Programmes of Study

Programmes of study

At Sixth Form the School offers a range of academic A level courses, with almost all of our Sixth Formers choosing to apply to University to continue their education.

Ackworth School offers a two-year, terminally-assessed A Level Programme, with almost all students opting to study for three A Levels that are examined at the end of the Upper Sixth. 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.

A Level Choices Form

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. 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 a 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 3 ‘6’ grades and 2 ‘5’ grades, or the International equivalent.

Grade ‘6’ would be expected in the subjects a pupil wishes to study to A2 level.

Progression from the Lower to the Upper Sixth is dependent on a minimum of three pass grades [grade E or above] at AS level in the subjects to be taken to A2.

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 A level courses, 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.