Prospectus Sixth Form

PROSPECTUSSixthFormKing’s College Alicante

Welcome to the British school of Alicante, where we encourage all our students to develop their unique qualities and talents in a supportive community, with high expectations in all aspects of school life. This is a school where individuals matter.

The School’s principal aim is to ensure that all students have every opportunity to attain their potential intellectually, socially and personally. The cornerstone of our approach is the strength of the relationships between staff, pupils and parents throughout our community. The friendly and orderly atmosphere combines with a stimulating academic environment to develop the qualities that lead to successful examination results, satisfying personal relationships, the correct blend of individual strengths and co-operation with others and the

confidence to face the challenges of the wider world. This has been achieved by building on our traditional core values (honesty, faith and courage), while encouraging innovation in a mutually supportive community.

Our Sixth Form is designed to give students friendly support and professional guidance throughout their time here. They get to know their personal tutor in the first few days and become a member of a tutor group which meets regularly. Here they will make new friends and explore all kinds of topics such as personal career ambitions, health matters, study skills and current world issues. Progress is discussed and monitored on a constant basis and therefore their tutor comes to know them better and is well placed to give advice on study or personal problems should they arise. By following this ethos our students enjoy a Sixth Form experience marked by high aspirations which celebrates individual as well as collective achievement.

Our Sixth Form students lead the rest of the School by the example they set. They have an integral role in nurturing and supporting younger students as well as meeting and debating issues with senior staff. I am always impressed by how quickly newcomers integrate into the ethos and life of our Sixth Form and the initiative and leadership so many of our Sixth Form students quickly develop.

If you are stimulated by academic challenges, want the opportunity to develop a wide range of talents, enjoy taking a leadership role and are looking to be part of a caring community with a good sense of fun, then I invite you to consider our Sixth Form.

Derek LaidlawHeadteacher

Welcome

SixthFormKing’s College Alicante

Sixth Form ExperienceThese are exciting times for the Sixth Form at King’s College, Alicante. Our Sixth Formers are achieving higher grades than ever before, and over a wider range of subjects. Studying in the Sixth Form is very different from the experience they are used to in Years 7-11 and although they will be taking a much smaller range of subjects, the depth of study required is much more than GCSE. Students often find the first few months a challenging yet rewarding time as they adjust to the pace and demands of Advanced Level courses and it is important that students are prepared to work hard and prepare themselves fully for the first round of examinations that take place in January of Year 12.

For the first time in their academic careers Sixth Formers are given study periods, timetabled into their working week, which provide them with time to undertake the self-study required to meet the requirements of the A level courses. This encourages them to become independent, life-long learners and prepares them for further study at university or the world of work. The key to success at ‘A’ level is not just completing homework but undertaking independent study to revise old concepts, practise exam-style question or undertake research or further investigation into a topic for a particular subject. Students will be expected to use their Sixth Form Planner in the same way as the teachers – ie. have a clear and measurable objective for each of their study periods that they decide on the night before or in the morning during registration. The Independent Study Centre is supervised to make sure that everybody has a quiet space where they can develop their understanding of the topics they are learning and progress towards their target grades.

One of the privileges we extend to our Sixth Formers is access to dedicated facilities provided solely for Sixth Form use, so they

have quiet places to work and comfortable areas to socialise with their friends. A common room with comfortable relax-chairs, tea and coffee making facilities and a microwave is available for them to use in their designated common room periods as well as at break and lunchtimes. We also provide individual lockers with combination locks so they can store their personal items securely.

In addition to the common room they will have time scheduled in the library as well as the dedicated Independent Study Centre, which has computer facilities and a small library of text books – providing them with a quiet space to get on with their studies. Most of their study time will be spent in this room and as they progress in to Year 13 they will be given more independence in deciding how and where they spend their time out of lessons. We also provide our Sixth Formers with their own outside space where they are able to work, chat with their friends and enjoy the year-round sunshine.

