Our Sixth Formers frequently say that what they like best about Ackworth is the positive interaction they have with their teachers.
Sixth Form
Meet Daniel Jones, Head of Sixth Form
The Sixth Form is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times in a student’s education; a time of challenge, change and opportunity.
I am delighted that you are considering joining Ackworth School for your Post-16 education. Here at Ackworth you will be welcomed into a progressive environment rooted in tradition. Students in Sixth Form will be joining a community that puts an emphasis on the individual whilst nurturing academic potential. Non Sibi Sed Omnibus, meaning ‘not for oneself, but each for the good of all’, is at the heart of our educational experience and this comes to the fore at A-Level and BTEC.
You may find that A-Levels or BTEC are the most challenging work you have ever studied. The amount you are expected to cover, in lessons and independently, is greater than you thought possible for a student. At the same time you will be looking forward to greater freedom and privileges. You may need help to get the balance right between your academic, extra-curricular and social pursuits. Everything is in place at Ackworth to help you make these adjustments. We are not a Sixth Form College and our smaller size allows us to retain a genuine sense of community, and for teaching staff to offer focused individual support.
Our extensive co-curricular and super curricular programme, from performing arts, natural history, Duke Of Edinburgh to elite sports academies, enable our students to discover other passions and talents.
Choosing Ackworth means that you will be choosing an institution that appreciates your transition into being a young adult. Sixth Form is a hugely important bridge between school and university. Relationships with staff here at Ackworth are reflective of this and we strive to build a positive learning and working environment where you can achieve your academic potential and thrive socially.
No matter where you are looking to study, UK or abroad, Oxbridge or apprenticeships. Our outstanding careers programme uses our years of experience, key staff and well-established university links to gain entry to the very best university place for you.
Life at Ackworth, our Sixth Form centre and newly refurbished Westwood study, offers greater independence and freedom without losing the individual support that is vital for success. Our Sixth Form Students will be part of an energetic, diverse and ambitious community of peers; they will have to work hard, but they will have great fun and will make friendships that can last a lifetime. We would love for you to pay us a visit and our students will be happy to show you around.
Programmes of study
At Sixth Form we offer a large range of academic A-Level courses plus the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport which will welcome its first intake in September 2023.
Our A-Levels are two-year, terminally-assessed programmes, with almost all students opting to study for three A-Levels that are examined at the end of the Upper Sixth.
Our BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport is equivalent to three A-Levels and is assessed throughout the two-year programme via coursework and exams.
Full details of options available and information on each of the Sixth Form courses can be found in the Sixth Form options booklet, which is available from the School or on the School website.
The School ensures that students are guided, with careers and university entrance in mind, towards choosing a sound platform of subjects where they can realise their potential.
Oxbridge Pathways Programme
The Ackworth School Oxbridge Programme supports our Sixth Form students with a pathway to some of the most competitive placements at UK universities.
With the top courses becoming increasingly more sought after, it is well known good grades form just one part of a successful application.
The Oxbridge Pathways Programme is designed to support pupils in their applications to their chosen universities, whether it be a Russell Group university such as Oxford or Cambridge, or any other competitive course.
The extensive two-year programme teaches students the essential skills needed to succeed not just in moving onto their chosen course, but also after graduation.
Click here to learn more about the programme.
Sixth Form subjects offered at Ackworth include:
- Art & Design (Fine Art)
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Design & Technology – Product Design
- Drama & Theatre Studies
- Economics
- English Literature
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Spanish
- Sport (BTEC Extended Diploma)
Ackworth School policy normally dictates that a student should study for three A-Levels, which are terminally-assessed in the Upper Sixth following a two-year programme of study, or a BTEC Extended Diploma equivalent to 3 A-Levels. End of year internal assessments replace the external AS examinations. These end of year exams, together with internal assessment grades, half-termly reports, and the ongoing assessment of a student’s attitude, commitment and classroom performance, are all factors that allow teachers to determine predicted grades for UCAS applications.
