Frequently asked questions
- 1. What are AS Levels?
- 2. How do AS Levels fit in?
- 3. Who will advise on the combination of subjects?
- 4. Can you combine subjects at The Clarendon College and The John of Gaunt School?
- 5. What happens if Year 11 GCSE results have been disappointing?
- 6. What opportunities are there for using computers?
- 7. What opportunities are there outside the classroom?
- 8. What opportunities are there for sport?
- 9. How do we keep an eye on progress?
- 10. How does life in the Sixth Form prepare students for the next stage?
- 11. What help is available when I need to think about Higher Education or employment?
1. What are AS Levels?
The changes in the Sixth Form curriculum introduced in September 2008 mean that A Level courses have been split into four or six assessed units of work, this varies depending on the subject. Two or three units are completed in Year 12 so that students will gain a grade at AS Level. They can then decide which subjects to study in Year 13 when the remaining A Level units are completed. An AS Level is equivalent to half an A Level and will count as such as far as entrance into Higher Education is concerned. We expect students to follow at least four courses in Year 12 and at least three courses in Year 13.
2. How do AS Levels fit in?
Depending on GCSE grades, we offer four AS, three AS, two AS, plus retakes, and Transition Course Routeways through Year 12. The grades obtained at AS count for half those of an AS as far as entrance to Higher Education is concerned. The result is that some students will now be able to take far more subjects by combining A Levels and AS Levels. In this way, for example, AS Geography could be combined with AS German and two other A Levels to give a very broad range of study.
3. Who will advise on the combination of subjects?
When we have received the application form, we invite each student to an interview to discuss subject combinations and longer term plans. Parents can also choose to join us at that point. This is followed in June by our induction days, when more information and advice can be gathered. In September, everyone is interviewed again, in the light of their GCSE results, to check on the suitability of chosen courses. Nothing is fixed in stone until term is underway, so there is no need to worry if at present it is difficult to decide.
4. Can you combine subjects at The Clarendon College and The John of Gaunt School?
A very wide range of subjects is available at both The Clarendon College and The John of Gaunt School but, to increase still further the choice available, we coordinate our timetables. You can register at either institution, using the same application form.
5. What happens if Year 11 GCSE results have been disappointing?
We expect everyone who begins an Advanced Level course to have at least 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above. If these grades have not been obtained, it is unlikely an Advanced Level course would suit. Whatever the results, it is important to discuss them with us. We may be able to put together a programme of retakes and new qualifications on a transition course to maximise your chances thereafter, or we may advise a more vocationally orientated course. Everyone's circumstances are different and we would deal with each situation individually, taking into account predicted results as well as those actually achieved.
6. What opportunities are there for using computers?
The schools have computer rooms exclusively for Sixth Form students, with a selection of software available. For those who would like a formal qualification, T6C offers A Level and AS Level in both Computing and ICT.
7. What opportunities are there outside the classroom?
These are many and varied. A detailed account is given in the sections entitled 'Additional Studies' and 'Clubs and Activities'.
8. What opportunities are there for sport?
All the major sports are offered, including soccer, rugby, netball, basketball, golf, tennis, hockey, cricket and athletics. A multi-gym is available on the site. There is a range of school teams, at senior level, and students can opt to follow a "Community Sports Leader Award" course offering training in how to develop sports skills in others. The latter results in a recognised qualification through The Central Council of Physical Recreation.
9. How do we keep an eye on progress?
Students' progress is constantly monitored by staff and students who receive regular reports called "Interim Assessments". On these reports, teaching staff give a predicted examination grade and set targets for the next term. If current performance is below what we might expect, we work with students to find the causes and help them to get back on track.
10. How does life in the Sixth Form prepare students for the next stage?
It is vital that students leaving us are fully prepared for the freedoms of Higher Education; students are offered increasing autonomy as they learn to take responsibility, for example, for their own private study. We aim to provide the kind of caring safety net that would stop students getting into real difficulties but, at the same time, offer the freedom that is essential for all students to learn to use.
11. What help is available when I need to think about Higher Education or employment?
Throughout the Sixth Form there is a structured programme of careers and Higher Education advice from a very experienced team of staff. There will be conferences and opportunities to work shadow and to visit universities and colleges. Tutors are there to guide students through the application processes for both academic and employment routes from Sixth Form.
