Sixth Form Electives 2026

Sixth Form Academic Electives 2026/27

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

Accreditation in Languages for Business (French, German, Spanish)

at RHB Sixth Form If you want to use your language skills in a practical way and stand out in the modern job market, or relevant university courses, the Accreditation in Languages for Business is a fantastic opportunity.

Available in French, German, and Spanish, this qualification shows universities and employers that you can communicate confidently and effectively in real-world business situations.

The course is designed to be highly practical and career-focused. You will: Use your language in real business scenarios such as meetings, emails, presentations, and negotiations.

Develop cultural awareness, learning how to navigate business customs and etiquette in different countries.

Strengthen communication skills, building confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in ways that are directly relevant to the workplace.

This elective is ideal if you enjoyed languages at GCSE and want to apply them in a professional context. It’s especially suited to students considering careers in business, international relations, law, or travel.

The accreditation carries 16 UCAS points, adding real academic value to your portfolio, while also giving you skills that will help you stand out in university applications and job interviews.

The course runs throughout Year 12 with five lessons per fortnight. It provides a clear, structured path to developing professional language skills, culminating in a recognised qualification that demonstrates your readiness to thrive in international settings.

By taking the Accreditation in Languages for Business in French, German, or Spanish, you are preparing yourself not just as a student of language, but as a future global professional.

SUBJECT LEAD Miss Jo Cossey

For Girls. For Life.

AFA Creative Writing

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

at RHB Sixth Form

Students who want to develop their individual voice, learn the discipline of writing regularly, and receive meaningful feedback in a supportive yet professional environment will thrive taking the AFA (Apprentice in Fine Arts) in Creative Writing.

The AFA offers a rare opportunity to study creative writing at school level in a structured and rigorous way, ideal for aspiring writers, storytellers, journalists, or anyone interested in communication and expression.

Our English department will provide the supportive environment and wider opportunities (such as visits to Bath Literary Festival, masterclasses with published authors, or collaboration with other schools) that will enable you to develop advanced writing and editing skills, critical thinking, empathy and emotional intelligence, confidence in verbal and written communication and independent project management skills.

The course is made up of: Weekly critical workshops and peer review to aid your development of three short pieces in varied forms (short stories, poetry, scriptwriting, etc.) and a commentary on creative influences and process. You will then complete one extended piece of writing in your chosen form. Other skills developed are commissioned writing – timed responses to real-world briefs and responsive writing – creative responses to a stimulus text.

Throughout the course students participate in workshopping their pieces, building a collaborative, editorial skillset alongside the development of their own writing. This course runs within three fortnightly lessons in addition to occasional lunchtime workshops; there is an expectation that students undertake the bulk of their efforts outside of class time. The course will continue across both years of sixth form and final exams take place in May of Year 13.

The course is assessed with three components: WRITE-1: The Portfolio – Students build a substantial body of original creative work across multiple forms (fiction, poetry, script, etc.), develop a specialism, and reflect critically on their influences and editorial choices.

WRITE-2: Commissioned Writing – A timed exam where students respond to professional-style briefs, developing skills for writing in real-world contexts.

WRITE-3: Responsive Writing – Another exam where students create new work inspired by a professional text and reflect on their creative process and EXAM BOARD literary influences.

AQA

This combination of creativity, reflection, and professionalism makes the AFA a standout enrichment course. It is particularly attractive for university applications, as it reflects both independence of thought and the ability to complete extended creative work under deadlines.

Though not eligible for UCAS accreditation, the qualification may boost university applications in fields such as English, Media, Creative Arts, Journalism, Marketing, or Humanities. It’s also a standout feature in job or apprenticeship interviews, demonstrating creativity and initiative.

Kazuo Ishiguro, Booker Prize-winning author of 'The Remains of the Day', took a Creative Writing MA at UEA and has spoken of how structured creative writing education helped hone his craft.

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

A Level Chinese for Native and Near-Native Speakers

at RHB Sixth Form If Mandarin is already your home language, or you are a near-native speaker, this course offers you the chance to turn that skill into a formally recognised A level qualification. By dedicating just one lesson a week in the Lower Sixth, you will receive specialist preparation for the specification requirements and, in particular, the literature and film components. This support ensures that you are fully equipped to access the very highest grades.

Taking A level Chinese as a native or near-native speaker brings many advantages. It provides formal recognition of your existing skills, strengthens your university applications and career prospects, and allows you to deepen your cultural identity with confidence. It is an efficient use of your study time, offering high potential for excellent results while still fitting comfortably alongside your other A levels.

