BRGS Prospectus Sixth Form 2026-27

ACHIEVE…LEAD… GROW…PROGRESS…AT

BRGS

SIXTH FORM NURTURING TODAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE, INSPIRING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

WELCOME 2

Visit our website at brgs.org.uk/sixth-form

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PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME The question of where to continue your post-16 education is arguably one of the most important decisions you have had to make to date and getting it right is of paramount importance.

By focusing on educational excellence, character development and community, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School (BRGS) Sixth Form aims to deliver a transformational experience from which young people emerge with a sense of outstanding aspiration and the highest expectation of themselves, whilst accepting the responsibility and duty to contribute to society’s wellbeing.

At BRGS Sixth Form, we endeavour to offer an experience of world-class learning and teaching, which will stretch and prepare students to pursue the most competitive UK or overseas university or degree apprenticeship.

We are proud to be part of Star Academies, one of the highest performing multi-academy trusts.

If you share our values and aspirations then I look forward to receiving an application from you for a place in our Sixth Form.

JAMES JOHNSTONE PRINCIPAL

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WHY STUDY AT BRGS? BRGS Sixth Form is consistently placed amongst the highest performing schools nationally.

At BRGS, we offer:

Outstanding teaching and learning provision delivered by experts who are passionate, inspirational, pioneering and highly skilled at what they do

Exceptional teachers with a proven track record of outstanding A level results

A small, family feel. We have a strong sense of a cohesive and inclusive community where students thrive within a happy, safe and supportive environment

A holistic educational experience with a resolute focus on strategic thinking and determination through our supercurriculum

Outstanding teaching and learning BRGS has subject-specialists who are skilled and experienced at teaching at A level and in securing excellent results for their students.

High expectations for all We believe that every student is capable of achieving top grades and progressing to prestigious universities, sought after degree apprenticeships and leading successful careers.

Personalised learning pathways You will be supported to fulfil your potential in all A level subject areas. Teachers provide materials, targeted intervention sessions and exam support to ensure that all students make excellent progress. In addition to this, students who are struggling to meet their target grades are supported by our Sixth Form Data and Intervention Manager, who has the skills and experience to support students with the improvements necessary to achieve their goals.

Personalised progression pathways You will be supported to fulfil your career goals and aspirations, including intense support for those who aspire to apply for the most competitive degree courses such as medicine or dentistry, places at Oxbridge or with leading companies such as KPMG and Mazars.

BRGS 4

We con perfor sistently m in th e top

5

%

of sch ool the co s in untry

39% A*A

grades in 2025

BEN WILLIAMS, BRGS SIXTH FORM ALUMNI:

FROM ATTENDING THE LOWER SCHOOL, I ALREADY KNEW THAT THE STANDARD OF TEACHING AT BRGS IS VERY GOOD BUT THE DIFFERENCE THAT MADE MY EXPERIENCE IN THE SIXTH FORM SO GOOD WAS THE BREADTH AND QUALITY OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO US. THE TEACHERS AND STAFF ARE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY AND DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO SUPPORT STUDENTS.” Ben aspires to study engineering at the University of Cambridge.

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2025

APPLY FOR A PLACE

How to apply for BRGS Sixth Form

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Research

Apply

Attend your interview

Accept your place

Enrol at BRGS

Start at BRGS Sixth Form

Visit us online at brgs.org.uk to find out more about our Sixth Form courses and life at BRGS.

Applications to BRGS Sixth Form can be made online at brgs.org.uk/ sixth-form. Simply click on the ‘Apply Now’ link.

You will be notified of your interview appointment by email. During the interview, we will ensure you have chosen the right course to suit your future aspirations. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about your programme of study.

If you are successful at interview, you will receive a conditional offer via email.

You will receive information on enrolment during the summer term, so keep an eye out for our emails. Enrolment will take place from GCSE results day onwards.

September is the start of the new academic year and your life as a BRGS student!

OUR MISSION We promote a culture of educational excellence from within a caring and secure environment enriched with the values of discipline, mutual care and respect, which extends beyond the Sixth Form into the wider community.