These spaces are provided just for them, and the Sixth Form Committee is responsible, along with all Sixth Form students, in ensuring the spaces are well kept and pleasant places to be for every member of the community. At the committee meetings the facilities are discussed and a small budget is available which can be used to buy things for all the Sixth Form to enjoy.

www.bsalicante.com

Entry RequirementsIn Years 12 and 13 our students are prepared for ‘A’ level examinations which allow direct access to University in the UK, Spain and many other countries worldwide. ‘A’ levels are academically challenging courses and our entrance requirements are designed to ensure that students wishing to study with us will be able to do so successfully. Although the requirements detailed below are the normal requirements there may be special circumstances where they are not rigidly applied. The sole criterion overall is that the individual student studying a particular AS/A level subject should seem likely to benefit from the course and achieve a pass grade at the end. Obviously, when places are limited, priority has to be given to students who have met the requirements.

The minimum (I)GCSE requirements for entrance to Year 12 fall into two categories: general requirements and subject-specific requirements.

General requirements

• A minimum of 5 A*- C grades at GCSE level, which should include Mathematics and English. • Attendance by student and pupil at an enrolment interview (usually held in the last week of August). • A good academic and behavioural record.

Subject-specific requirements

• A*-B grade in the subjects you wish to take at AS/A level.

External applicants will also require

• End of Year 10 report and most recent Y11 interim report from their current school. • Reference from your current school. • In some cases you may be asked to sit an entrance examination.

Level of English

In order to access Advanced Level qualifications a good command of both written and spoken English is essential. Many ‘A’ level examinations require candidates to write extended pieces of work and poor language skills can negatively impact success at ‘A’ level. A student’s level of English will be assessed by the school at the enrolment interview. If it is felt that a student’s working knowledge of English is insufficient for them to meet their academic potential then they may be offered a pre-‘A’ level year in Year 12 where they follow a revised curriculum that focuses on improving their written and spoken English. This programme is also likely to include private one-to-one English lessons with an English specialist at an additional charge. After successful completion of the pre-A Level year, if the student’s skills in English are then considered sufficient to embark on A Level courses, the student will be invited to follow the standard two-year ‘A’ level curriculum.

A Levels, Examinations and Choices


Your studies with us will almost always culminate with official ‘A’ level examinations set by either Cambridge International (www.cie.org.uk) or Edex-cel International (www.edexcel.com) Examination Boards.

Examinations are often stressful but a necessary part of a student’s academic career. Whether at school, university, or later on as part of a professional training programme, we are all expected to take examinations. Prospective Sixth Form students have already had quite a lot of experience with examinations and the very fact that they are considering Year 12 or Year 13 implies that they expect to be successful in their GCSEs or AS levels.

The most important thing to remember with examinations is that they are much more manageable, and normally more successful, if students are sufficiently prepared. Good use of their private study periods, sufficient and good quality revision as well as regular exposure to past papers and mark schemes all make the task of taking examinations that much easier. Remember that the most significant key to success is consistent effort and performance – a laid-back approach all term supplemented with last-minute cramming will not get you high grades, or possibly any grades at all, at ‘A’ level!

Work for each A-level subject involves preparation for a number of modular exams (usually four across the two-year programme). The first two modules in each subject make up the Advanced Subsidiary award, or AS, which is graded on a six point scale (A to U). AS modules are taken in both January and June of Year 12. A further two modules, designated A2, complete the A-level award in Year 13. Some modules may be taken in January. A2 modules are graded on a seven point scale (A* to U). To achieve an A* grade in any subject, candidates must achieve at least 90% across the two A2 modules

A-level subject choices and implications for university courses

There are particular subjects which may be required or expected for entry to certain degree courses. These requirements may change as universities adjust their expectations, and only the university‘s website should be considered authoritative. At present the following guidelines should be borne in mind:

Natural Science: Mathematics plus at least two of the three sciences advised Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science: Both Chemistry and Biology strongly advised Pharmacy: Chemistry and Biology are strongly advised Engineering: Mathematics and Physics required, Further Mathematics is very useful Computing: Mathematics is requiredPsychology: Usually two sciences are advised, but entry via arts subjects is possibleEconomics: Mathematics is strongly advisedBusiness Studies, Management: Mathematics is helpful but not essential Architecture: Either Mathematics or Physics is useful, and art portfolio is essential Foreign languages: Two languages are desirable but not essentialLaw: Any A-levels at the highest grade

Students of Edexcel’s GCE in Applied ICT will learn how to use appropriate ICT tools and techniques to carry out investigations, capture and handle data, solve problems and plan and manage projects. The AS qualification develops students’ communication and decision-making skills. These are harnessed to build and maintain an e-portfolio as a showcase for their achievements.

