The Sixth Form curriculum aims to provide an outstanding all-round education to prepare our young people for success in a fast-changing world.
We offer the A Level linear programme and Extended Project Qualification or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), both of which are formally assessed at the end of the Upper Sixth.
A LEVEL LINEAR PROGRAMME AND EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)
Those opting for the A Level route will chose three subjects (Further Mathematics counts as a fourth) as well as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The A Level subject options available to study are:
| A Level subject choices | |
|---|---|
| Art | History |
| Biology | History of Art |
| Business | Latin |
| Chemistry | Mathematics |
| Computer Science | Further Mathematics |
| Design | Music |
| Economics | Photography |
| English Language | Physical Education |
| English Literature | Physics |
| Film | Philosophy |
| French | Politics |
| Geography | Spanish |
| German | Theatre Studies |
| Greek | |
We aim to offer all of the subjects listed but some combinations may be restricted depending on demand, staffing and time-tabling considerations. A subject may be withdrawn if there are insufficient pupils to justify a set.
Our Sixth Form curriculum guide details the contents of all courses and subjects available to study at A Level:
EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)
The EPQ is a personal research project that is largely self-directed and self-motivated. The project may take the form of:
- a research-based written report
- a production (e.g. charity event, fashion show or sports event)
- an artefact (e.g. piece of art, a computer game or realised design).
The EPQ is awarded UCAS points and therefore provides huge support to a university application. You can find out more about the EPQ on the AQA website.
The EPQ represents an important opportunity to undertake genuine academic research as a pupil would do at university and enables the development of transferable skills such as time management, independence, public speaking, as well as vital interpersonal skills (e.g. through conducting interviews).
EPQ titles have been impressively diverse in recent years and have included: Managing an investment portfolio during difficult market conditions; The effect of Crossrail on the London property market; Designing a ‘green’ home in Hong Kong; Investigating slapstick comedy through directing OZ by Don Zolidis and To what extent is the Black Panther Party a terrorist organisation?
THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IBDP)
For the IBDP, pupils are required to study six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level) along with the core elements; Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).
Higher Level courses are more difficult and pupils will spend more time on these than the Standard Level courses. All subjects are worth 7 points, with the Core worth a further 3 points, making a total of 45. To pass the Diploma, pupils must gain at least 24 points.
The subject choices available for the IBDP are:
| Higher Level | Standard Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | English Language and Literature English Literature German Literature | English Language and Literature |
| Group 2 | French B German B Latin Spanish B | French B German B Latin Italian ab initio Spanish B Spanish ab initio |
| Group 3 | Economics Geography History Psychology | Art History Economics Environmental Systems / Societies* Geography History |
| Group 4 | Biology Chemistry Computer Science Physics Sports, Exercise and Health Science | Chemistry Computer Science Environmental Systems / Societies* Physics Sports, Exercise and Health Science |
| Group 5 | Mathematics: Applications Mathematics: Analysis | Mathematics: Applications Mathematics: Analysis |
| Group 6 | Film Music Visual Arts Or a second subject from Groups 2, 3 or 4 | Film Music Visual Arts Or a second subject from Groups 2, 3 or 4 |
*Environmental Systems and Societies meets the requirements of Groups 3 and 4 through the study of a single subject. This means an additional subject must be chosen to make a total of six. This can be taken from Groups 2, 3 or 4.
We aim to offer all of the subjects listed, but some combinations may be restricted depending on demand, staffing and time-tabling considerations. A subject may be withdrawn if there are insufficient pupils to justify a set.
Find out more about the IB programme at Bradfield and The Core in our IB Booklet:
