08 My Study Programme Admissions Procedure
Plantsbrook School prides itself on a policy of open enrolment to Sixth Form Education. The courses offered cater for the individual needs of students of different ability levels and applications are welcomed from both Plantsbrook School and other centres of learning. For entry into Sixth Form courses, Year 11 students must have displayed aptitude, ability and commitment to profit from further education in the subjects they have taken. Entry to study here is considered with a minimum of English and Maths at grade 5 with a further 3 GCSE grades in appropriate subjects at A*-C (or L2 Pass and above). Specific entry requirements for each subject can be found on pages 10 and 11. For students to progress from Year 12 – Year 13 we expect them to achieve a minimum of 3 grade Ds (or Merits) in Year 12. It is important for students to study a programme of courses appropriate to their ability. For this reason we look to offer a varied range of subjects and courses at different levels so that every student can find something to match their own individual needs. Below we have included an overview of the different types of Level 3 of qualifications available at Plantsbrook Sixth Form.
Advanced Levels
Advanced Level courses are Level 3 courses that provide solid preparation for Higher Education study at University. As the name implies, Advanced Levels are very difficult and require a lot of dedication from the individual student. Most students who study A Levels will study three subjects, though some may study four subjects if appropriate. To study four subjects, students must achieve a grade 7 in English and Maths, with an average A grade across the remainder of their subjects. Due to the difficulty of Advanced Level study, we have entry criteria to enable students to decide whether the course is appropriate for them to study at this level. Generally, students should have GCSE grades A*-C in 5 or more subjects including English and Maths, or a BTEC/OCR National Merit with English and Maths. For many subjects students will need to have achieved 8 GCSE passes at grade A*-C and
a C grade in that particular subject at GCSE level, although some subjects require a B grade and Maths A Level an A Grade. To be successful at Advanced Level students must be able to work independently and be willing to put a number of hours into private study outside of the classroom. Dedication and an ambition to succeed are essential if students wish to study at this level.
BTEC Level 3
We also offer BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diplomas in Business Studies, Engineering, ICT, Music Technology, Performing Arts, Sport and Travel and Tourism. These courses are equivalent of an A2 qualification. It is important to note that these courses are a two year commitment and cannot be dropped at the end of Year 12. Students who prefer coursework and portfolio work may be better suited to BTEC Level 3; you may already study BTEC Level 2 and wish to continue with this style of learning. To be successful at BTEC Level 3 you need to be organised, committed and have the dedication to ensure all portfolio work is up to date at all times throughout the course.
English and Maths Re-sits
English and Maths are particularly important subjects. Students who fail to achieve a C grade are expected to retake in Year 12. Students with a D grade may re-sit the GCSE and some students may take a Functional skills/Level 1 qualification to enable them to complete the GCSE at a later date. We will tailor study programmes to the individual student.