EXPERIENCE SIXTH FORM Why Choose St Edward’s Sixth Form?
Welcome to St Edward’s Sixth Form
Choosing a Sixth Form is about much more than deciding where you will study for the next two years. It is about deciding what you want those two years to give you – and who you want to become by the end of them. At 16, something changes. You are ready for greater independence, greater responsibility and greater choice. You want to be challenged academically, but you also want new experiences, new opportunities and the freedom to discover where your strengths and ambitions might take you. At St Edward’s, we believe you should not have to choose between being known as an individual and having a world of opportunity open to you. You can have both. Our small classes mean that teachers really know you. They know how you learn, where you excel and when you need greater challenge or support. That personal attention helps our students achieve highly, while developing the confidence and independence they will need beyond school. But your Sixth Form experience should be bigger than your timetable. Alongside your studies, you will have opportunities to lead, perform, compete, travel, create, serve and explore. You will meet professionals, investigate possible careers, develop skills for adult life and take on genuine responsibility within our community. And when it comes to what happens next, there is no standard St Edward’s destination. University, degree apprenticeship, specialist training or employment: our highly personalised guidance is about helping you discover not simply where you can go, but where is right for you. Whether you already know St Edward’s well or are considering joining us for the first time, Sixth Form is a new beginning. The opportunities grow, the expectations rise and, increasingly, we let you take the lead. We want you to leave us having achieved highly, but also knowing yourself better: confident in your abilities, excited about your future and ready for what comes next.
Mrs Anna Sandford-Squires Headteacher
“Small enough to know you. Big enough to open doors.”
Your Sixth Form Team Mr Ruxton leads the day-to-day life of our Sixth Form, creating a community in which students are known, supported and increasingly trusted to take responsibility for themselves. Alongside teaching Chemistry, he works closely with Sixth Formers throughout their two years, supporting academic progress, encouraging leadership and enrichment, and helping students make the most of everything Sixth Form life has to offer. His aim is simple: to make sure every student is challenged to achieve, encouraged to get involved and given the confidence to become increasingly independent. Mr Will Ruxton Sixth Form Senior Tutor
Mrs Newstead provides highly personalised guidance to help every student answer one of the biggest questions of Sixth Form: what comes next? From exploring careers, university courses and apprenticeships to UCAS applications, personal statements and interview preparation, she works individually with students to identify the opportunities and pathways that are right for them. At St Edward's, careers guidance isn't about directing everyone towards the same destination. It is about helping each young person discover their ambitions, understand their options and make confident, informed choices about their future. Mrs Natasha Newstead Future Pathways & Innovation Lead
Sixth Form Life More Freedom More responsibility More you Sixth Form is a new stage of school life. You will have greater independence, more choice over how you use your time and a different relationship with teachers. We want you to enjoy that freedom - and learn how to use it well
Your Time
Take greater ownership of your day Independent study becomes an important part of Sixth Form life. You'll learn to manage your workload, organise your time and make choices about when and where you work. .
Your Space
Your Freedom
A Sixth Form environment of Greater independence as your own you prepare for life beyond school The Sixth Form Centre gives you somewhere to work, relax and spend time with friends.
It is your space and your community – somewhere that feels deliberately different from the rest of school.
Sixth Form students enjoy privileges that recognise their growing independence, including greater freedom around the school day, the ability to leave site at agreed times, use mobile phones responsibly and, where appropriate, drive to school. We trust you more because we expect more from you.
Work Hard Make Friends Enjoy it Your friends matter. Your social life matters. Having somewhere that feels like yours matters.
Your Voice
Help shape the Sixth Form you want to be part of Sixth Formers aren't simply participants in school life. We want you to help create it. Lead. Organise. Suggest. Improve. Start something new. From social events and enrichment to leadership, clubs and activities, there are opportunities to make your mark on the community around you.
Small Classes. Big Ambition Being known changes what is possible. At St Edward’s, you are never just another student in the room. Our smaller classes allow teachers to know you exceptionally well – your strengths, your ambitions, the areas in which you need support and, just as importantly, when you are capable of more. That changes the experience of Sixth Form learning.
Known
Your teachers understand you as an individual.
Challenged
Supported
Expectations are shaped Help is accessible when you around what you are capable need it. of.
Ambitious
We work with you towards the future you want.