Applied ICT

Subject-Specific Entrance Requirements AS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE ICT preferred though not essentialA2 Level: Pass in AS Level Applied ICT essential

Examination Board: EdexcelContent: A level consists of six units, all of which are compulsory

UNIT TITLE ASSESSMENT DURATION WHEN

AS UNIT 1 The Information Age Internally Assessed 60 hours January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 The Digital Economy Internally Assessed 60 hours June Year 12

AS UNIT 3 The Knowledge Worker Examination 2½ hours June Year 12

A2 UNIT 4 Using Database Software Examination 10 hours January Year 13

A2 UNIT 5 Managing ICT Projects Internally Assessed 60 hours June Year 13

A3 UNIT 6 Using Multimedia Software Internally Assessed 60 hours June Year 13


A-level Art and Design challenges students to develop personal, creative and confident independent thought through visual form and imagery. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to record primary observations and learn to analyse and make links with appropriate contextual issues and ideas. They will learn new skills and experiment with media and processes at an advanced level. Each unit of work will culminate in a resolved outcome, realising their intentions. For those wishing to study Art, Architecture or Design at university, a portfolio demonstrating a broad range of artistic skills and creative exploration is essential. Students must also realise that the development and production of artwork takes time and they must be enthusiastic and self-disciplined enough to work outside teaching periods. Trips, gallery visits, drawing sessions and art clubs form part of this intensive course. On-going assessment is necessary to ensure work is meaningful and shows development. There will also be an increased emphasis on self assessment throughout each course. Students must be able to explain the purpose and direction of their development, making informed links to references and how they have modified, reviewed and refined their development.

Art & Design

Subject-Specific Entrance RequirementsAS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE Art preferred though candidates with outstanding attitude will also be consideredA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level Art & Design

Examination Board: CIEContent: All components are compulsory


AS UNIT 1 Controlled Test Examination 15 hours June Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Coursework Examination - June Year 12

A2 UNIT 3 Coursework Examination - June Year 13

A2 UNIT 4 Personal Study Examination - June Year 13

Biology



AS UNIT 1 Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health Examination 1h15 January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Development, Plants & the Environment Examination 1h15 June Year 12

AS UNIT 3 Practical Biology and Research Skills Internally Assessed June Year 12

A2 UNIT 4 The Natural Environment and Species Survival Examination 1h30 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 5 Energy, Exercise and Coordination Examination 1h30 June Year 13

A3 UNIT 6 Practical Biology and Investigative Skills Internally Assessed June Year 13

Subject-Specific Entrance Requirements AS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE Science or BiologyA2 Level: Pass in AS Level Biology essential

Modern biology is the most dynamic and rapidly expanding of the three sciences. Its scope reaches into almost every conceivable area of human life – from the food we eat, the medical treatments we receive, the pets we keep and the complex supporting industries of biotechnology and forensics; all require knowledge and expertise associated with the domain. Having a good understanding of biology will enable a person to become a well rounded citizen capable of understanding the confusing and sometimes contradictory messages which appear almost weekly in the media as well as to appreciate the beauty, complexity and intrinsic value of life and living organisms. Biology provides many astonishing and intellectually satisfying challenges as well as opening a large number of career doors for the future.


Economics and Business

The Business Studies and Economics A level will introduce students to international business, equipping them either to work in or to manage a business in an international context. The Economics and Business qualification is built around a core unit with an enterprise theme, to enable students to think of a new business idea and how they might research and develop it. Students will think about how their learning applies to their own business idea.

