Sixth Form Prospectus A Continued Passion for Learning The Wye Sixth Form offers a unique educational experience. Whatever subjects you choose, you can expect to be taught with passion and skill by subject specialists. Our small class sizes mean that teachers will be able to give you individual attention to help achieve your potential. We are committed to finding the right courses and academic pathways for you. We will support you make the transition from GCSE to your new courses and then on to university, but we will also have high expectations and you should be ready to work hard from day one. Wye Sixth Form is the right choice to continue your studies. We believe that no other Sixth Form will have the purpose built Sixth Form facilities, opportunities and pastoral care that Wye will have. The Sixth Form community is warm and welcoming and you will no problems establishing new and lasting relationships. You can be confident that the Sixth Form at Wye is the perfect place to study. Welcome to Wye Sixth Form Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Wye Sixth Form. Wye Sixth Form will be a fantastic place to study and will offer excellent preparation for higher education, apprenticeships, employment or further training. We will provide the perfect balance of high quality teaching, leadership opportunities and fun activities to help prepare our Sixth Form students for the next stage in their lives. In 2015, Ofsted reported that, ‘lessons are consistently well structured and engaging for students. Consequently, students from all groups make good progress.’ Sarah Jessop The Wye Sixth Form offers a vibrant atmosphere, a broad curriculum and high quality care and Acting Principal guidance for all students. Every student is well supported and taught in classes which ensure personal attention, enabling them to achieve their individual goals. The Wye Sixth Form offers: Outstanding teaching and learning; An excellent purpose built Sixth Form learning environment, including private study facilities, modern classrooms and a Sixth Form common room; Opportunities to take on responsibility and be involved in extracurricular activities; The encouragement to aim high through partnership with Ashford School; A stepping stone to higher education or high quality training; Contents Please talk to us at our Sixth Form open evening to find out how we will help support you to achieve your full potential. Welcome to Wye Sixth Form ----- Page 1 Your route to success Subjects Offered at Wye ----- Page 2 Wye Sixth Form is the best place to study in Key Stage 5. Subject Minimum Entry Requirements ----- Page 3 The Wye Sixth Form offers a unique educational experience. Whatever subjects you choose, you can expect to be taught with passion and skill by subject specialists. Our small class sizes mean that teachers will be able to give you individual How to Choose Your Subjects ----- Page 4 attention to help achieve your potential. We are committed to finding the right courses and academic pathways for you. Which Subjects for University? ----- Page 6 We will support you make the transition from GCSE to your new courses and then on to university, but we will also have high expectations and you should be ready to work hard from day one. Support and After Sixth Form ----- Page 8 Wye Sixth Form is the right choice to continue your studies. We believe that no other Sixth Form will have the purpose built More than just a Sixth Form ----- Page 10 Sixth Form facilities, opportunities and pastoral care that Wye will have. The Sixth Form community is warm and welcoming and you will no problems establishing new and lasting relationships. You can be confident that the Sixth Form at Wye is the perfect place to study. - Wye Sixth Form Prospectus Wye Sixth Form Prospectus 1 Minimum Entry Requirements Sixth Form Entry Criteria: a minimum of 5 A*-C / 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include Mathematics and either English Language or English Literature. Art and Design GCSE Art and Design 5+ Biology GCSE Additional Science or Biology 5+ GCSE Maths 5+ Chemistry GCSE Additional Science or Chemistry 5+ GCSE Maths 5+ English Language GCSE English Language 5+ English Literature GCSE English Literature 5+ French GCSE French 5+ Geography GCSE Geography 5+ GCSE Maths 5+ History GCSE History 5+ GCSE English Language or Literature 5+ Subjects Offered at Wye Maths and Further Maths GCSE Maths 5+ Subjects offered at Wye Sixth Form Religious Studies Physical Education GCSE Physical Education 5+ or BTEC Sport Merit Art and Design Sociology Physics GCSE Additional Science or Physics 5+ Biology Spanish Chemistry Sport BTEC Psychology GCSE Maths 5+ GCSE English Language or Literature 5+ English Language Subjects offered in conjunction with Ashford School English Literature Business Religious Studies GCSE