There is more opportunity to ask questions, contribute to discussion and explore ideas. Teachers can respond to the way you learn, challenge you individually and spot quickly when something is holding you back. And because your teachers know where you want to go next, they can help you connect what you are doing now with the future you are working towards.
Small doesn't mean fewer opportunities It means more of the opportunities are yours
Learning Changes at 16 More independence. Deeper thinking. Greater challenge.
Sixth Form learning is different. Classes are smaller, discussion goes deeper and you are expected to take increasing ownership of your studies.
Expert Teaching
Independent Study
Regular Feedback
Support when you need it
Your teachers are subject specialists who will challenge you to think independently, question ideas and move beyond simply learning what is needed for an examination. You will have time for independent study, regular feedback on your progress and access to additional support whenever you need it. Where students have individual learning or EAL needs, specialist support continues alongside their Sixth Form studies.
You won't be expected to do it alone. But you will be expected to take the lead.
Your experience is bigger than your timetable 8•••
Explore. Lead. Compete. Contribute. Create. Sixth Form should give you so much more than qualifications. It is your opportunity to discover new interests, take on genuine responsibility, develop skills and experiences that set you apart – and enjoy yourself along the way.
Explore
Lead
Perform & Create
Compete & Challenge
Contribute
Trips, expeditions, Senior Prefect, House Drama, music, public Volunteering, Sport, CCF, DofE speakers, new Captain, subject lead, mentoring and speaking, creative and opportunities to experiences and clubs and activities – opportunities and test yourself beyond service within school opportunities beyond or create something the Performing Arts and the wider the classroom. school. of your own. community. Academy.
You don’t need a bigger school You need a bigger experience
Your future Personally planned
•••9
Not just where can you go. Where is right for you? There is no standard St Edward's destination, because there is no standard St Edward's student. A full programme of Careers Education, You might be aiming for a highly competitive university course, exploring degree apprenticeships, considering specialist training or still discovering what you want to do. Whatever your ambitions, we will help you find the pathway that is right for you.
Discover
Plan
Connect
Progress
Explore your Personal guidance Meet Develop interests, on courses, professionals, compelling strengths and universities, discover industries applications, possibilities you apprenticeships and learn from prepare for may not yet have and future people working in interviews and considered pathways. the real world take your next through talks, step with networks and confidence experiences whatever path you choose.
“The university guidance was exceptional. It gave me a clear understanding of what I needed to prepare for and supported me through the application process, while allowing me to stay focused on my A level courses.” Matthew, Cardiff Medical School
We don't just help you get somewhere. We help you get where you belong.
Examination Results 2026 10 • • •
“I always felt encouraged to ask questions, challenge myself and make the most of the opportunities available to me. Being part of the wider school community where I have made some great friends has strengthened my confidence and helped me appreciate the value of getting involved, making the most of opportunities and being treated as an individual rather than a number.”
51%
A* - A
Matthew, Leaver 2026 Medicine, Cardiff University
67% A*- B
81% A*- C
“St Edward's provided a warm, nurturing environment for me to develop a range of different skills, ranging from public speaking, to drama, music, and also supporting me through my academic work. Even though I was initially quite quiet and anxious, through the friendliness and confidence of my teachers, I was able to slowly develop into a completely new person.” Natty, Leaver 2026 Police Apprenticeship
Where could it take you? Different ambitions. Different pathways. Extraordinary futures. There is no single route to success, and no standard St Edward's destination. Our students leave us ready to take their next steps in different directions – from leading universities and competitive degree apprenticeships to specialist training and exciting careers. What they share is the confidence, preparation and personal support to pursue the future that is right for them.
“St Ed's provided the most friendly, warm school journey and gave me countless opportunities I would never have had otherwise. I threw myself into everything such as choirs, public speaking competitions, school plays and even helped my friend direct our own showcase with the younger students as the cast on stage! These experiences shaped my confidence and organisation setting me up to embrace university life.”
“Having these opportunities helped me significantly when applying for apprenticeships and universities, as I could set myself apart from other applicants and clearly demonstrate my passion. Since leaving St Edward's, I have become an Engineering Degree Apprentice at Airbus Aircraft in Bristol, having the unique opportunity to shape the next generation of commercial aviation first-hand.”