Progression from the Lower to the Upper Sixth is dependent on satisfactory performance at the internal examinations taken at the end of the Lower Sixth.
The tutor will also be monitoring the academic progress of their tutees through the target setting system which is in place here. On entry to the Sixth Form each student is given a target grade based on their GCSE results or, if these are not available, on their performance in a test administered as they come into the Sixth Form. Students who fall short of their targets will be supported by their tutor to encourage better progress, and further academic support may be put in place if necessary. Besides the tutor, subject staff are also aware of target grades based on Durham University’s ALIS system. This is a second strand of target setting representing a “belt and braces” approach to monitoring progress. The aim is be supportive and positive without overburdening students with an unwieldy and intrusive pastoral system. Indeed, the student who is progressing normally and meeting targets will probably be unaware of much of the monitoring which takes place.
Starting a new school or even a new stage within the same school can be a daunting experience. Nevertheless we make sure that everyone settles quickly to the new routine. New students are supported by those who have come from our own Year 11, so there will always be someone who can help with advice on expectations and how to get around. Social events in the first few weeks also help to bring the new year group together and to help the Lower Sixth to mix with the Upper Sixth. It is almost always the case that students new to Ackworth are soon part of a well-integrated Sixth Form, able to settle quickly to the new way of studying and to progress and reach their academic potential.
Entry requirements
The standard required for studying A-levels is a significant step up from the level at GCSE. For this reason, the normal entry requirement for the Sixth Form is three ‘9-6’ GCSE grades and two ‘9-5’ grades, or the International equivalent. ‘6’ grades are required in the subjects a student wishes to study at A-Level (where available at GCSE level).
Pastoral
Pastoral care in the Sixth Form is the responsibility of Head of Sixth Form, who leads a team of eight tutors. Each tutor group consists of about twelve students and the tutor stays with the same group throughout the Sixth Form. During the two years of their studies, the tutor will get to know the student very well. They will be able to offer good advice on a range of matters, from how to write a personal statement for university application through to everyday personal and academic advice. Basically, if the student has a problem, then the first person to speak to is their tutor.
The tutor will also be monitoring the academic progress of their tutees through the target setting system which is in place here. On entry to the Sixth Form each student is given a target grade based on their GCSE results or, if these are not available, on their performance in a test administered as they come into the Sixth Form. Students who fall short of their targets will be interviewed by their tutor in an attempt to encourage better progress, and special measures may be put in place to encourage better study patterns. Besides the tutor, subject staff are also aware of target grades based on Durham University’s ALIS system. This is a second strand of target setting representing a “belt and braces” approach to monitoring progress. The aim is be supportive and positive without overburdening students with an unwieldy and intrusive pastoral system. Indeed, the student who is progressing normally and meeting targets will probably be unaware of much of the monitoring which takes place.
Starting a new school or even a new stage within the same school can be a daunting experience. Nevertheless we do try hard to make sure that everyone settles quickly to the new routine. New students are placed in a study with someone coming from our own Year 11, so immediately there will be someone who can help with advice on expectations and how to get around. Social events in the first few weeks also help to bring the new year group together and to help the Lower Sixth to mix with the Upper Sixth. It is almost always the case that students new to Ackworth are soon part of a well integrated Sixth Form, able to settle quickly to the new way of studying and to progress and reach their academic potential.
Leavers' Destinations
This year our pupils secured places at some of the UK’s top universities including:
- University of Oxford
- University of Warwick
- University of York
- Hull York Medical School
- University of Nottingham
- King’s College London
- Newcastle University
- University of Exeter
- University of Sussex
- University of Bristol
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Leeds
Get in Touch
To learn more about what Sixth Form at Ackworth can offer you, we invite you to get in touch. Please contact our Admissions team at admissions@ackworthschool.com or call 01977 233 621.
To book a visit at one of our Open Events, click here.
