The Sixth Form Curriculum
The A level course, spread over the two years of the Sixth Form, is subdivided into modular units with examinations taken at various times during the course.
For each subject the initial units make up the AS qualification – normally completed at the end of the Lower Sixth – and then the final (A2) units complete the full A level.
Most pupils study four subjects in the Lower Sixth and continue with three of these in the Upper Sixth although for some pupils it may be appropriate to study three for both years or four for both years.
St Lawrence College aims for educational excellence, and nearly all of the Upper Sixth will continue to Higher Education at University. Regular monitoring of progress is essential to ensure that each pupil realises his or her fullest potential. Work is formally assessed at frequent intervals and the results analysed so that advice and guidance can be made available in good time. Tutor Cards and Reports are sent to parents at least twice a term.
The option range is regularly enhanced with additional subjects provided that there is evidence of a sustainable demand for a subject that will be regarded well by university admissions tutors.
The options currently available include Art and Design, Design Technology (Product Design), ICT, Music, Music Technology, Drama and Theatre Studies, English Literature, French, Spanish, Latin, Classical Civilisation, Geography, History, Business Studies, Economics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physical Education.
Option Blocks are created from pupils’ lists of preferred
subject choices so that as many pupils as possible can be
timetabled with their chosen subjects.
In many years it has been possible to satisfy all requests supplied
by pupils early in the Summer Term preceding their entry to Sixth
Form.
Taught lessons are accompanied by Private Study sessions within which pupils develop the essential skills of research and self study that they will need at university.
In addition the Academic Enrichment Programme provides pupils with the opportunity to be intellectually stretched and develop general skills that will not only support their GCE studies but also help prepare them for entry to university or future career. Options in this programme include, amongst others, the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives course, BTEC in Public Services and language options such as Italian and Spanish.
You can download a copy of our Curriculum Handbook and AS Option choices or to find out more about the GPR option, follow the link below to a video produced by the Cambridge Pre-U people at CIE.
