Sixth Form pupils begin with 4 AS subjects, for one year at least. Each is allocated 10 hours of teaching per ten day cycle. Pupils are expected to spend 3 to 4 hours per week outside of lessons on academic work in each AS subject; this includes homework and extension work such as wider reading.
Wednesday afternoons are for games, activities or community service. There are 6 hours per 10 day cycle for study periods, which pupils must organise as they see fit. They may be used for work or, if work is up to date, for relaxation. There should also be time for extracurricular activities which will help build a strong CV.
The timetable changes in the Upper Sixth, when most pupils will continue with 3 of their AS subjects to final A2 examinations. These pupils participate in an enrichment programme for 2 hours per cycle. The enrichment programme seeks to develop knowledge and skills in such areas as:
- Black and white photography
- Medical ethics
- Ballroom dancing
- Politics
- Classic European cinema
- Art appreciation
- Cooking
- Healthy eating at university
Some students choose to continue with 4 subjects to A2 Level and may opt to participate in the enrichment programme as well.
A Level courses are modular in structure. AS modules are taken in May and June of Lower Sixth and the more challenging A2 modules in January and June of Upper Sixth. Since the AS modules account for half of the total available A Level marks, but the work is easier, it is essential that pupils aim for as high a score as possible in their AS exams so that they are in a strong position at the start of their A2 studies. Although modules can be retaken during Upper Sixth, pupils often find it difficult to achieve significantly improved marks whilst they are very busy with their harder A2 studies. If a subject is to be viable at the higher level of A2, students must aim to secure AS marks equivalent to at least a B grade.