Over the course, you will explore a wide range of themes. These include changes in modern Chinese society such as family, education, youth culture, and economic change; Chinese culture through festivals, philosophy, and significant historical figures; contemporary issues such as urbanisation, environmental challenges, and technology; and the influence of the 1978 reform, looking at topics such as wealth disparity, the rise of super-cities, migration, trade, and cultural exchange.

The course also develops important skills. You will demonstrate your ability to think, write, and express yourself fluently in two languages, gain cultural literacy and deep insight into global contexts, and sharpen your analytical and critical thinking through the study of literature and film. Language learning complements science, humanities, and social sciences, and this qualification shows the breadth of your abilities. For many students, it is also a source of personal pride, turning a home language into an academically and professionally recognised qualification.

The course runs throughout your Lower Sixth year requiring you to commit to two taught lessons per fortnight as well as directed individual study time. Most students who have taken A level Chinese at RHB have achieved excellent results and report that the course has given them a deeper appreciation of their culture as well as a powerful academic asset for their future. Choosing to take A level Chinese as a native or near-native speaker is a way of celebrating your language ability, gaining top-level results, and adding real strength to your academic portfolio.

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

Beginners Certificate in British Sign Language

at RHB Sixth Form

British Sign Language was only recognized as an official language by the Government in 2003, but has grown in enormously in popularity since then. Learning BSL helps to support the Deaf community by making society more inclusive, it also challenges you to develop new communication skills which could support your Gold DofE skill requirement.

This is an interactive and accessible online course which will require you to use gestures, facial expressions and body language to make yourself understood. Learning a new language can enhance memory.

Concentration and problem-solving skills.

Taking the online course as part of a group will aid your commitment and ability to practice your skills between sessions.

The basic course is made up of 10 units designed to be completed in 16-20 hours. This will allow you to complete the course with a commitment of 1-2 hours per fortnight1-2 by March of your Lower Sixth year.

The course covers: Fingerspelling, Numbers, Colours, Deaf Awareness, Introductions, Family, Relationships, Descriptions, Hobbies, Time, Money, Days, Months, & Seasons, Food & Drink, Emotions, Relationships, Animals, Clothing, and Conversation.

Also specialist vocabulary for education, medical, retail, transportation and home settings.

Each session ends with an assessment that involves watching short BSL videos and a quiz. Once you have scored 85% on all quizzes and taken the final assessment you are awarded a CPD accredited certificate to show that you have completed the course.

Having BSL on a university application demonstrates motivation, a commitment to learning, and a broader skillset beyond traditional academic subjects. It signals an interest in inclusivity and community engagement, which are highly valued by many EXAM BOARD universities.

For many public-facing and care-oriented careers, AQA BSL is a highly desirable skill and can open up many volunteering opportunities – maybe it will be you one day on the podium, signing at Glastonbury.

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

CISI L2 Certificate in Fundamentals of Financial Services

at RHB Sixth Form If you’re curious about how the financial world works — from banking and stocks to fintech and global markets — then this course gives you the perfect introduction. The CISI (Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment) Level 2 qualification is industry-recognised, so you’ll be studying the same material that professionals in finance use at the start of their careers.

You’ll cover a wide range of topics: ethics and integrity, banking, equities, bonds, derivatives, financial markets, and emerging areas such as fintech. Each week you’ll explore a different aspect of financial services, giving you a broad understanding of how this huge industry operates. This course is open to any sixth former; there is no requirement to be taking Business or Economics A level.

The course finishes with a one-hour multiple-choice exam, and if you pass you’ll gain the CISI Level 2 Fundamentals of Financial Services qualification. This is a professional certificate that shows future employers and universities that you’ve gone beyond your A levels to gain real-world knowledge.

Even if you don’t plan on working in finance, the skills you gain will be useful: problem solving, critical thinking, and an awareness of how money and markets shape the world around us. It’s also a great way to test out whether financial services might be the right career path for you.

The course runs for one year, on one lesson per week.

The expectation is for an additional 1 hour per week of self-study to attain the level of knowledge needed to successfully pass the exam at the end of L6. Passing the exam adds a recognised external award to your portfolio and signals ambition, maturity, and a readiness to engage with professional-level learning while still at school. This course has an additional cost of £150 which includes the final exam fee.

SUBJECT LEAD Mrs Melanie Whalley

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

FutureLearn IT and Computer Science

at RHB Sixth Form If you want to strengthen your digital skills and explore the technologies shaping our world, FutureLearn IT and Computer Science offers an exciting opportunity. This elective allows you to select from a carefully curated range of short online courses, designed by universities and industry experts, that give you both practical experience and a deeper understanding of modern technology.