Subject-Specific Entrance RequirementsAS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE Business preferred. Grade A*-B in MathematicsA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level Economics and Business

Examination Board: EdexcelContent: A level consists of four units, all of which are compulsory


AS UNIT 1 Developing New Business Ideas Examination 1h15 January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Business Economics Examination 1h15 June Year 12

A2 UNIT 3 International Business Examination 1h30 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 4 The Wider Economic Environment Examination 1h30 June Year 13

Chemistry



AS UNIT 1 The Core Principles of Chemistry Examination 1h15 January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Application of Core Principles of Chemistry Examination 1h15 June Year 12

AS UNIT 3 Chemistry Laboratory Skills 1 Internally Assessed June Year 12

A2 UNIT 4 Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry Examination 1h40 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 5 Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry Examination 1h40 June Year 13

A3 UNIT 6 Chemistry Laboratory Skills 2 Internally Assessed June Year 13

Subject-Specific Entrance Requirements AS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE Coordinated Science or (I) GCSE ChemistryA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level Chemistry

Chemistry is the central science. It includes topics on the borders with physics at one extreme and with biology at the other. The Chinese word for chemistry means ‘a study of changes’. The subject involves a study of the materials of the natural world and the way that man can change them for his convenience. An awareness of the effect these changes have on the environment is also vital and the student of chemistry will learn that the subject cannot be seen as an academic discipline in isolation from the rest of the world. Chemistry is a practical subject and an important aspect of all courses is the development by the student of manipulative skills and a confidence in his own ability to organise and to perform a practical task safely. Such skills are invaluable anyway, whether they are needed for putting up a shelf or for cooking a meal (which is itself a series of chemical changes). Experiments and demonstrations continue to provide interest and enjoyment through the course, but there is more emphasis on explanations of why patterns are seen or why particular changes take place.


English LiteratureEnglish Literature at ‘A’ level represent a significant step up from GCSE both in terms of the number and range of texts to be studied, and the degree of sophistication demanded in terms of student response. The courses involve the practice of and reflection upon a variety of approaches to reading literature; they require a close study of a range of texts – novels, poetry, drama and possibly other genres such as travel writing – from a range of historical periods with considerable freedom of choice. Themes and ideas will be explored and language and form analysed. Students will also examine the social, political and historical contexts underlying these texts, together with an evaluation of their critical reception, and, in doing so, develop and refine their personal response to what they read. As well as formal analysis, there is scope within both programmes for re-creative pieces of writing where the original literary text is imaginatively re-worked and re-shaped by the student to explore, for instance, different perspectives within the text. The course seeks to develop an open-minded, engaged and sensitive response to the worlds of experience and imagination, as well as inculcating an intellectual rigour which is extremely highly valued by the most competitive universities. Much of the work in the Sixth Form follows the pattern of reading which students are expected to prepare independently in their own time; this reading will form the basis for lively discussion and debate in class, often leading to the writing of an essay in which students are required to draw together their ideas.

Subject-Specific Entrance RequirementsAS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE First Language English and English LiteratureA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level English

Examination Board: EdexcelContent: All components are compulsory


AS UNIT 1 Explorations in Poetry and Prose Examination 2h15 January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Explorations in Drama Internally Assessed June Year 12

A2 UNIT 3 Interpretations of Poetry and Prose Examination 2h45 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 4 Reflections in Literary Studies Internally Assessed June Year 13

French



AS UNIT 1 Spoken Expression & Response in French Oral 10 minutes January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Understanding and Written Response in French Examination 2h30 June Year 12

AS UNIT 3 Understanding & Spoken Response in French Oral 13 minutes June Year 12

A2 UNIT 4 Research, Understanding & Written Response in French Examination 2h300 January Year 13

Subject-Specific Entrance Requirements AS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE FrenchA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level French

The study of French in the 6th form aims to give you the ability to use the language well in real contexts. You will find yourself building on your GCSE skills, but also moving into topic areas that are stimulating and challenging, where you are no longer just talking about yourself, but about France and the French-speaking world.The jump from GCSE to A-level is a considerable one, and an integral part of the course is a rigorous revision and extension of your knowledge of French grammar. This will be done quite formally, through the use of grammar books and websites, but you will find that it can still be fun. Above all, the grammar is not acquired as an end in itself, but to allow you to express yourself clearly and accurately in discussing the topics on (and sometimes off) the syllabus. In the Upper 6th year an appreciation of tone, nuance, style and register becomes increasingly important, as you engage with a wide range of different text types.