Academy Values Our STAR values are at the heart of everything we do.

SERVICE

TEAMWORK

AMBITION

RESPECT

Being a responsible citizen in our community

Working together for excellence

Aspiring to be our best

Treating others as we wish to be treated

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T

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Our mission consists of the following three key elements.

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES

• A belief that everybody has the potential to succeed within a high quality and intellectually challenging educational environment.

• A cohesive identity so that our students, their parents and communities feel a strong sense of belonging to the Star family.

• A commitment to instilling high aspirations, a desire to learn and ambition to achieve.

• A passionate focus on a values-based education that instils honesty, integrity, compassion and mutual respect into all our pupils.

• A determination to develop outstanding British citizens who are proud of, and contribute to, the social and economic prosperity of our country.

• A personalised approach to securing excellence, stemming from a passionate belief that each individual is unique and special and capable of rising above any perceived limitations.

• A strong core of tenacity, selfrespect and self-belief that inspires each pupil to become the best person they can be.

• A sense of personal accountability and of responsibility to others.

• A commitment to charitable endeavours and to making a difference to our world.

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LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP SPECIALISM

Leadership is a key component of our values. We focus on three leadership virtues: Civic To know and serve your community by working together to help to solve social issues.

Performance To be goal oriented, have high ambitions, be reflective and demonstrate resilience.

Moral To champion equality through resolving conflict, being a role model and being accountable.

In placing leadership at the very heart of our school, we aspire to develop wellrounded, ethical and accomplished leaders of tomorrow. Student leaders who act from a strong self-concept. Individuals who are passionate, determined and tenacious; willing to courageously lead and to humbly serve others.

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We offer a broad range of leadership opportunities in our Sixth Form, including:

• A high-profile public speaking programme • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver and Gold Awards • Clubs and societies, including an international charity trip

• Student Prefect roles in the main school • Becoming a Head of School to lead all students in the Sixth Form and events within the main school

• Supporting the school at key events as a Student Ambassador

• Representing your form on the BRGS School Council

SUCCESS

ROUTES TO SUCCESS As you progress through our Sixth Form, you will refine your aims and aspirations and be supported to make decisions and choices for your future.

You will engage in our leading Careers Education, Advice and Guidance programme, which has consistently achieved all Gatsby 8 benchmarks in recent years. You will be supported by our school careers advisor to help you understand all possible routes open to you in the future and the steps you can take to realise your dreams.

Through our bespoke UCAS programme, you will receive support to complete application forms and visit Russell Group and Ivy League universities.

Our UCAS programme includes: • University visits organised each academic year, including with Oxbridge, Russell Group and Ivy League universities • Workshops for UCAS statements and interview preparation • Masterclasses with Oxbridge, Russell Group and Ivy League universities • UCAT, LNAT and Oxbridge admission exams preparation • Emerging Talent programmes for Medicine and Dentistry A range of guest speakers visit our Sixth Form throughout the year to deliver a rich programme of presentations and seminars on university choices, progression pathways, labour market insight and apprenticeships.

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BRGS

BRGS ADVANTAGE BRGS Sixth Form offers a new level of independence and a different relationship with teachers.

Our Sixth Form students dress in smart casual wear and plan for a working day that fits in with a new type of learning.

At BRGS, we are committed to providing the best learning experience for our students and preparing you for the wider world outside of school.

You will be provided with excellent learning in the classroom as well as a wide variety of trips, visits and experiences to extend your learning well beyond your A level subjects.

Alongside our history of outstanding academic achievement, we are also

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proud of the care, pastoral support and personal development opportunities we provide to students. As a Sixth Form student, you will have a weekly PSHE lesson in which you can discuss important issues facing young people today to prepare you for some of the potential challenges you may face in future. You will also have a tutorial session with your form tutor each week in which you will receive guidance on how to study successfully and supported to submit compelling applications to universities, apprenticeship providers or your chosen next step.

ADVANTAGE

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT At BRGS, we are committed to ensuring that all students receive a rich programme of personal development and enrichment.

We believe that our learners need a balance between academic rigor and personal development. We want them to achieve the qualifications they need for amazing destinations in the future, but we also want to ensure that they have the life knowledge, skills and experiences to ensure that they are happy and can thrive when they get there.

TERM 1 – FUTURES PROGRAMME

Our personal development and enrichment programme includes:

• Oxbridge • STEM • Medicine, dentistry and veterinary science preparation • Creativity • Sport and fitness • Law and debate • Business and Finance • Those who can, teach

• A weekly PSHE session in which you will get the opportunity to discuss important issues facing young people today

TERM 2 – SKILLS FOR LIFE

• Charity fundraising activities at least once per term

• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) • First aid • Sign language • Basic cooking skills • Sport and fitness • Drama and theatre • Driving theory test preparation

• An assembly programme designed to highlight important historical figures, events and issues in the world today

TERM 3 – EMPLOYABILITY

• A bespoke enrichment programme to set you up for future success • A morning registration programme designed to enhance your awareness of current affairs

Bespoke enrichment On Wednesdays, you will have dedicated afternoons for enrichment. Each term you will be able to select two options from a range of topics.

In term 3, you will have the opportunity to participate in talks and seminars with a wide range of universities and employers. You will also develop employability skills to support your work experience placement, which will take place at the end of the year.

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HOW WE SUPPORT YOU As well as supporting your academic development, we aim to deliver the best pastoral care possible.

• Year 12 and Year 13 each has its own Head of Year who is responsible for ensuring the welfare of students and who works closely with parents and guardians to provide a coherent support structure for each young person • A full programme of activities will be delivered during morning registration for personal and pastoral development • We have an assembly programme - with regular high-profile guest speakers • We have a range of activities to develop our students as leaders, which includes: - Key roles and opportunities, such as Sixth Form and School Council Representatives, Librarian, Prefects and Ambassadors for the school - Representing the school in competitions such as Biology Olympiads - Participating in programmes such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award

SUPPORT 12

PRIVATE STUDY AND 1:1 TEACHING A purposeful, orderly and productive environment for learning is available exclusively to Sixth Form students.

Students will be supported to consolidate, revise and extend their learning during study periods between lessons.

At BRGS, we know that by working hard students give themselves the best possible chance of achieving strong outcomes and reaching their personal goals and ambitions. It can be challenging for some young people to adapt to become independent and self-motivated learners, so we nurture our Sixth Form students to develop good study habits.

We support students to use their time in school effectively by timetabling study time between their lessons.

Good habits are cultivated from the very beginning of a student’s time at BRGS; every minute will be precious, and you will be guided through effective study habits to ensure success.

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LEARNING

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TEACHING

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Our pursuit of academic excellence is based on a simple premise; that, upon graduating from BRGS, every student fulfils their potential and is supported to secure the best possible academic results.

This approach involves a great deal of hard work from all involved – the school and its teachers, parents and guardians, and, most importantly, the students themselves.

What underpins excellence at BRGS is what happens in the classroom, the way we teach, how we assess and how we promote a culture of achievement in the school.

Lesson planning is combined with effective deployment of teaching skills and judicious interventions so that students acquire knowledge, develop understanding and learn and practise skills exceptionally well, and are able to apply what they have learned with increasing independence.

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OFFER

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM OFFER

Our Sixth Form is traditional and academic. We offer only A levels. We are A level specialists and have exceptional and experienced teachers. They have a strong track-record of getting the very best out of our learners. You will complete a two-year linear course in all subjects culminating in A level qualifications.

In order to join us you will need to achieve good GCSE results, attaining at least two grade 5s and two grade 6s. All learners require a minimum grade 4 in GCSE English Language and in GCSE Mathematics to pursue A levels at BRGS. Some subjects have specific entry requirements, which can be found on the following page.

A level subjects* • Art and Design • Biology • Business Studies • Chemistry • Computer Science • Economics • English Language • English Literature • Geography • German

• History • Law • Mathematics • Further Mathematics • Physical Education • Physics • Psychology • Religious Studies • Sociology • Spanish

* All qualifications are subject to a sufficient level of student demand.

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2025-26 2026-27

ENTRY REQUIREMENT CRITERIA FOR 2026-27 A LEVEL SUBJECT

ENTRY REQUIREMENT

Art and Design

GCSE Graphics, Textiles or Art (or portfolio approved

by Head of Art)

Biology

GCSE Grade 6 in Biology OR 66 in Combined Science and 5 in Mathematics

Business Studies

BRGS standard entry requirements

Chemistry

GCSE Grade 6 in Chemistry OR 66 in Combined Science and 5 in Mathematics

Computer Science

BRGS standard entry requirements

Economics

BRGS standard entry requirements

English Language

GCSE Grade 6 in English Language

English Literature

GCSE Grade 6 in English Literature

Geography

GCSE Geography advised

German

GCSE Grade 6 in German

History

GCSE History advised

Law

BRGS standard entry requirements

Mathematics

GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics

Further Mathematics

GCSE Grade 7 in Mathematics

(must be taken with A level Mathematics)

Physical Education

GCSE Grade 6 in Biology OR 66 in Combined Science

Physics

GCSE Grade 6 in Physics OR 66 in Combined Science and 5 in Mathematics

Psychology

BRGS standard entry requirements

Religious Studies

GCSE Religious Studies preferred but not essential

Sociology

BRGS standard entry requirements

Spanish

GCSE Grade 6 in Spanish

BRGS standard entry requirements: 2 grade 6s and 2 grade 5s at GCSE plus a minimum of grade 4 in both English Language and Maths.

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ART

ART AND DESIGN

In an increasingly automated society, individual creativity is now highly prized as it is steadily becoming the only thing that cannot be recreated by computers or robots. The creative industries are booming and are growing faster than any other industry. The creative industries not only enable high levels of personal job satisfaction but also involve extremely well trained and paid vocations. These most often include utilising computers, and include careers areas such as gaming, animation, architecture, automotive design, product design, graphic design and illustration, web design, fashion, film, set design, prop and special effects design, urban landscape and interior design.

All these jobs need creative skills physically as well as conceptually and Art is the subject to build and hone these skills.

We are a creative team who push students to explore and gain the best result you can in this subject and most achieve very highly and go on to the top University courses, then into industry.

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EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

GCSE Graphics, Textiles or Art (or portfolio approved by Head of Art)

BIOLOGY Biology is fundamental in the most literal sense of the word. It is all about how organisms live, breed, breathe and die, and how they interact. Studying Biology gives students an understanding of the impact of our actions on our environment as well as understanding how our bodies function.

Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject. There are numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essential practical skills they need.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

Minimum grade 6 in GCSE Biology or 66 in Combined Science.

BIOLOGY Grade 5 in Mathematics also required.

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BUSINESS 22

BUSINESS STUDIES Business Studies at BRGS considers the numerous areas of business life. It gives the students an opportunity to see how a business operates and shows what has to be done to run a successful business.

The subject examines issues which each business has to manage. We consider the production of goods and then how you would market that product. Accounts are then investigated to make sure that a business is profitable. Management theories are put to the test and at all times external factors to the business are always considered, i.e. the economy.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

S STUDIES 23

CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY

A level Chemistry attempts to answer the big question ‘what is the world made of?’ and it is the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that Chemistry provides are endless.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

Minimum grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or 66 in Combined Science.

Grade 5 in Mathematics also required

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We live in the digital age. Everything we do involves Computer Science in some way. Whether you are streaming music and videos, playing games, adding filters to images, messaging friends or digitally tracking exercise. None of these would be possible without Computer Science!

Studying Computer Science teaches you how all of these, and many other things in our contemporary world work. It teaches you how to apply computational thinking skills to break down and solve large complex problems, and it teaches you advanced programming skills; a skill which empowers you to make a positive difference in the world.

The course contains many challenging concepts and encourages students to build resilience and independence, resulting in it being well regarded by universities and future employers.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

GCSE Computer Science or experience in coding languages is recommended.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

COMPUTER SCIENCE

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ECONOMICS

ECON

In one respect, all societies are ‘economies’ in the sense that they have to solve the problem of how to use scarce resources to produce goods and services which meet the demands of consumers.

The subject examines issues relating to the world in which we live.

For example: • What are stocks and shares? How do we make money?

• Is privatisation a good idea? Are strikes important?

• How do the Conservatives differ from Labour in how the economy should be run?

• How did the banking system almost collapse?

• Should we reduce taxes and spend less on education or unemployment?

As you can see, economics issues touch the lives of everyone – we see them reported in newspapers, online and on TV every day. The study of A level Economics gives you a fascinating opportunity to understand these issues.

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EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Edexcel

No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

ONOMICS 27

ENGLISH LANGUAGE Humankind’s ability to communicate is one of its most notable phenomena. English Language at A level is about getting to the heart of how and why language is used (consciously and subconsciously) in the world around us and the effects of the ways in which we use language.

Starting from how we acquire language as children to how we manipulate and shape language to reflect and construct identity as adults, this course will allow you to probe and analyse the way language has metamorphosed over time in response to significant historical and social changes up to the present day, where the influence of social issues and technology continue to shape communication within a range of different contexts and by a range of different speakers and writers.

If you are a budding writer (fiction or non-fiction), you can showcase your creativity through the original writing coursework component. The different skills you will hone throughout the course, including contextualised data analysis, discursive essays, evaluation and investigative research, will equip you well for a range of future academic and career paths.

ENGLISH 28

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EDEXCEL

A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE English Language is required.

LITERITURE

ENGLISH LITERATURE

If you enjoy reading and like to debate and explore social issues and literary texts then English Literature is the ideal option for you. Literature is a platform for writers to discuss and debate the pressing, and often controversial, social issues of the time. Our set texts enable you to explore a range of concepts including class divides, racial prejudice, sexuality, gender, scientific progression, death and humans’ complex relationship with religion amongst many others.

Studying English Literature enables you to explore and analyse worlds both within the texts and, importantly, the social contexts that compelled writers to compose provocative pieces of literature that still resonate with readers today.

We will provide you with a platform to probe, debate and critique literary texts in a constructive and academic environment. Across the two-year course, you will engage with a range of literary texts of different genres and time periods to develop a breadth of literary understanding and appreciation whilst also honing your analytical and evaluative skills. Our subject is focused on developing your skills of articulation (both written and spoken), equipping you with vital skills to carry forward into the world of work or higher education. English Literature is a Russell Group facilitating subject due to the stimulating and intellectual nature of the course.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EDEXCEL

A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE English Literature is required.

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GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY

There has never been a better or more important time to study A level Geography. With growing interest in contemporary global issues – such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion – this is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to follow.

Geography is a robust and academic subject which is well-regarded by universities and employers due to the range of skills and depth of knowledge that it fosters. The content is a balance of human and physical geography each half delivered by a specialist teacher. If you are inquisitive about the world around you and like to think about big issues you should consider A level Geography.

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EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

GCSE Geography is preferred but not essential.

GERMAN If you have proven your ability in GCSE languages, it would be a logical step to study a language at A level - a language qualification definitely makes you stand out in the crowd!

The further you take your language qualification, the more attractive you become to employers. Statistically, one in five British companies is aware that they are losing trade through lack of language skills within their workforce. The internet has increasingly brought custom from all over the world – language qualifications increase your employability.

Russell Group universities regard the study of languages at 16+ to be part of a very solid preparation for study at degree level. In a nutshell - as one of their recommended ‘facilitating subjects’ - an A level language qualification will enhance your chances of entry into a high quality university.

And finally, as linguists we are natural communicators. In a Europe, where Brexit threatens to distance us from our neighbours, we will need our coming generations to have an insight, an openness to and an appreciation of other cultures like never before. Being fluent in another language is a life skill that is the envy of many who have missed out.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

Grade 6 in GCSE German is required.

