Subject Overviews and Pathways

At the Academy we offer over 30 subjects for students at Year 12 and Year 13.

Sixth Form offers three different pathways:

• AS and A Level
• International AS and A Level
• BTEC and BTEC qualifications

Our Sixth Form offer is underpinned by some core principles:

Accessibility: To ensure that students of all abilities and interests can select a combination of qualifications which they will find accessible and give them access to Higher Education institutions and the workplace.

A commitment to skills and service alongside the acquisition of knowledge. Sixth Form students will be expected to develop an awareness of their social responsibility and contribute to their own community and/or the broader community in which the academy is situated.

Greater responsibilities and freedoms for our Sixth Form students. Student leadership will be an important part of what we expect from our Sixth Form students, but alongside this will be greater freedoms, so that students are prepared for the independence they will enjoy at university.

A Level and International A level Qualifications  

As a guideline, students must achieve a Grade 6 in five GCSE or equivalent subjects to be able to study A Level-qualifications here at the Academy. However, due to the academic challenge of English, Maths and Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), students must achieve a Grade 8 at or above at GCSE in these subjects.  

Currently, we offer twenty-two different A Level/International A Level subjects, providing a great variety of choice for students allowing us to build a programme that meets their needs. Most of our students will study 3 subjects as universities will look for a student’s best three results.  A student may choose a fourth subject if necessary or if a university demands it for a specific undergraduate course. It is therefore important to check this with our resident college counsellor before selecting the A Levels to study.  

The Difference Between A Levels and International A Levels 

Both are known and accepted by the best universities around the Globe. International A Levels are modular in nature, have an international content and are examined throughout the two years of study. A student may therefore complete a re-sit (although not recommended) providing this can be planned into their programme of study so that they don’t fall behind.  A Levels are linear in nature meaning that examinations are completed only at the end of the two years of study.  

We do not run AS qualifications. Students will however, sit rigorous ‘internal examinations’ at the end of year 12 to establish current performance and help us provide universities with accurate predicted grades.  

International BTEC Level 3 Qualifications 

The entry requirement for iBTECs at level 3 require 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 and above. iBTECs are a more practical, career-related international option and pathway to university and employment.  Students are required to build a portfolio of coursework throughout the two years. Work is externally moderated by Pearson (Edexcel) but there is no external examination.  

Currently we offer 5 International BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and Diploma qualifications worth the equivalent of one and two International A levels respectively.  

Pathways  

Subject Options