GeographyGeography is an integrated study of the complex relationships between human societies and the physical components and processes of the Earth. It attempts to identify interrelationships and significant regional patterns, recognising the differences and links between cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world. Geographers develop their knowledge through fieldwork and other forms of hands-on learning. This helps to promote curiosity about the social and physical environments, develops observation skills and an understanding of scale Geography is a practical subject. There are field trips and a compulsory residential field course, normally to the UK. Geography is also analytical. You will look beyond the factual surface to the underlying principles that help explain why processes occur. The subject is varied and visual. As such we make wide use of IT and internet resources to back up the more traditional discussion, reading, lectures and essays. Geography is a science of synthesis. It draws the Arts and Sciences together and as such offers an excellent background to many careers. Most universities accept geography as one of the sciences for those intending to read medicine. It is widely recognised that geographers have specific numeracy and literary skills which enable them to investigate and collate information and then present it in a coherent manner.

Subject-Specific Entrance RequirementsAS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE Geography preferred but not essentialA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level Geography



AS UNIT 1 Global Challenges Examination 1h30 June Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Geographical Investigations Examination 1h15 January Year 12

A2 UNIT 3 Contested Planet Examination 1h30 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 4 Geographical Research Examination 1h30 June Year 13

History


Subject-Specific Entrance Requirements AS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE History. Grade A*-C First Language EnglishA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level History

History is the study of the past and involves trying to reconstruct and explain the chronology of human action. The focus can vary from individuals – rulers, thinkers, activists, inventors, etc. – to governments, societies, economies or cultures. In fact, History can be said to embrace virtually all aspects of humanity for which there is an evidence trail, however fragmentary. The subject can be appreciated on a number of levels from those who seek ways of understanding the present to those who see the study of an historical period as an end in itself providing a stimulating contrast with contemporary life. History is cast in a literary medium and good historians have to be masters of language. As a sixth-form subject History complements the entire range of Arts subjects and is occasionally combined successfully with Maths or a science. It provides a useful academic background for those who intend to study Law, Politics, Philosophy or Economics at university. It also creates a contextual understanding for English and American Literature, Theology and Modern Languages.


AS UNIT 1 Historical Themes in Breadth Examination 1h20 January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 British History Depth Study Examination 1h20 June Year 12

A2 UNIT 3 Depth Studies and Historical Controversies Examination 2h00 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 4 Historical Enquiry Coursework 4000 words June Year 13


MathematicsThe word mathematics is of Greek origin and means something that has been learned or understood. Bertrand Russell once said that Mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about nor whether what we are saying is true. This comment may be a bit harsh but does illustrate that in the Sixth Form and beyond, mathematics begins to become much more generalised and abstract. These processes make it a very different subject to the one you have studied at GCSE. As well as being interesting in its own right, continuing with Mathematics beyond GCSE provides an excellent basis for those who are studying Chemistry and Physics, or intend to study subjects such as Accountancy, Economics or Engineering at university. Mathematical understanding also helps in medicine, business and many other areas.

Subject-Specific Entrance RequirementsAS Level: Grade A*-B in GCSE MathematicsA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level Mathematics

Examination Board: EdexcelContent: A level consists of six units. Units 3 and 6 are optional and student may opt to study the unit that interests them most. A different unit must be studied in Units 3 and 6.