Issy, Leaver 2025 Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, London School of Economics
Wherever your ambitions take you, we'll help you get there
James, Leaver 2025 Engineering Degree Apprentice, Airbus, Bristol
Explore your Subject Options
Courses Geography
History
Awarding body:
Awarding body:
AQA (Specification Code7037)
Entry requirements:
Humanities
GCSE Geography grade 6 or above.
Topics covered: Physical: Water and Carbon Cycles; Coastal Systems and Landscapes; Hazards Human: Global Systems and Global Governance; Changing Places; Resource Security
What you’ll love about this course:
AQA (Specification Code 7042)
Entry requirements: GCSE History grade 7 or above. If you have not taken GCSE History you may still be considered depending on English/other Humanities results.
Topics covered:
Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945 The Tudors: England 1485-1603 NEA Course- work: Black American Civil Rights
What you’ll love about this course:
You will gain a thorough understanding of significant historical events, the role of individuals and change over time. You will gain a deeper understanding of the past through political, social, economic and cultural perspectives. You will have the opportunity to enhance your independent research skills Prepare to become a well-informed global citi- through the coursework element of the course, zen, ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st engaging with current historical debates and century! analysing important primary sources.
You’ll dive into the science and stories behind questions like: How could a volcanic eruption lead us into an ice age? Why do Wimbledon’s tennis balls travel over 50,000 miles before their first serve? And why will water likely be the major cause of future wars?
“History lessons are so fun and inspiring. I love learning about the past and how people used to live” Freya (Leaver 2023)
Potential career options:
Civil Engineering, Climate Change Analyst, Diplomacy, Education, Environmental Consultancy, Geologist, International Charity/Aid, Meteorology, Tourism and Town Planning.
Potential career options:
Law, Journalism, Politics, Civil Service. Students of History are often cited as being the most employable and in demand graduates once they leave University, due to the vast number of transferable skills the subject develops.
Politics
Religious Studies
Awarding body:
Edexcel (Specification Code 9PLO)
Philosophy of Religion; Religious Ethics; Development of Christian thought.
Entry requirements:
Awarding body:
GCSE English Language grade 6 or above (or an essay subject such as History).
OCR (Specification Code H573)
Topics covered:
GCSE RS grade 6 or above and GCSE English grade 6 or above.
What you’ll love about this course:
The nature of reality, good and humanity. Traditional philosophical thought including reasons for and against belief in God. Models of living the ‘good life’ and exploration of some modern ethical issues. The state of the person and role of humans in the modern world.
Potential career options:
Local Government, National Government, The Civil Service, Law, Journalism, Education and Research.
The Legal world, especially Law, Caring Professions, Advertising, News, Current Affairs, Media and Communications. Theology and its related subjects are amongst the fastest growing choices for undergraduate studies and are highly respected in the world of employment.
Entry requirements:
Government and Politics of the UK; Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative politics; Political ideas.
This is a lively and engaging subject that will captivate anyone who wishes to understand the society in which we live, and of other nations, such as the USA. You will tackle big issues, such as the changing power of Presidents and Prime Ministers, the role of pressure groups in politics and the impact of money on elections in the UK/ USA. Skills in analysis, evaluation, debate and formulating credible and substantiated arguments will also be developed throughout the course.
Potential career options:
Topics covered:
What you’ll love about this course:
Gaining an awareness of how philosophy and ethics can shape modern society. You will engage in debate and open thinking, you’ll explore the ‘meta’, (questions behind the questions). You will also develop an understanding of social, moral, spiritual and cultural values.
“I love studying RS because it helps me open the doors of my mind to question the world we live in, and as Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living”. Dan (Leaver 2024)
Economics & Business
“Business is so useful especially if you like Art, Design and other practical subjects. It will help me run my own business, I’m sure of that!” Henry (Leaver Upper Sixth)
Business
Economics
Awarding body: Edexcel (Specification Code 9BS0)
Awarding body: Edexcel (Specification Code 9EC0)
Entry requirements: GCSE English Language grade 6 or above (or an essay subject such as History), and GCSE Mathematics grade 6 or above.
Entry requirements: GCSE English Language grade 6 or above (or an essay subject such as History), and GCSE Mathematics grade 6 or above.
Topics covered: Management, Marketing, Finance, Accountancy, Banking, Retail, Manufacturing and local or national government.
Topics covered: The operation of markets and market failure; business efficiency; the national economy in a global context; developing economies and emerging markets.
