Sixth form curriculum

Sixth form curriculum

The experience of sixth form at Christ’s Hospital is challenging, broadening, and supportive. It is also hugely rewarding and will provide an array of exciting challenges and experiences that not only prepare students for the rigours of A levels, but equip our students with key life skills, helping them to flourish regardless of career choice.

This two-year experience is shaped by a curriculum that frees students to i) explore and develop their personal talents and passions, ii) undertake scholarly research and exploration and iii) engage in critical thinking, reasoning, and debate of societal issues. Additionally, it offers scope to take more formal roles of leadership. The two years in the sixth form act as a bridge between the relative order of GCSE and the array of university and workplace opportunities beyond school.

Sixth form curriculum

Students select either four A levels or three A levels with an Extended Curriculum option in the lower sixth.

Within the Extended Curriculum are a number of options to help students broaden and deepen their academic experience, including language options and a range of AS-level courses. Many students undertake an extended project (EPQ) which is carried out independently, under the guidance of a supervisor. It challenges students to think critically, read carefully write precisely in the development of a dissertation, or explore independent interests by creating an artefact or preparing a performance.

All students, irrespective of A level options, engage in the unique Christ’s Hospital Learning for Life (L4L) programme, designed to combine critical thinking, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), and preparation for post-school life. There are segments of the L4L course on critical thinking, exploring what knowledge is, and how to make decisions on wellbeing, inclusion, ethics, politics, religion, personal finance, and money. These themes are designed to develop the kind of skills students need to make better decisions and so go on to be happier, more fulfilled and socially aware adults.

Participation in a wide range of societies, sports, and activities beyond the classroom – underpinned by the support of the pastoral network around them – is an essential part of the sixth form curriculum at Christ’s Hospital.

Sixth Form Course Booklet

A Level selection

All of the A levels offered at Christ’s Hospital are rigorous in nature and will support strong ambition in terms of entry into higher education courses, including subjects not offered at A level. The choice of subjects taken in Year 12 is an important one and should focus on the strengths and passions of the student. Chosen subjects should be their own unique selection, not one fuelled by conformity or pressure. It is acknowledged that certain careers do require specified combinations; however, the principles in choosing a subject should be determined by two specific factors: i) an individual’s academic potential to succeed in a subject and ii) enthusiasm to study it. If these factors are respected, it is entirely possible for students to flourish. If either are absent it is unlikely that the students will enjoy the course or make a success of it.

Christ’s Hospital actively encourages breadth in the choice of A level subjects where possible and the three or four subjects offer room for this.

We believe academic potential is well measured by high grades at (I)GCSE and, therefore, hope that students will achieve a Level 7 or higher at (I)GCSE in subjects which are continued to A level, or in related subjects for those not offered at GCSE. It should be noted that if a student opts for a subject in which they have not achieved at least a Level 7, Christ’s Hospital requires consideration of other subjects as choices for A level study.

Extended curriculum

The Extended Curriculum options are an opportunity for students to broaden and deepen their learning in areas of particular interest to them. We are proud to offer a number of additional qualifications that can be earned in their DG year/Year 12 for students taking three A levels, and a broad range of elective courses to Grecians/Year 13 students designed and delivered by our subject experts to prepare students for tertiary education.

Deputy Grecians/Year 12 (only available to those taking 3 A-levels):
DG students have many options available, including ab initio modern language courses, and AS level courses in subjects such as psychology, politics, film studies, and global perspectives. These popular options enable students to study a subject that interests them and which may help inform their university applications.

Alternatively they may complete an extended project qualification (EPQ) which is equivalent to an AS-level. This provides students with the chance to take time to research a topic that is of interest to them, but which may not be related to their chosen courses. A successful EPQ demonstrates the student’s ability to work independently and engage academically with scholarly work. This is excellent preparation for university and the world of work. Research has shown that producing a good EPQ can improve a student’s exam results in Year 13. While most students elect to write an extended essay of approximately 6000 words, there are other attractive options, such as completing a piece of scientific research, creating an ‘artefact’ (e.g. an artwork, a design project, a media project), or putting on a performance (e.g. dramatic, musical, dance, a speech, etc.).

Grecians/Year 13:
All Grecians pupils will have the option to attend one subject extension course. These are run by each academic department and include topics such as the quantum realm in physics, architecture, 3D printing, politics, law, and international relations. The purpose of these sessions is twofold; first, to help prepare students for university level study and improve their applications; second, to promote and celebrate our students’ love of learning for its own sake.

Grecians who require additional support with their A level subjects will also be offered this as part of the Extended Curriculum. The timetable of lessons and support will be personalised to each student’s individual needs.

Learning for life

Learning for Life takes a central place in supporting the ethos of the School and students’ personal development.

The guiding question in the course is: ‘how do I go about understanding the world around me?’, and examples of the kinds of questions we look at during it include: ‘how do I know when to use reason or intuition?’, ‘how do I make ethical choices?’, ‘how do I decide which course to study at university?’, and ‘how do I budget my money?’.

Learning for Life has essential PSHE topics at its core. Opportunities for critical reflection on, and practice of, values expand to include an engagement with the important spiritual, cultural and moral aspects of human experience, reflected in contemporary social and political issues and the traditions that inform them. These elements are complemented by a developing focus on preparation for university and the workplace and an exploration of the adult world.

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