AS UNIT 1 Core Mathematics 1 Examination 1h30 January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Core Mathematics 2 Examination 1h30 June Year 12

AS UNIT 3Statistics 1 or Decision Mathematics 1Or Mechanics 1

Examination 1h30 June Year 12

A2 UNIT 4 Core Mathematics 3 Examination 1h30 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 5 Core Mathematics 4 Examination 1h30 June Year 13

A3 UNIT 6Statistics 1/2 or Decision Mathematics 1/2Or Mechanics 1/2


Further Mathematics


Subject-Specific Entrance Requirements AS Level: Grade A* in (I)GCSE Mathematics or Grade A in AS Level MathematicsA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level Further Mathematics

If you are thinking of reading Mathematics at university then we recommend that you take A-level Further Mathematics.. Likewise, if you are thinking of studying Engineering or Computer Science at a top university, then we recommend that you study Further Mathematics also. There is a vast range of university courses open to those studying Mathematics. Those who go on to study Mathematics at university will find they have an extremely wide range of career choices open to them. Some may continue in the world of mathematics, or in careers involving a high level of mathematics, such as actuarial work, but many will find their communication, presentation and interpretation skills in demand in non-scientific areas such as finance, management, marketing and law.


AS UNIT 1 Further Pure Mathematics 1 Examination 1h30 January Year 12

AS UNIT 2Statistics 1 / 2 or Decision Mathematics 1 /2Or Mechanics 1 /2


AS UNIT 3Statistics 1 / 2 or Decision Mathematics 1 /2Or Mechanics 1 /2


A2 UNIT 4 Further Pure Mathematics 2 Examination 1h30 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 5 Statistics 1 / 2 or Decision Mathematics 1 /2 Examination 1h30 June Year 13

A3 UNIT 6Statistics 1 / 2 or Decision Mathematics 1 /2Or Mechanics 1 /2



Physics is the study of matter and its motion, as well as space and time — the science that deals with concepts such as force, energy, mass, and charge. As an experimental science, its goal is to understand the natural world. In fact, the word Physics comes from the Greek Physis, a theological, philosophical, and scientific term usually translated into English as “nature”. One of the key ideas in Physics is that behind the complexity of the world around us is an underlying simplicity and unity. This is often expressed through all-embracing fundamental concepts, such as the principle of conservation of energy. Such concepts, when put to work using mathematics, provide explanations for how things happen in nature. In one form or another, Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines; through its modern subfield of astronomy, it may be the oldest of all.

Subject-Specific Entrance RequirementsAS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE Coordinated Science or (I) GCSE PhysicsA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level Physics



AS UNIT 1 Physics on the go Examination 1h20 January Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Physics at work Examination 1h20 June Year 12

AS UNIT 3 Exploring Physics Internally Assessed June Year 12

A2 UNIT 4 Physics on the move Examination 1h35 January Year 13

A2 UNIT 5 Physics from creation to collapse Examination 1h35 June Year 13

A3 UNIT 6 Experimental Physics Internally Assessed June Year 13

Physics

Spanish


Subject-Specific Entrance Requirements AS Level: Grade A*-B in (I)GCSE SpanishA2 Level: Grade A-E in AS Level Spanish

Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world, with over 400 million speakers. In addition to Spain, there are many other countries where it is spoken: Andorra, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Gibraltar, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela, plus a large proportion of the population of the United Sates. There are some variations of vocabulary and accent between and within countries, but the Spanish you learn (Castilian, based on the province of Castille) is basically the language to learn for all of the countries above. Spanish beyond GCSE becomes considerably more challenging. Above all, you stop talking about yourself and develop the skills needed to discuss a wide range of topical issues. We help you to prepare for this in a variety of ways.


AS UNIT 1 Spoken Expression & Response in Spanish Oral Examination 10 minutes December Year 12

AS UNIT 2 Understanding and Written Response in Spanish Examination 2h30 June Year 12

AS UNIT 3 Understanding & Spoken Response in Spanish Oral Examination 13 minutes June Year 13

A2 UNIT 4 Research, Understanding & Written Response in Spanish Examination 2h30 June Year 13

Enrichment and Complementary StudiesNon-academic activities to allow Sixth Formers to relax, develop their confidence, and broaden their experience and understanding of what it is like to be an active member of the local community.

