Sixth Form

The Academic Programme

Students will undertake 3 full A Levels to study over two years. In addition you will study one extension option outlined below. These are designed to offer the flexibility needed to enable all students to personalise their programme.

Extension 1: Two AS subjects which students will be examined on at the end of Year 12

Extension 2: One AS subject plus an Independent Project Qualification which is equivalent to one AS Level.

Extension 3: Outstanding students may take one further A Level subject.

A Levels offer the flexibility and challenge to students who relish the opportunity to study what they want and at greater depth. You will be able to choose subjects you have a real interest in thus allowing you to work to your strengths.

A Levels provide a sure foundation to university study and provide essential skills for the world of work. As our world becomes more globalised and competition for jobs increases, being excellent in three core subjects is going to be essential. The level of subject knowledge is deeper and more thorough, providing a solid introduction to these subjects at degree level. They are a qualification that international employers recognise and they appreciate their value. At TPIS you will be taught by an enthusiastic team of outstanding subject specialists who will challenge you and support your progress and achievement.

Any students who do not pass IGCSEs in Mathematics, English (or English as a Second Language) and Science will need to re-take these subjects at the end of Year 12.

Assessment and Reporting

Students are assessed regularly in a variety of different ways, depending on what is appropriate to the subject and the type of work being undertaken. For example, students will regularly sit end-of-topic tests, complete extended written assignments or be observed preparing creative work. The way in which students’ work is marked varies from subject to subject. Subject overviews are provided in this booklet and at the beginning of every term so that students understand the various procedures that apply.

At the end of Term 1 in Year 12 and Year 13, all students sit “mock” examinations. Some subjects require students to prepare a portfolio or coursework over the duration of the course that is assessed and forms part of the final grade.

AS examinations are taken at the end of Year 12. These are a qualification in their own right or may be counted towards the final A Level grade.

During each term a report is produced which contains an attainment grade and an effort grade for every subject studied. The grades are an aggregate of each student’s performance over the year to that date and are calculated using the marks or grades gained throughout the preceding months. The grade scale is from 1 – 9 or E – A* in accordance with the grading criteria produced by the external examination boards.

Parent consultations are held termly. During these consultations parents, student and teacher will discuss current attainment, any barriers to progress and ways to improve.

The Enhanced Curriculum

We believe students should have opportunities to develop leadership skills and have experiences that relate to the world of work, university and community service. Students will have the opportunities to become involved with leading an ECA for younger students, learn how to cook on a student budget or get involved with a local community project. Our Sixth Form students will also have a leadership role as school Prefects.

TPIS prides itself on balancing academic success with wide-ranging enrichment opportunities which allow students to develop their interests and support their community. Trips and visits will take the curriculum into museums, to concerts, plays, art galleries and different landscapes. Work experience is also supported during Year 12.

The school places great importance on the pastoral care of its students: the development of the whole person – mind, body and spirit. The school community has a responsibility in providing and nurturing an environment, which will enable students to develop the whole person. It involves staff, students, and parents/guardians working cooperatively towards an all-round development of each student.

Learning for Life Programme

Through Learning for Life sessions, students will learn a variety of skills and knowledge essential to life after Sixth Form. The following topics will make up the Learning for Life programme.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) Programme in the Sixth Form

As part of the Sixth Form, students will undertake ECAs during some of their free periods as well as during the whole school ECA programme (3:35pm – 4:30pm). As students progress through the school, the range of ECAs on offer increases to reflect the age of the students. There will also be opportunities for Sixth Form students to take on leadership roles by leading ECAs for some of the younger students.

Some of the activities that will be on offer alongside the whole school programme are: