Sixth Form Curriculum

Our Sixth Form Curriculum intent is to ensure that all students study subjects at levels appropriate to their interests and abilities and that they are given every opportunity to achieve the success necessary to enable them to progress to their next stage whether that be an apprenticeship, employment, further or higher education. Everything we do is encapsulated in our BEST+ (Building Employability Skills for Tomorrow) Programme which is detailed below.

We design our Sixth Form curriculum and timetable around student choice and analysis of UCAS applications and growth areas within the local job market.

Level 3 students study subjects from four blocks.

Within the Sixth Form the following courses are currently offered as options:

Art (A-level), Applied Science (BTEC Extended Certificate), Business Studies (A-Level), Computer Science (A Level), Criminology Diploma, Design Technology (A-Level), History (A-Level), Maths (A-Level), Psychology (A-Level), Sport (BTEC Level 3 National Certificate).

*Please note – not all courses run each year, all dependent on student choice.

Students will also have the opportunity to retake GCSE Maths or English, if they have not achieved a grade 4 in Key Stage 4. Functional Skills Maths and English courses are available to students who have not achieved a grade 3 in Key Stage 4.

The Sixth Form curriculum also includes:

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) students gain a qualification worth half an A-Level for undertaking a largely self-directed and self-motivated project. Students must choose a topic of their choice, plan, research and develop their idea which includes a 5,000-word essay or artefact. This is an excellent qualification preparing students for undergraduate study and future employment.

The BEST+ Programme (Building Employability Skills for Tomorrow). BEST+ is a comprehensive and multifaceted programme with the core aim of preparing all Oldershaw Academy Sixth Form students for future success in education, employment or training. Every element of what we do from lessons to work skills event, from the PSHE programme to trips abroad as part of the Turing Programme contribute to preparing students for their next stage whatever pathway they take.

BEST+ includes the CEIAG programme which is designed to enable students to develop self-awareness, explore and manage their future career opportunities:

• Activities are designed to replicate the recruitment process.
• Through a variety of experiences, visits and business speakers they develop well informed young people
• They support personal and skills development to aid smooth transition into the wider world.
• Impartial advice and guidance offered to all students

UCAS Support Programme offers practical advice, guidance and support for students who choose to apply for University

Work Experience all students are encouraged to engage in a work placement, whether that be organised through school, an external organisation or a virtual experience.

Supervised Study periods which give students the opportunity for independent study in a quiet environment with support and guidance available from a member of the teaching staff.

Please click on the below links to explore subjects we have on offer here at The Oldershaw School:

More course information is available upon request.