GERMAN 31

HISTORY

HISTORY

The study of A level History is important because it allows you to make sense of the current world.

We can look past economic and cultural trends and be able to offer reasonable predictions of what will happen next in today’s world. We can also understand why some rules exist in the modern world. More broadly, A level History allows us to understand different cultures.

History also requires learners to hone their critical thinking skills, which are important in all areas of life, academic or otherwise.

If we study the successes and failures of the past, we may, ideally, be able to learn from our mistakes and avoid repeating them in the future.

If you are interested in contemporary and Renaissance History, or have an inquisitive mind and enjoy challenge, you should consider A level History.

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EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

GCSE History is preferred but not essential.

LAW

The law underpins everything that we do, so it is important that we know how and why our behaviour is governed. In A level Law, you will explore a variety of criminal offences looking at how the courts deal with fatal and non-fatal offences. You will also develop an excellent understanding of how our country works by looking at the foundations of the English Legal System and how laws are made in Parliament. You will gain a deeper insight into contract law, negligence and a variety of other torts that can be litigated in court.

The study of law improves your powers of analysis, reasoning and persuasive argument. Regardless of what career you may consider, law is an essential part of your future. It forms part of many degree courses including medicine, criminology, business, finance or architecture. It is an obvious choice for anyone wanting a career in the legal profession or in any aspect of our justice system, but it can help many future careers.

LAW EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

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MATHEMATICS & FURTHER MATHEMATICS

There are some overarching themes within Mathematics that will be taught over the two years, these consist of: • Mathematical argument, language and proof • Mathematical problem solving • Mathematical modelling These form the backbone through which all the content will be taught.

If you are planning to take a degree such as Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics or perhaps Mathematics itself, you will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics. It introduces new topics that are vital in many STEM degrees.

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MATHS

Mathematics is not only a beautiful and exciting subject in its own right but also one that underpins many other branches of learning. It permeates our lives and is essential for studying a wide range of degrees and skills required later in life.

Students who have studied Further Mathematics find the transition to such degrees far more straightforward. It is, however, not always essential that you study Further Mathematics and each university will be able to inform you about its requirements for courses. If you wish to study Mathematics for a degree, we would consider Further Mathematics essential.

The following topics are studied in A Level Further Maths:

Complex numbers; Differential equations; Further Vectors; Further Calculus; Hyperbolic Functions; Matrices; Proof and Series Work.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EDEXCEL: MATHEMATICS

Mathematics: Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

EDEXCEL: FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Further Mathematics: Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics.

Our A Level Physical Education course is built upon a foundation of physiology, psychology and biomechanics.

It will challenge you to develop your understanding of these 3 key elements so that you can thrive in your A Level studies and beyond. This fascinating course allows you to analyse and evaluate contemporary issues relating to sport, such as the role and influence of technology on sport, the importance of having a healthy and active lifestyle, the impact of spectators on athletic performance and the ways in which sport affects society As a talented sportsperson with a particular passion for at least one area of sport, your skills in performance and coaching will be significantly developed as you are trained to insightfully analyse your own sporting performance and that of others.

If you love sport and you are interested in learning about the physiology, psychology and sociology of sport, this course is for you!

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

TBC

GCSE PE qualification advised

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

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PHYSICS Physics is a wonderfully varied subject. It covers everything on a scale ranging from the size of the universe to the size of the very smallest sub-atomic particles. The aim of Physics is to understand how everything works and studying Physics allows you to describe, explain and predict the world around you. The subject has many practical applications, being the basis of all modern technological developments, and an A level physicist emerges from the course laden with skills which transfer to a wide variety of careers.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

Minimum grade 6 in GCSE Physics or 66 in Combined Science.

Grade 5 in Mathematics is also required.

PHYSICS 36

PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology is defined as ‘the science of the mind and behaviour’.

Psychology is a fascinating subject to study. It will help you understand human behaviour and mental processes and allow you to better understand how we think, feel and behave.

