Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

In addition to this, students choose 4 option subjects (6 periods each). These are shown in the Year 9 Options Booklet.

Key Stage 5

We firmly believe at Arthur Mellows Sixth Form, that the curriculum should reach far beyond academic qualifications.  We set aspirational goals in terms of academic success however our highest value is placed on nurturing a love of learning.  We place emphasis on students to have access to a broad range of learning experiences which allows them to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for their self-fulfilment and to enable them to play a full part as responsible citizens in the 21st Century.  Through our curriculum we aim to provide opportunities for all students to learn and to achieve, irrespective of social background, culture, race, gender, differences in ability and disabilities.

Our curriculum promotes students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and supports them in developing principles for distinguishing between right and wrong.  Students are encouraged to think creatively and critically and to respect others and the environments in which they live.  They are enabled to develop their physical skills and promote their personal and social well-being.

The curriculum is carefully designed to prepare our young people for life beyond Sixth Form.  As such, our structured and challenging learning programme consists of the following key components:

• Level 3 Qualifications (A Level and Vocational options)
• Enrichment options (widening students skillset beyond their academic study)
• Professional Development (which encompasses RSHE, UCAS and Preparation for Employment components)
• Silent Study (timetabled sessions in Sixth Form study spaces to complete work reaching beyond the classroom)
• Sixth Form Committee opportunities (leadership roles within the College to both showcase their soft skills and take ownership of projects linked to future career / high education goals)
• Various Extra-Curricular

Curriculum Model for Key Stage 5 (lessons per 2-week cycle): 

 Further information can be found in our Year 12 Information Booklet and Prospectus. 

Level 3 Qualifications

Most of our young people will study 3 core subjects (or equivalent).  We have considered the courses carefully to provide a curriculum that will meet the needs of our young people, therefore each year, this is reviewed through our subject research (surveys, assemblies and Year 11 life skills lessons).  We aim to ensure each student has a core aim which helps them reach their full potential by offering a range of subjects including A Levels, BTECs and Cambridge Technicals. 

Subjects for 2023-25

 

 

Enrichment

Our enrichment options allow students to pick a further area of study outside their subject areas to develop wider skills and personal qualities.  Some options lead to a nationally recognised qualification, with some carrying UCAS points.  The choices include:

• British Sign Language
• Combined Cadet Force CCF
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Extended Project Qualification (often referred to as EPQ)
• Level 3 Higher Sports Leadership Award (carrying UCAS points)
• Managing My Money for Young Adults (Level 1 – Open University)
• Mentoring
• Sixth Form Student Newsletter

Professional Development

The Professional Development programme has been developed to prepare our young people for Sixth Form life such as learning study skills as well as covering various topics that will ensure personal development and professional development.  In addition to the timetable session each cycle, students also have 20 minutes each morning with their professional tutor and take part in collapsed events.  Our activities for tutor time can be found on our weekly plan.

 The programme also includes visiting speakers developed around students’ needs, and current and topical issues.  We take regular input from Sixth Form students to ensure we invite speakers they believe to be relevant and introduce new areas.  The topics covered include driving awareness, safety, finance and budgeting, GAP year options and mental and sexual health.  Through the programme there are some amazing opportunities including working with the Local Authority, Police and Fire and Rescue Service on a Young Driver’s Programme.  One of our biggest annual events is our Future Festival whereby we welcome Universities, Employers and Apprenticeship providers from 50+ organisations to deliver workshops and sessions for our young people to prepare them for life beyond Sixth Form.  As a guide, this is how the programme works across the 2 years

At the end of Year 12, students complete a questionnaire to identify whether they would like to go to University, or into an Apprenticeship or employment after Sixth Form.  The Year 13 programme is then divided into 2 groups ‘Preparation for Employment’ and ‘University’, ensuring that students have the specific support they need to make competitive applications for their chosen pathway, and are prepared for life post Sixth Form.  Further information about Preparation for Employment can be found in the Sixth Form section of our College website.

Oxbridge / Medics and other early applicants follow a separate programme from Year 12 Half Term 6, until the end of Year 13 Half Term 1 to support their application / admissions tests process.  This is a programme working directly with the Head of Sixth Form.

Silent Study

All students have timetabled lessons of silent study.  Students work in designated Sixth Form spaces which are supervised by staff.  All subjects set specific work for these timetabled lessons and students have access to chrome books, PCs and desk space.  This is designed to enhance students’ understanding of their curriculum, promote independent learning and wider reading around their subjects.

Sixth Form Committee

The Sixth Form Committee is a dynamic and vibrant group.  It allows for real leadership opportunities, as well as being a creative force for good in the school and wider community.  The committee plays an important role in maintaining the Sixth Form’s designated environment within school and they meet regularly to discuss issues and events.  The Committee is led by the Head Girl, Head Boy, Deputies and Assistants with representatives who have responsibility for the following areas:

• Business
• Charity and Volunteering
• Diversity and Culture
• Environmental
• Extra-Curricular
• Media and Art
• Social
• Sport and Wellbeing
• Transition and Buddy System

(Please note that the above committees were established for 2023-24.  Each year, students create new committees which allow them to explore their passions.)

During the spring term of Year 12, students are selected for a position on the Sixth Form Committee.  An application and interview process takes place each year in May / June.

Extra-Curricular

In Sixth Form there are many extra-curricular activities available to students including the whole school production and The Duke of Edinburgh Awards (Silver and Gold).  A range of indoor and outdoor sports are available, access to the gym, along with the opportunity to take part in inter-form and inter-school competitions.

Social activities are arranged, such as the Sixth Form Prom.  Students are encouraged to take part in the many fundraising events, organised for both local and national charities which we regularly mark and raise awareness of.