What you’ll love about this course: Perfect if you have aspirations of becoming self-employed or in a managerial position, working in marketing, human resources, production or finance. It will give you the tools and information required to understand how businesses are created, managed and become successful. A Level Business looks impressive to an employer as it shows you understand how a business works, and you will develop your quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (judgemental) skills. Potential career options: Marketing, people and global business, business activities, decisions and strategy, investigating business in a competitive environment.
What you’ll love about this course: Studying Economics offers a unique insight into how the world works and will help you to understand many of the big questions facing people today including: what are the economic consequences of leaving the European Union, how will the UK be affected by an extended period of low, global growth, how can industry tackle global warming, effects of changes in taxes and subsidies, how to handle government debt, and how can problems of poverty and inequality be addressed. Potential career options: Large corporations, Banks, Government, Marketing, Law, Journalism and Education.
Business (BTEC) Awarding body: Pearson BTEC Entry requirements: Typically for post-16 learners aged 16–19 with a strong interest in business. Topics covered: Business environments, finance, marketing, international business, and management, with optional units in HR, accounting, law, retail, and more. What you’ll love about this course: It’s hands-on, equivalent to 1 A Level, and designed to prepare you for university or junior business roles. You’ll explore real-world business scenarios and tailor your learning to your interests. Potential career options: Progress to business-related degrees or enter employment in areas like marketing, finance, HR, or retail. The qualification carries UCAS points and is widely accepted by universities.
.
Business (BTEC)
Level 3 AAQ Food Science and Nutrition (Extended Certificate) Awarding body: WJEC Entry requirements: GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition grade 5 or above. Topics covered: Nutrients, Digestion & Metabolism, Nutritional needs across life stages, Diet, Health and Disease Prevention, Food Preparation, cooking and presentation, Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Food Science and Functionality of ingredients, Sustainability and Food Security, Current issues and innovation in Food Science and Nutrition What you’ll love about this course: The course explores the science behind the food we eat and the relationship between nutrition, health and wellbeing. It combines scientific knowledge with practical food preparation skills and, develops the ability to investigate, design, test and evaluate food products. Potential career options: Nutritionist/Dietetics, Sports Performance, Nutrition, Hospitality management, New product development, Quality assurance, Food production, Public Health, Food Health and Safety, Chef/Catering, Education
Food Science and Nutrition
English Literature Awarding body: Edexcel (Specification Code 9ET0) Entry requirements: GCSE English Language grade 6 or above and GCSE English Literature grade 6 or above.
English
Topics covered: Poetry, prose and Drama from 17th century to the present day.
“English is so important . Understanding language and how it has changed over time reveals things about the past, and is really helping for the Future”
What you’ll love about this course: IThe study of English Literature promotes selfknowledge and an informed understanding of the world. You will be encouraged to read a wide range of texts and to appreciate and enjoy them; you will be taught the higher skills of critical appreciation which are prized in the academic world beyond school; you will be invited to articulate and develop your own responses to the texts and ideas you encounter; you will be taken to the theatre and encouraged to experience a wide range of artistic media including film, television and music. Expect to be stimulated, surprised and occasionally shocked.
Charlie (Upper Sixth)
Potential career options: Law, Journalism, Media, Theatre and Film, Philosophy, Economics and Politics, History, Business, Education and the Arts.
Mathematics
“I chose to study A-level maths as it is rewarding due to its challenging questions” Dan (Upper Sixth)
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Awarding body: Edexcel (Specification Code 9MA0)
Awarding body: Edexcel (Specification Code 9FM0)
Entry requirements: If a student has not managed to achieve at least a grade 7 at IGCSE/GCSE they will find the course extremely challenging.
Entry requirements: If a student has not managed to achieve at least a grade 9 at IGCSE/GCSE they will find the course extremely challenging.
Topics covered: Pure mathematics - proof, algebra, trigonometry, calculus and vectors; Statistics – including analysis of data, interpretation of graphs, distributions and hypothesis testing; Mechanics – the modelling of the world around us, the motion of objects and the forces acting on them
Topics covered: Pure mathematics – complex numbers, matrices and hyperbolic functions as well as further extending the study of A level Pure topics; Further Mechanics – further development of forces and motion to the consideration of energy, strings and springs as well as in depth study of collisions; Discrete/Decision Maths – developing an understanding of algorithms and networks, optimisation – finding efficient solutions to real-life problems.