Studying A level Psychology will enable you to look at some of the important questions, such as why do some people conform? Does prison really change criminal behaviour? What shapes our personality? How do we learn and change throughout our life?

If you are interested in a deeper understanding of the human condition, you should consider studying Psychology.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

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RELIGIOUS STUDIES An A Level in Religious Studies shows that you are interested in life’s big questions: Why are we here?

How should we behave? Is belief in God relevant to society today?

Why do we suffer? Why do people see God differently? It reveals to universities and employers that you can listen to a wide-range of views on these questions, evaluate them and come to your own conclusions.

Religious Studies is a traditional, academic discipline which will develop your essay-writing skills and your ability to express your ideas verbally. To be successful, you will need to be able to listen to ideas different to your own and see things from another’s perspective, developing skills of empathy, compassion and tolerance.

Over the two years of study, you will cover: • Philosophy of religion, including arguments for the existence of God, evil and suffering and religious experience.

• Ethics and religion, including ethical theories, issues of life and death and conscience • Christianity, including expression of religious identity and gender and sexuality.

A qualification in Religious Studies can lead to many future career opportunities. Examples of possible future career-routes are law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration and the media.

RELIGIOUS 38

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AQA

GCSE Religious Studies preferred but not essential

Sociology studies many aspects of the society in which we live - for example, the family, education, the mass media, social class, gender, race, youth culture, social identity, crime and deviance, religion, power and politics. It looks at how sociologists gather information about society and the conclusions they draw.

Sociologists attempt to address issues of social inequality by influencing governments in their creation of social policies. It is an academic discipline which requires a knowledge of the work and writings of professional sociologists.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WJEC

No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

SOCIOLOGY

SOCIOLOGY

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SPANISH 40

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SPANISH Choosing to study A-Level Spanish opens up a world of opportunities and provides you with an interesting insight into the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world in terms of native speakers and thus learning Spanish opens up an array of future work and travel opportunities. In addition, the study of a modern language is highly regarded by Russell Group universities, giving you an edge in your academic journey. Languages are also rated highly as ‘facilitating subjects’ – those subjects which best prepare you for the rigours of a university degree course. The A Level course offers something for everything for everyone no matter your interests. We study a vast array of topics from global Hispanic icons, studying artists such as Rosalía, to studying Franco’s dictatorship and the Spanish Civil War in preparation for our study of Oscar-winning film ‘Pan’s Labryinth’.

Spanish A-level builds on the vocabulary and grammar learnt at GCSE whilst including lots of culture and up to date knowledge of the role of the Spanish speaking countries in the wider world. We study a variety of interesting topics which cover the scope of the Spanish-speaking world and, unlike GCSE, we study a film and a short play in Spanish. You are also given the exciting Spanish of carrying out an independent research project for your speaking exam which can be on anything which may interest you in the Hispanic world whether that is sports, celebrity culture, history, beauty or whatever it may be.

EXAM BOARD

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

TBC

GCSE grade 6 in Spanish

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APPLY

APPLICATION PROCESS Stage 1:

Attend the open evening to find out more about life at our Sixth Form. Please visit brgs.org.uk for detailed information. The evening is an excellent opportunity for you to get a feel for the BRGS community and meet prospective students and staff.

Stage 2: Our online application process will go live in November on the BRGS website brgs.org.uk. You will select a minimum of three A levels to study. Offers are then based on the predicted grades provided by your school.

Stage 3:

You will be given an interview appointment by email, which will take place in February and April. At the interview, we will discuss your subject choices to make sure you have chosen the subjects that will help you achieve your career aspirations. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about your programme of study.

Stage 4: We will email to all applicants to explain whether you have been offered a conditional place for September.

We look forward to helping you shape your future at BRGS.

APPLY ONLINE AT BRGS.ORG.UK 42

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Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School Glen Road, Waterfoot, Rossendale BB4 7BJ 01706 234500 | info@brgs.staracademies.org | brgs.org.uk