You can choose units that match your own interests and ambitions; the Computer Science department will provide advice and support to help you decide. Topics available include AI and robotics, coding and programming, machine learning, cyber security, game development, cloud computing, big data and analytics, web development, and more. Whether you want to learn to code, understand the future of AI, or gain an insight into how businesses use technology, there’s a pathway for you.

By choosing this option you will gain a wider awareness of how technology is used and developed, practical programming experience, and a clearer understanding of the career opportunities available in IT and Computer Science. These skills are highly transferable and will give you an edge when applying for university courses, work experience placements or jobs. You will also be able to talk about the skills and experience you have gained from FutureLearn during interviews and highlight your achievements on your CV. This elective involves independent online and supervised study. You will need to commit to working for approximately three to four hours each week across the L6th and your teacher will meet you regularly to check on progress and provide guidance. Assessment takes place online for each topic you choose to study.

FutureLearn allows you to follow the strands that interest you most while giving you a professional and accredited way of developing highly sought after technical skills and knowledge.

SUBJECT LEAD Mr Dan Harvey

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

HSK Chinese Proficiency Test (Post-GCSE)

at RHB Sixth Form If you want to continue your Mandarin after GCSE and gain a qualification that is globally recognised — especially in China and by universities and employers worldwide — the HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is the perfect next step. Unlike UK-only exams, HSK provides an international, standardised credential that proves your level of Chinese in a way understood across the world. It is also aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), giving you a clear sense of your level compared to other European languages.

Most students reach HSK Level 3 or 4 after GCSE, which already represents a solid benchmark of practical ability. This elective builds on that foundation and provides a structured pathway to higher levels. By the end of the course, you will have consolidated HSK 4 (around 1,200 words) and gained experience of HSK 5 content (around 2,500 words), giving you the confidence to read modern texts, follow authentic Chinese media, and express yourself fluently in both academic and professional contexts.

Course Content Strengthen core skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Expand your vocabulary significantly, moving beyond GCSE level to HSK 4/5.

Build confidence in practical communication, including real-life scenarios for study, travel, and business.

Prepare for the official HSK examination, gaining a certificate (HSK 4/5) recognised internationally.

A globally recognised qualification, widely respected in China and beyond.

Strong evidence for UCAS applications and interviews, showing commitment, discipline, and cultural interest.

Tangible language skills that support study, travel, and career opportunities, especially in China and Asia.

A direct pathway to further university study, exchanges, or work placements in China.

The course runs for one year in the Lower Sixth, with four lessons per fortnight. This allows you to make rapid progress beyond GCSE level and prepare thoroughly for the HSK examination.

Many students who have taken HSK alongside their A levels have gone on to study Chinese further at university. One former student is now preparing to continue her studies in China — a clear example of how this qualification can open doors.

Taking the HSK in Chinese shows not only that you have advanced linguistic skills, but also that you are ready to engage with the global stage. It is one of the strongest post-GCSE language qualifications you can achieve, respected across the world and highly valued by universities and employers.

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

Leiths Confident Cookery

at RHB Sixth Form We are really excited to introduce a brand new course to Royal High through Leiths Academy and in doing so, becoming a Leiths Partnership School. The course is Leiths Confident Cookery. It is a course that provides a Leiths Accredited Qualification and a health and hygiene certification at the end of Year 12; leading to potential gap year and further private chef opportunities.

This 30 week course is designed for pupils who want to learn key cookery skills through a broad range of recipes, with a view to cooking for travel or independent life. It is an entirely practical course of study; the curriculum is global, modern and delicious, instilling a lifelong love of cooking whilst providing a broad range of skills.

Students master recipes from the everyday to occasions, from breakfasts and casual brunches to afternoon tea, sharing plates and celebratory dinners. Example dishes include: Duck breasts with teriyaki and plum sauce, Pulled chicken and red pepper fajitas and Prosecco peaches with honey mascarpone.

Being a practical-led course of study, it includes demonstrations, practical cooking, independent study, revision and assessments. It is a bespoke Leiths course, and the curriculum has been designed to be menu rather than skills-based, including a wide range of recipes and dishes from around the world. The lessons are designed to build confidence in preparing and cooking a wide range of menus for different customers and occasions. Since this qualification is being offered in conjunction with Leiths there is an additional charge of £300 per term to complete the course, this figure includes equipment needed to complete the course.