What you’ll love about this course: Discovering the real-life applications of mathematics. Learning how to use statistical analysis to interpret the numbers, equations and algorithms that surround us, especially in this age of data science. Getting to grips with Pure Mathematics – the fundamentals that are so relevant to other fields of study. Mechanics – modelling of systems, describing the motion of objects and calculating the forces upon them. Potential career options: Civil Engineering, Finance, Statistics, Quantity Surveying, Criminology, Investment analysis, Software development and Stockbroker.
What you’ll love about this course: The opportunity to further extend your range of mathematical knowledge, skills and techniques, using them to solve more difficult problems. Potential career options: Engineering, Finance & Banking, Data Science, Medicine & Health, Statistics, and Natural and Life Sciences. Mathematics students can explore a wide range of opportunities and career pathways.
French Awarding body: Edexcel (Specification Code 9FR0)
Spanish Awarding body: Edexcel (Specification Code 9SPO)
Entry requirements:
Entry requirements:
GCSE French grade 7 or above.
GCSE Spanish grade 7 or above.
Topics Covered Social Issues and Trends; Artistic Culture; Political Culture; Immigration and French Multicultural Society; the Occupation and the Resistance.
Topics covered: Social Issues and Trends; Artistic Culture; Political Culture; Immigration and Spanish Multicultural Society; the Franco Dictatorship and the Transition to Democracy.
What you’ll love about this course: Very inspiring and engaging themes, increasing your linguistic ability, the chance to use your French more, the opportunity to go abroad, having creativity rewarded, learning about French-speaking cultures. We also study ‘l’Étranger’ by Albert Camus and the popular film, ‘Les Intouchables’.
What you’ll love about this course: Very inspiring and engaging themes, increasing your linguistic ability, the chance to use your Spanish more, the opportunity to go abroad, having creativity rewarded, learning about Spanish-speaking cultures. We also study ‘La Casa de Bernarda Alba’ and the classic film ‘La Lengua de las Mariposas’.
Potential career options: Law, Marketing,Translation,ICT, Business, Media and any careers that involve working abroad.
Potential career options: Law, Marketing, Translation, ICT, Business, Media and any careers that involve working abroad.
Modern Foreign Languages
“I enjoy French because it’s so useful and it’s important to learn another language. Learning grammar, in particular, helps you appreciate how it’s used in all languages”. Jimmy (Upper Sixth)
Biology Awarding body: OCR (Specification Code H420)
Sciences
Entry requirements: GCSE Biology grade 6 or Combined Science grade 6,6 is expected, however, a grade 7 or 7,7 is preferable. GCSE Chemistry grade 6 or above is an advantage.
Topics covered: Foundations in Biology; Exchange and Transport; Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease; Communication, Homeostasis and Energy; Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems.
“I love studying Biology as it’s a hands-on topic with great student- teacher relationships which makes it a highly enjoyable course. I enjoy investigating genetics and learning about alleles, which I can do at depth. I hope to use this as a solid foundation when I move on to study Biochemistry at University.” Max (Leaver 2023)
What you’ll love about this course: A fascinating insight into the living world along with deeper explanations for ideas studied in previous years. A focus on modern interesting applications. You’ll also get the opportunity to attend a four-day residential field course at Nettlecombe Court, a Field Studies Council Centre in Taunton, Somerset.
Potential career options: Forensic Science, Environmental Health, Conservation, Health Care, Zoology, Medicine and Veterinary Sciences.
Chemistry
Physics
Awarding body:
Awarding body:
OCR (Specification Code H433)
AQA (Specification Code 7408)
Entry requirements:
Entry requirements:
GCSE Chemistry grade 6or Combined Science GCSE Physics grade 6 or Combined Science grade 6,6 is expected, however, a grade 7 or 7,7 grade 6,6 is expected, however, a grade 7 or 7,7 is preferable. GCSE Mathematics grade 6 is is preferable. GCSE Mathematics grade 6 is also expected; however, a grade 7 is also expected; however, a grade 7 is preferable. preferable. Topics covered: Elements of Life; Developing Fuels; Elements of the Sea; The Ozone Story; What’s in a Medicine; The Chemical Industry; Polymers and Life; Oceans; Developing Metals; Colour by Design.
Topics covered: Development of practical skills in Physics, Particles and radiation, Waves, Mechanics and materials, Electricity, Thermal physics, Fields and their consequences and Nuclear Physics.
