A and AS Level Subjects
All pupils are asked to choose four examined subjects for study in the Sixth
Form, unless they are taking three subjects all at Pre-U level. A Level grades
form the standard basis for university offers and it is a requirement of the
School that each pupil takes at least three A Levels or Pre-U subjects. Pupils
may choose to study one of their four subjects to AS Level only. An AS Level
is a qualification which is based on half of the A Level syllabus and half
of the assessment.
Cambridge International Examinations have developed an alternative to the
A Level, known as the Pre-U. This year the School is offering the Pre-U in
nine subjects: Chemistry, Economics, English, German, Government, History,
History of Art, Italian and Physics. Chemistry, Economics and Physics may
be assessed via an A Level or a Pre U examination. English, History, German,
Government and History of Art will be assessed as a Pre-U only.
Pupils will be asked before the start of the Lower Sixth to identify which
subject (if any) they wish to take to AS Level only. A final choice on the
subject taken to AS only is made during the Easter Quarter of the Lower Sixth.
Examinations
Assessment varies from subject to subject. There will be three examination periods for A Levels:
June of the Lower Sixth and January and June of the Upper Sixth. Pupils
taking a subject to AS only will take their AS examinations either at the
end of the Lower Sixth or in January of the Upper Sixth depending on the subject.
Once the AS assessment is complete, those pupils will no longer be required
to attend lessons in that subject.
Pre-U examinations are linear and take place in the Trinity Quarter of the
Upper Sixth.
Extension Courses
In addition to the mainstream examined subjects, the School offers a range of Extension Courses. The Extension Courses are divided into taught courses, and individual projects. Some of the taught courses lead to an external qualification, and all projects will be submitted for the AQA Extended Project Qualification.
General Studies
All pupils in the Upper Sixth Form will take the General Studies course. This course is based on lectures given by eminent guest visitors on a wide range of topics. Lectures are followed by discussion in House groups.