SUBJECT LEAD Mrs Emily Goy

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

Sports Leadership (Level 3)

at RHB Sixth Form If you enjoy sport, dance, physical activity, and working with others, this qualification gives you the chance to turn that enthusiasm into something powerful and recognised. The Level 3 Certificate in Sports Leadership is designed to help you build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills within sport and beyond. You’ll not only take part in sport but also learn how to plan, develop, and deliver purposeful and inclusive activities, making a real impact on your peers, the school, and the wider community.

As you progress through the course, you will take on real leadership opportunities, supporting the PE and Sports Department with coaching, officiating, and running events both in school and externally. This nationally recognised qualification provides an excellent foundation for pathways into coaching, teaching, volunteering, and other leadership roles. It is an exciting way to combine your passion for sport with skills that will benefit you in all areas of life.

You will develop a wide range of essential skills that go far beyond sport itself. Confidence, organisation, communication, resilience, and leadership are central to the course, alongside the ability to design and deliver safe, inclusive, and enjoyable sessions in different contexts. These transferable skills are valued by universities and employers, and they provide a strong platform for careers in sport, health, and education.

The course is taught over one year in the Lower Sixth with six lessons per fortnight. You will cover units on developing leadership skills, planning and leading sport sessions, evaluating progressive activity programmes, and running a full sporting event — including at least two hours of demonstrated event leadership. You will also gain experience of leading a variety of different participant groups across a minimum of twelve hours of leadership.

Assessment is through a combination of practical observation, written tasks, planning, and evaluations, recorded in a learner evidence record provided by the Leadership Skills Foundation. To complete the course you must pass all required assessment criteria, demonstrating both practical competence and reflective evaluation.

By the end of the course you will have achieved 12 credits and 16 UCAS tariff points, giving you a nationally recognised qualification that signals your leadership ability, practical skill, and commitment to sport and physical activity. It is a course that not only celebrates your love of sport but also strengthens your portfolio for university and beyond.

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

Teaching English as Foreign Language

at RHB Sixth Form If you are interested in languages, teaching, or the idea of travelling and working abroad, this course gives you a practical introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is especially useful if you are thinking about a gap year or want something distinctive for your UCAS application.

You will learn how people acquire new languages and look at English in action in real contexts, using ideas from Systemic Functional Linguistics to see how grammar and vocabulary create meaning.

Sessions are interactive and hands on. You will design your own classroom materials, practise short teaching activities with your classmates, and reflect on what worked well.

Modules will include: How people learn languages Teaching vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation Developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills Games and communicative activities Intercultural awareness and global English Lesson planning and classroom organisation Micro-teaching and reflection By the end of the year you will have gained skills in communication, leadership, intercultural awareness and teamwork, as well as the confidence to explain language clearly and run short activities.

The course runs for one hour a week across year 12. Assessment is light touch, with a short reflective log and a micro-teaching task towards the end of the course.

Everyone who completes the course will receive a school certificate.

While full TEFL qualifications are only available to those aged 18 and over, the school is exploring ways to connect this programme with universities and professional providers.

SUBJECT LEAD Ms Natalie Cheers

For Girls. For Life.

SIXTH FORM ELECTIVE

WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology

at RHB Sixth Form If you’ve ever wondered why people commit crime, how society responds, or what makes certain behaviours deviant, then Criminology could be the course for you. This qualification gives you the chance to explore real cases, debate high-profile examples, and understand the theories that lie behind criminal behaviour.

You’ll look at how crime is reported and how that affects public perception, why some crimes go unreported, and how campaigns can change people’s views. You’ll also explore different explanations of crime — from biology and psychology to wider sociological perspectives. It’s a subject that combines ideas from law, sociology, and psychology, and it’s perfect if you enjoy thinking critically about the world around you.

By studying criminology you’ll develop valuable skills: analysing evidence, presenting and debating ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking critically. These are skills that will help you succeed both in your A levels and in whatever path you choose afterwards.

This course fits well alongside humanities and social science A levels, adding an extra dimension to your portfolio. It can lead to careers or further study in areas like law, psychology, sociology, social work, probation, or the criminal justice system.

The qualification is taught over one year in the Lower Sixth, with a similar time allocation given to an AS level. Assessment is a mix of controlled assessments and exams, and your final grade (A–E) is worth up to 24 UCAS points. Universities recognise it as a strong Applied General qualification that shows your ability to think broadly and critically about real-world issue and supports future studies in Psychology, Law and Sociology.

For Girls. For Life.

Royal High Bath, GDST Lansdown Road Bath BA1 5SZ United Kingdom royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.net +44 (0)1225 313877

2026/27