What you’ll love about this course: The ability to incorporate as much practical work as possible in a dedicated A Level laboratory. An up-to-date look at recent developments in the chemical world.
What you’ll love about this course: The opportunity to relate Physics topics to a variety of everyday contexts and the chance to challenge and extend your thinking in new and exciting topics.
Potential career options: Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences.
Potential career options: Engineering, Medicine, Finance, Architecture, Law, Business, Journalism and Media.
Psychology & Criminology
Psychology
Criminology
Awarding body: AQA (Specification Code 7182)
Awarding body: WJEC
Entry requirements:
Entry requirements:
GCSE Biology, Mathematics and English grade 6 or above.
GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths grade 4 or above. No study of Criminology is required.
Topics covered: Social influence; Memory; Attachment; Psychopathology; Approaches in psychology; Biopsychology; Research methods; Issues and debates in psychology; Gender; Schizophrenia; Forensic psychology.
Topics covered: Changing awareness of crime, criminological theories, crime scene to the court room, crime and punishment.
What you’ll love about this course: This course will give you a fascinating insight into how and why people behave in certain ways. The course is practically focussed and aims to scientifically investigate the brain and behaviour through a wide range of interesting and relevant topics. You will learn a variety of skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, debating, problem solving and many more that will prepare you for an exciting future. Potential career options: Advertising, Business Development, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Human Resources, Law, Management, Marketing, Nursing, Police Services, Sports Psychology, and Teaching, amongst many others.
What you’ll love about this course: Criminology is a fascinating and varied course that allows you to explore real crimes, criminal behaviour and the reasons why people commit crime. You will investigate real-life cases, learn about different criminological theories and discover how the police, courts and prison work. It's a great choice if you enjoy discussing controversial issues, debating different viewpoints and understanding what really happens behind the headlines. Potential career options: Solicitor or barrister, Crime analyst, police officer/detective, forensic psychologist, probation officer, youth justice worker, social worker, journalism/crime reporting, security and intelligence, civil service/criminal justice agencies.
The Arts
Drama & Theatre
Music
Awarding body:
Awarding body:
Eduqas (SpecificationCode A690QS)
Edexcel (Specification Code 9MU0)
Entry requirements: It would be an advantage to have studied GCSE Drama, or have proven experience in Drama productions/lessons.
Entry requirements: Perform to a pass at grade 5 and have achieved or be working towards grade 5 theory. GCSE Music grade 9-6 is advised.
Topics covered: Devising, scripted and reinterpreted text Topics covered: performance. Set text study from the point of Musical Elements and their Interdependence; view of actor, designer and director. Analysis Musical Contexts; Musical Language. and evaluation of live theatre. What you’ll love about this course: A highly practical course in state-of-the-art facilities. Lessons are predominantly practical and student-led. The department is welcoming and friendly. The course is adaptable to the interests and skills of each cohort of students. You can choose to be assessed as a performer, designer (lighting, sound, set, costume), or a combination of these.
“I loved studying Drama at St Edward’s. The subject helped to build my selfconfidence and inspired me to express myself creatively in an engaging and enjoyable way”. Anastasia (Leaver 2021)
Potential career options: Performer, Stage Manager, Designer, Director and more! Beyond the Arts, a wealth of careers benefit from the presentational and interper- sonal skills essential to A Level Drama, Law, Business Management, PR, Marketing, HR and more.
What you’ll love about this course: You will get to experience a wide range of musical skills including performing, composing and analysing, as well as developing an understanding of the historical and contextual uses of music. Potential career options: Performing Arts, Teaching, Composing, Music Therapy, Music Journalism, Publishing, Television, Radio, Sound Engineering and Music Management.
Fine Art
Photography
Awarding body:
Awarding body: Edexcel (Specification Code 9PY0)
Edexcel (Specification Code 9FA0) Entry requirements: A genuine passion for Art and Designin any of its disciplines (Photography, Textiles, Sculpture, Graphic Design, Painting, Drawing etc).
Entry requirements: A genuine passion for Art and Design in any of its disciplines (Photography, Textiles, Sculpture, Graphic Design, Painting, Drawing etc).
Topics covered: Painting and Drawing; Printmaking; Sculpture; Lens-based Image Making.
Topics covered: Film-based Photography; Digital Photography; Film and Video.
