity, analytical, technical and expressive skills. Students experience a broad range of media and processes and are encouraged to experiment with working in two and three dimensions. Taking risks and leading an in depth exploration is key in creating a successful portfolio of work. Independent project work is informed by artist research and gallery visits provide an essential source of inspiration.
Students make personal and critical judgements in their choice of artist influences and materials.
Component 1: Personal Investigation
Students compile a substantial portfolio of practical work, supporting studies and outcomes which develop from a range of personal starting points over the two years. The initial thematic unit is workshop led and introduces new techniques as well as encouraging students to be experimental in their approach to drawing. The Personal Study is an illustrated dissertation which forms 12% of the total qualification. Students pursue an enquiry of personal interest, showing a depth of research and critical and contextual understanding which is evidenced through 3,000 words. Assessment: 60% of A Level.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
The Externally Set Assignment is released to Year 13 on 1st February and contains a theme and an array of suggested starting points. Students research their own choice of contextual sources, record observations and experiment with media and processes. This unit enables them to work to their strengths as they independently lead their development and refinement of ideas towards a final piece of work. The preparatory studies are submitted at the start of a 15 hour timed assessment during which they create their final outcome. Assessment: 40% of A Level.
DETAILS
Subject Leader: Mrs A Vamplew
Exam board and course/syllabus No:
Pearson Edexcel Art and Design: Fine Art
Independent study commitment:
A passion for Art, a motivation to explore and experiment and a continuous commitment to independent study is essential.
Additional course entry requirements:
GCSE Art at grade 6 or above; GCSE English at grade 5 or above.
WHAT DOES IT COMBINE WELL WITH?
Many subjects complement Art: Photography, Product Design, English, History and Mathematics for those considering Architecture and Design.
WHY STUDY ART AND DESIGN?
The Art & Design A Level course opens opportunities across the design industries. You will have the chance to pursue personal interests whilst developing your ability to record, research, design and make. You will create work across a number of disciplines including painting and drawing, photography, graphic design, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics. In addition this course gives you the opportunity to develop your personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability.
WHERE CAN IT LEAD?
Previous A Level Art students have made careers in fashion, graphics, photography, film making, textile design, car design, art curation, art conservation, architecture, fine art, product design, animation and teaching.
Biology A LEVEL
COURSE OUTLINE & ASSESSMENT
The Biology A Level course has been designed so that students study biology in topics, each covering different key concepts of biology, in a traditional content-led approach.
Paper 1 - Biological processes
• Multiple choice (5.5% of A Level) • Structured questions and extended response questions covering theory and practical skills (31.5% of A Level)
Paper 2 - Biological diversity
• Multiple choice (5.5% of A Level) • Structured questions and extended response questions covering theory and practical skills (31.5% of A Level)
Paper 3 - Unified biology
• Structured questions and extended response questions covering theory and practical skills (26% of A Level)
Practical endorsement for biology
This is a teacher assessed component where students will be awarded pass or fail. Candidates complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence. Performance is reported separately to the A Level grade.
DETAILS
Subject Leader: Mr D Hall
Exam board and course/syllabus No:
OCR Biology A – H420
Independent study commitment:
Five hours per week including homework.
Additional course entry requirements:
GCSE Biology grade 7 or Trilogy Science Biology modules grade 7 or above.
WHAT DOES IT COMBINE WELL WITH?
Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Psychology and Physical Education.
WHY STUDY BIOLOGY?
Biologists try to understand how animals and organisms work (including humans), how we evolved and the things that can make us sick or improve our health. Biologists use this knowledge to do things like try to stop the spread of disease, track down natural resources, improve public health, animal care and conservation and work out the true impacts of things like pollution. Whilst studying biology you will acquire the following skills: • Knowledge and understanding of biological facts and principles. • Ability to apply these in constructing hypotheses and testing them. • Ability to communicate biological information. • Ability to carry out experimental work. • Working independently and working with others. • Essential mathematical skills.
WHERE CAN IT LEAD?
Biology, zoology, botany, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary science, nursing, agriculture, food science, sports science, environmental science.
Business A LEVEL
COURSE OUTLINE & ASSESSMENT
Business A Level focuses on problem solving, decision making and developing a range of business skills.
Students will gain an understanding of business in a range of contexts. They will develop an understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants whilst being aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals.
Business behaviour is studied from a range of perspectives and students are encouraged to generate enterprising and creative approaches to business opportunities, problems and issues.
Students will acquire a range of relevant business skills, challenging assumptions and critical analysis together with the ability to apply numerical skills in a range of business contexts.
Paper 1: Marketing, people and global business (35% of A Level).
Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategies (35% of A Level).
Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment (30% of A Level) For Paper 3, there will be a pre-released context document.
DETAILS
Subject Leader: Mr T King
Exam board and course/syllabus No:
Pearson Edexcel A Level Business
Independent study commitment:
Five hours per week
Additional course entry requirements:
GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 6 or above.
WHAT DOES IT COMBINE WELL WITH?
All subjects, especially Mathematics. However, Business cannot be studied alongside Finance.
WHY STUDY BUSINESS?
Students will develop skills which will enable them to understand the real world of business together with problem solving, decision making and teamwork skills which are applicable to a wide range of career opportunities.
WHERE CAN IT LEAD?
On completion of this qualification students will have developed the skills, knowledge and understanding, which will prepare them for entry into higher education or employment. Students can continue with their study of business or related subjects at degree level, seek training or enter employment.