English Language or Literature 5+ French Computer Science Sociology GCSE English Language or Literature 5+ Geography Design Technology Spanish GCSE Spanish 5+ History Drama and Theatre Maths and Further Maths Economics Sport BTEC GCSE Physical Education 5+ or BTEC Sport Merit Physical Education Politics Physics For further details please refer to the Ashford School Psychology prospectus 2 Wye Sixth Form Prospectus Wye Sixth Form Prospectus 3 How to Choose Your Subjects In the Sixth Form you have a wonderful opportunity to study the subjects you enjoy in depth. As you It compliments my other subjects. will be spending two years studying your three or four subjects, it is important that you choose wisely. Some combinations of subjects go naturally together, like Maths and Physics, English and History. However, you must We want you to both enjoy and achieve in your studies in the Sixth Form. remember that a mix of subjects can also work. I enjoyed it at GCSE. Good Reasons This could be a good, but be careful; just because you found a subject easy or enjoyable at GCSE does not mean the same I have read about it and it interests me. subject will be as easy or enjoyable at Sixth Form. Research the subject carefully, and know what is involved in studying I am passionate about it. it further. All subjects require hard work and dedication - if a subject interests you, and you show skill and ability for the subject, My parents or carers think I should do it. you are more likely to be prepared to put in the effort required. A tricky one; they know you very well, and you should listen to them very carefully. Ultimately though, you are the one I have discussed it with my teachers and they think I am suited to it. who will have to study the subject and do all the work. Take advice from all of your teachers. They can tell you more about the courses and give you an honest assessment of your likely chances. Bad Reasons My friends are doing it. It is required for the university courses I am interested in. A very common mistake. Put yourself first; there is plenty of time for socialising outside of lessons. This is always worth checking beforehand - see page 6. Be realistic: check with your teachers as well as any potential university to make sure you are suited to the course. I like the teacher / I think the teacher is good. Teachers may change; you cannot know who you will have. All teachers at Wye are highly qualified. In Sixth Form study, Satisfactory Reasons the motivation must come from you, not the teacher. I find it easy. There’s nothing I really want to do, but this is the least bad option. I get good grades in it. Think about your long-term motivation, aims, and choose something that is right for you. 4 Wye Sixth Form Prospectus Wye Sixth Form Prospectus 5 Which Subjects for University? It is important that you choose a set of subjects that is going to give you a good foundation for further study and your The following subjects, however, do commonly specify “core” A Level subjects: career. It can be hard to know which qualifications universities want, especially competitive ones. Stories of “soft” or Medicine/ Dentistry/ Veterinary Science - Chemistry plus one other science, usually Biology “banned” qualifications, with the exception of General Studies, are simply not true. At Wye, we offer subjects that will help get to where you want to be, and offer you the best advice on how to achieve your goals. Engineering - Maths/ Further Maths and Physics (Chemistry for Chemical Engineering) Universities like to see applications from students who have taken one “core” A Level or BTEC subject need for the Course. Modern Languages - A Level in the language to be studied This will be advertised as either required or recommended on their website. They will also like one other Academic subject Sciences - A Level in the subject, usually supported with Maths that compliments the “core” subject. This could be Maths with Physics, or English with History. The third subject is usually not important, so long as you get a good grade. Please check the specific university website for any courses you might be interested in. The book “Which A Levels?” by Alison Dixon is also a useful tool for helping you make the right choices for you. However, please note, for students looking to follow sciences, many of the top universities would prefer three science A levels. Common combinations are: In summary: Maths / Further Maths / Physics - physical science or engineering degrees 1. Check the “core” academic subject(s) required/recommended for university courses Biology/ Chemistry/ Maths - biological science, biotechnology, medicine or biomedical degrees 2. Compliment this with at least one other good academic subject To help you with choices, you can speak to us, and look at these informative websites: 3.