What you’ll love about this course: Using your creative skills through a variety of media whilst taking a look at different artists and their individual ways of working.
What you’ll love about this course: Using your creative skills through a variety of traditional film and contemporary digital media.
Potential career options: Fine Art, Animation, Illustration, Fashion, Creative Arts, Journalism, Theatre Design, Interior Design, Teaching, Graphic Design Media, Film and Photography.
Potential career options: Film and Photography, Fine Art, Animation, Illustration, Fashion, Creative Arts, Journalism, Marketing, Theatre Design and Media.
“I love studying Photography because I can look at the world through a different lens with a different perspective and capture it.” Kiki (Leaver 2022)
Design & Technology: Product Design Awarding body: AQA (Specification Code 7552)
Technology
Entry requirements: GCSE Design & Technology grade 6 or above. Topics covered: The use of creative skills and knowledge of materials and processes to enhance understanding of design for manufacture enterprise and marketing.
“DT is an incredible subject because we have the space to explore our creativity in our own personalised areas. I chose DT because I love having the freedom to see what I can design and explore my ideas in a stateof-the-art environment.” Flo (Leaver 2022)
What you’ll love about this course: The chance to develop your creativity, design capability and entrepreneurial skills. There is also a tailor-made Design Studio for Sixth Form students. Potential career options: Engineering, Product Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Surveying, Construction and Education.
A Level PE Awarding body:
OCR (Specification Code H555)
Entry requirements: Active in one key sporting area. GCSE Physical Education is an ideal foundation, although not a pre-requisite.
Topics covered:
Anatomy & Physiology; Exercise Physiology; Biomechanics; Skill Acquisition; Sports Psychology; Sport and Society; Sporting Performance; Evaluation and Analysis of Performance.
A Level PE
What you’ll love about this course:
You will get to look in detail at physiological aspects of the body, learn about a variety of biomechanical principles, consider how psychology can impact on sporting performance, and also study in detail contemporary issues in sport.
Potential career options:
Teaching and Coaching, Sports Development, Leisure Industry, Management, Health, Physiotherapy, Fitness and Professional Sports.
“I love that sport is a universal language for all. I believe that everyone should be involved in some form.” Rachel (Leaver 2023)
BTEC Sport Awarding body: Pearson Entry requirements: GCSE Physical Education or BTEC Sport Level 2 is an ideal foundation, although not a prerequisite. Topics covered: The course is made up of four units which cover the broad range of the sports industry. Two of the units are assessed internally through the production of a portfolio of evidence. This evidence is generated through written assignments, presentations or practical demonstrations. Two of the units are assessed externally through an exam and set tasks. - Anatomy and Physiology (external assessment) - Fitness, Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being (external assessments) - Professional Development in the Sports Industry (internal assessments) -Practical Sports Performance (internal assessments)
What you’ll love about this course: If you are someone who enjoys academic, practical and vocational work, then the BTEC Sport Extended Certificate is for you! The sport and active leisure sector, contributes over £8 billion to the UK economy and has more than 600,000 employees. A formally recognised qualification in this sector, such as BTEC Sport, gives you a big head start. Employers value BTEC’s approach to learning because it provides a unique combination of technical skills which help prepare you for employment, together with a breadth of knowledge about the sector. Potential career options: Sports Studies, Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Management, Sports Injury or Rehabilitation. It could also help you progress into a career as a PE teacher, Sports Coach or an apprenticeship within the sports industry. Careers working within the Fitness Training Industry, Leisure Centres and in Sports Development are also popular routes taken by BTEC Sport students, as are careers in Sports Therapy.
BTEC Sport
EPQ The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone qualification designed to extend and develop your skills in independent research and project management.
Extended Project Qualification
“We welcome the introduction of the EPQ and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school/college to higher education.” - University of Cambridge
(EPQ) is a standalone qualification designed to extend and develop your skills in independent research and project management. It requires you to: Choose an area of interest. Decide on a title and aims for the project plan, research and carry out the project. Deliver a presentation about your work. Provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment. Produce either a 5000 word research project or an artefact.
The EPQ is worth half an A Level and so can be used to earn extra UCAS points. It allows you to improve your abilities beyond the A Level syllabus and prepares you for university or your future career.
There is no single definition of success. Only the future that's right for you
St Edward’s School Cirencester Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 8EY 01242 388555 | www.stedwards.co.uk admissions@stedwards.co.uk