SE Sixth Form Choices Leaflet- 2021

CURRENT PUPILS’ VIEWS

‘Education is a profoundly personal enterprise, founded on good relationships and most successful when pupils can chart their own course. In the Sixth Form pupils have the choices available to do that.’ ALASTAIR CHIRNSIDE, WARDEN

‘There is no “easy” option;

you need to be organised and focused for both paths.’

SIXTH FORM CHOICES AT TEDDIES

‘Take your time in choosing your path and your subjects as you will be doing them for two more years.’

‘Taking three subjects for A Level means you will do them in more depth, so be sure you enjoy doing them!’

WHICH PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

‘You’ll need to enjoy coursework for the IB and be good at keeping up with deadlines.’

St Edward’s School, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 7NN www.stedwardsoxford.org

Registered Charity No: 309681

At St Edward’s, we are proud to offer both A Level and the IB Diploma; a stimulating choice that enables our pupils to work to their strengths.

WHY CHOOSE A LEVELS?

Study Requirement Grade 8 for Sciences and Maths at Higher Level. Grade 7 for all other subjects at Higher Level. Grading All subjects are graded 7 to 1. Up to three additional points can be achieved on the Core. Maximum points available is 45. University offers Typical offers from a Russell Group or similar university range from 32 to 38 points. Many universities will specify specific grades for Higher Level subjects.

Why Allows pupils to focus in depth on three subjects. An A Level pathway has the benefit of significant independent study as part of the curriculum. For some subjects the specific A Level course might be more suited to or attractive to a particular pupil’s interests. EPQ 5,000 word essay, or occasionally artefact with 2,000 word review, on any topic of your choice. Four hours of teaching time per fortnight. Completed during the Lower Sixth. Universities may make contextual offers for pupils that achieve an A grade on their EPQ. Standard Level Subject 2 Sta dard Level Subject 3

Higher Level Subject 1 FAQs Pupils will normally study 3 A Levels, or 4 with Further Maths or Greek. In some exceptional cases pupils may study 4 in another combination. Pupils who feel they are suited to this course of study must approach the Deputy Head Academic directly to discuss full terms. Pupils should consid r how their subject choices com lement one another, e.g. learning in Maths will support the learning taking place in Physics. Some university degrees require particular subjects to have been studied at A Level. Pupils are advised to review university requirements if they have a specific course in mind. The majority of A Levels are assessed at the end of the two year course through examinations. Higher Level Subject 2 Higher Level Subject 3 6 hours teaching time per SL 8 hours teaching time per HL 3 hours TOK

Standard Level Subject 1

A Level Hours studied per fortnight

A Level Subject 2

A Level Subject 1

12 hours teaching time per A Level 4 hours EPQ

Plus independent study time

WHY CHOOSE THE IB DIPLOMA?

IB Diploma Hours studied per fortnight

A Level Subject 3

Why Allows pupils the opportunity to study a wider portfolio of subjects. An IB pathway has the benefit of more classroom-based learning hours. For some subjects the specific IB syllabus might be more suited to or attractive to a particular pupil’s interests. The Core Theory of Knowledge – three hours teaching time, assessed by a presentation and essay. Extended Essay – 4,000 word essay focused on one subject. Pupils are required to demonstrate a regular commitment to Creative, Activity and Service experiences. Plus independent study time 12 hours teaching time per A Level A Level Subject 1 A Level Subj ct 3 4 hours EPQ

FAQs Pupils are required to study a language at either Higher Level, Standard Level or ab initio (taking up a new language). There are two routes for Maths: Analysis and Applications and Applications and Interpretations. These are both offered at Higher Level and Standard Level. Some university courses will specify which route must be studied. Pupils are required to study a science. This includes Design, Environmental Systems and Societies and Computer Science, as well as the more “traditional” sciences. All subjects have an element of coursework, typically 20% of the final grade. A Level Subject 2

Standard Level Subject 1

Higher Level Subject 1

6 hours teaching time per SL 8 hours teaching time per HL 3 hours TOK

Standard Level Subject 2

Study Requirement Grade 8 for Sciences and Maths. Grade 7 for all other subjects. Grading All subjects are graded A* to E. University offers Typical offers from a Russell Group or similar university range from A*AA to ABB.

Higher Level Subject 2

Standard Level Subject 3

Higher Level Subject 3

Find out more about the specific choices offered through the A Level and the IB Diploma in the Course Guides at www.stedwardsoxford.org/academic/sixth-form