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The Sixth Form - An Overview
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Welcome to the Sixth Form
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The next two years in the Sixth Form are a short, but an immensely important time in your education; a transition from schoolgirl to student and young women; when you will learn to study more independently, to be more self reliant and to manage your time more effectively.
It is our aim that you will achieve not only the best possible A Level results, but develop your own personal strengths and sense of self worth through a range of new academic, extra-curricular and social opportunities. We hope that when you leave, you will have acquired some of the life skills and confidence not only to cope with the challenges of life but also to make a positive contribution to the wider community.
We look forward to welcoming you to the St Catherine's Sixth Form which gives a strong sense of belonging and encourages an enthusiastic 'can do' ethos.
Claire Wyllie: Head of Sixth Form
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Pastoral Care
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In the Sixth Form you will find that there are many changes in school life, not only in your academic studies, but in terms of increase responsibilities, privileges, new friendships and many other opportunities. We aim to make this a happy and rewarding two years in which you can develop confidence and self esteem, but we also recognise that you need support. There are a number of people who you can turn to for help and guidance.
You will be assigned to a tutor group and your tutor has specific responsibility for your pastoral care. He/she wil be a specialist in one of your chosen AS subjects and will have the experience to guide you in your studies as well as taking an interest in your professional development and progress in general. Take any concerns, however minor they might feel to you, to your tutor. In addition, you can talk to the Head of Sixth Form and for boarders the Sixth Form Boarding Housemistress at any time.
If you prefer, the school counsellor is of course available to talk over problems or personal issues.
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AS / A2
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In the Lower Sixth you will normally embark on four AS subjects which will be examined at the end of the academic year. The standard of AS is between GCSE and A Level.
In the Upper Sixth most girls continue with three subjects but some continue with all four to A2. AS and A2 combine to give a full A Level with each having equal weighting.
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General Studies
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All girls in the Lower Sixth are also involved in a General Studies programme which combines staff led sessions with presentations from outside speakers. All students will be entered for AS General Studies at the end of Lower Sixth and you should therefore gain five AS qualifications. In the Upper Sixth there is the opportunity to continue your General Studies qualification to A2 Level if you wish.
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Key Skills
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We have incorporated what we believe to be the essential aspects of the nationally recognised Key Skills qualification into the Sixth Form Curriculum; this is served by AS subject lessons, ICT lessons and General Studies. Students work towards Level 3 in ICT and Communication. These qualifications attract UCAS points and are of interest to some universities whilst also being very useful qualifications for life.
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Physical Education
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All students are expected to take part in a general programme which takes place on one afternoon each week. A range of interesting activities is offered, designed to encourage you to think in terms of exercise and fitness for fun and for life.
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Careers
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You will receive regular sessions led by a careers specialist throughout the Sixth Form to help you make informed choices about your future.
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Religious Education
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You attend a weekly Chapel service conducted by the chaplain. A wide range of spiritual and theological issues is raised through these services during the two year period.
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PSHE
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You will cover a mixture of issues relevant to your age, many focused on preparing you for life in the wider world.
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Entry Requirement
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The current minimum entry requirement into the Sixth Form is six GCSE passes at grade C including Maths and English. It is worth noting, however, that anyone embarking on a course with a grade lower than B at GCSE is likely to encounter difficulties with the pace of study in the Sixth Form.
Choosing which subjects to study for AS Level is a most exciting time. It is an opportunity for you to make decisions that will have a significant effect on your life and may provide the basis for your future career. It is natural that parents and family will wish to express their opinions too, although for the first time there is a real sense that this is your decision.
As with any important decision in life, it is important to obtain as much relevant information as possible about the courses on offer and the career implications of making these choices. This naturally involves a certain degree of self-analysis of one's own strengths, aptitudes and abilities.
Each selection of courses should be taken with an eye firmly fixed on the future and we would encourage you to complete a thorough review of your options before deciding on your choice of AS subjects. There are many factors to take into consideration before making your decision which is why it is important to start considering your A level choices early.
Whatever you do though, don't panic. There are lots of people on hand to chat with you, who know you well and have your very best interests at heart.
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What happens if I don't like a subject once the course begins?
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Think positive. If you do lots of research before selecting your subjects, attend taster day sessions, and ask other students already on the course, the likelihood of this happening is greatly reduced. But, worse case scenario, go straight to your tutor who is likely to refer you on to the Director of Studies. The consultation process then involves discussions with Heads of Department and discussion with your parents.
Finding another subject may be possible but can't be guaranteed because of the way the timetable is constructed in blocks of subjects; the size of existing groups could be affected adversely by too many changes. But, again, think positive. This is a very rare occurrence if all the preliminary research is done thoroughly.
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How is my progress monitored?
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Subject teachers will immediately alert you and your tutor if they have concerns about your progress. You will also receive marked work from which you will be able to tell if you are keeping up with the course content. If you have concerns, you need to be proactive and seek guidance or help to move forward. This may involve a lunchtime or after school help-session and you might have to be ready to make time for such a meeting. For the most part, early worries resolve themselves very quickly as you settle into the AS way life.
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How much work is involved at A Level?
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Truthfully, 'it's as long as a piece of string!' But as a guideline, expect approximately 3 hours work per week per AS subject and more for an A2. This should include more than just undertaking the set prep. You will need to factor in time to read around the subject and explore widely to support your studies.
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How much private study time is there?
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This depends on your chosen programme of subjects. If you opt for 5 AS subjects, then there's none! If you go for the more typical pattern of 4 AS subjects plus compulsory Games, IT and General Studies, then you have 6 periods of private study - between 3 and 4 hours. Making good use of this time during the day is one of the most positive things you can do to enhance your progress.
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Some further thoughts...
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Choosing AS subjects is exciting. A Levels changed in 2000 to a much more flexible system. You have far more freedom to mix and match subjects than in the past. The AS system was deliberately altered to encourage greater breadth of study, so if you are doing science AS subjects, think about adding a creative art, or a language as a fourth subject. If you are an arts person, why not keep up a science. If you are a linguist, what about a science?
Choosing a typical run of 4 AS subjects allows you to keep more options open. There are very few restrictions on subject combinations, but you need to be careful about one or two university courses which still do demand certain subjects. For example, Architecture will expect you to have Physics, Chemistry and Art in your line-up. Medicine will ask for Biology and Chemistry. Law will require at least one essay-based subject: English, RS or History, say. Otherwise, select the things that you are good at and the things you enjoy. But talk to lots of people about your own aptitude and make the most of your interview time to ask questions.
Stephen Pumphrey
Director of Studies
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In 2008 96% of A Levels at St Catherine's were graded at A/B
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Beyond the curriculum....
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Beyond the curriculum
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Click on the picture to read about other events timetabled in the sixth form
. Debating
. Discussion Evenings
. Gold Duke of Edinburgh
. Lectures
. Drama Productions
. Use of Surrey University Library
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