Meeting 16-19 study programme requirements:

 

All ESFA funded education for 16 to 19 year olds must be delivered as a study programme which combines qualifications and other activities, and which is tailored to each student’s prior attainment and career goals. Every study programme must have a core aim. For the majority of students, this will be either the study of substantial technical, applied or academic qualification(s) or preparation for employment

  • Every student at APA Sixth Form is enrolled on a programme of:
    • Four A-levels;
    • A BTEC National Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A-levels) alongside an A-level; or
    • A BTEC National Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A-levels) alongside a GCSE re-take.
  • The choice of programme is dependent on the student’s prior attainment and their career goals.
  • Entrance requirements for each programme are set to maximise choice for students while ensuring that they have reached the minimum standard to be able to access their chosen course.
  • Each student has a one-to-one interview at enrolment to ensure the appropriateness of course choice.
  • Students are all enrolled on four A-level equivalents (unless they are doing a re-take) to ensure that they have some flexibility in course choice during the programme.

Young people who do not hold a GCSE grade 4 (reformed grading) or grade C (legacy grading) in maths and/or English are required to continue these subjects as part of their study programme

  • All students who do not hold a maths or English Language GCSE at grade 4 or above are required to continue these subjects in Sixth Form.
  • We provide opportunities for students to re-sit these exams in November and June.
  • Students are timetabled for maths/English lessons and are expected to attend additional booster lessons.

All study programmes should include work experience and non-qualification activities, which complement the other elements of the programme and support the student to progress to further or higher education or to employment.

  • All students have daily form time with a tutor with whom they reflect on academic progress and progression into education and employment.
  • All students have a weekly PSHE session which is focused on preparation for employment and education.
  • All students attend at least two university/careers fairs during their time in Sixth Form.
  • Students spend four days in preparation for the world of work or further study in partnership with Into University
  • A wide variety of extra-curricular activities supplement the taught programme – these include university visits and visits to employers.
  • All students take part in a weekly enrichment session – including debating, sports, Amnesty, volunteering, chess and book clubs.
  • All students attend a weekly talk, often given by a visitor, which is focused on different careers and industries.
  • All students undertake at least one week of work experience during their time in Sixth Form.
  • Most students attend a pre-university Easter School or Summer School in preparation for further study.