All students in Years 12 and 13 are expected to participate in our Enrichment Studies programme which runs for 10 periods in Year 13 and 6 periods in Year 12. Students will be able to choose from a range of activities including sports, community work, practical activities and workshops on such diverse topics as psychology or critical thinking. They will all also be expected to undertake some work experience during their time in our Sixth Form. Each month we host presentations by universities and invite a series of speakers to talk about careers, topical issues or run hands-on workshops. Enrichment activities are one thing that admissions tutors at university all agree help them differentiate between otherwise equally qualified applicants. It’s a great opportunity to improve a student’s application and also to discover what real life is like!


Planning AheadHelp, advice and support on the choices available to you after you have completed your ‘A’ levels.

As part of their Sixth Form studies students will take part in careers workshops to provide them with guidance on the choices available to them both in Spain and the UK. Our Careers Advisors are available to meet with students and parents to discuss the routes available for them to follow when they leave school.

Almost all our students apply to, and are accepted by universities in Spain, the UK and beyond. The application process will be explained to them and they will be guided through the UCAS system for entry to British universities. Students will be encoraged to investigate the opportunities available to them and we will give any support we are able in the pursuit of their university place.

In Year 12 students will start to think about the courses they may wish to study at University. They will be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent research into the courses and will use the CENTIGRADE system to help them with your decisions. They will also meet with one of the Sixth Form Guidance Team to discuss available options. In Year 13 students will be fully occupied with visiting universities, taking entrance examinations as well as the official application process. They will also need to complete forms to request financial assistance and accommodation. Key dates and activities are detailed in the Sixth Form Planner.


Spanish University EntranceUnder Spanish Law ‘A’ level examinations entitle students to direct access to Spanish universities…but they can still use the results of a maximum of two ‘parte especifica’ exams to increase their final score.

The system for access to Spanish university has changed recently, and is constantly under review. At the time of writing this prospectus ‘A’ level examinations on their own are sufficient for our pupils to be able to access Spanish University. In order to differentiate between applicants for particularly popular courses, whether they have direct access through a foreign system or study and pass the Spanish Bachiller, students are able to take optional exams and use the results of two of these to increase their final score. We offer a range of subjects, taught in Spanish, to help prepare our Sixth Formers for these exams. If they are planning to apply to University in Spain, or even think there is a small chance they may want to, preparing for two of these subjects is compulsory in Years 12 and 13. These lessons will be taught as part of their enrichment time. The diagram shows how the Spanish system converts A level examination results and provides a worked example of the grades you could achieve when your studies with us are convalidated.

If you are taking AS or A Level exams the minimum requirements to access universities in Spain are shown below. The UCAS points for the AS and/or A2 grades are added up. You cannot count both the AS and A2 results for the same subjects.

TOTAL UCAS POINTS

SPANISH EQUIVALENT

140 5,0

160 5,2

180 5,4

200 5,6

220 5,8

240 6,0

260 6,2

280 6,4

300 6,6

320 6,8

340 7,0

360 7,2

380 7,4

400 7,6

420 7,8

440 8,0

460 8,2

480 8,4

500 8,6

520 8,8

540 9,0

560 9,2

580 9,4

600 9,6

620 9,8

GCSE ‘A’ LEVEL UCAS POINTS

5 GCSE 2 ‘A2’ LEVELS MINIMUM OF

GRADES A* - C GRADES A* - E 140 UCAS PTS

WORKED EXAMPLE

A2 French A 120

A2 Spanish A* 140

A2 Maths B 100

A2 History C 80

AS Geography A 60

AS Further Maths C 40

TOTAL UCAS POINTS 540

Spanish Equivalent 9,0

Spanish Geografía Exam 6/10 (*0.2) 1,2

Spanish Química Exam 5/10 (*0.1) 0,5

CREDENCIAL FINAL 10,7

UCAS POINTS (AS Level qualifications are worth half the points): A*=140, A=120, B=100, C=80, D=60, E=40

Student LeadershipWe encourage our Sixth Form Students to play an active role in our community by making positions of responsibility available to Year 12 and Year 13 students, so they can help shape the future of our school in conjunction with teaching staff and the Leadership Group.

Towards the end of the academic year we hold elections for the two most senior student positions, those of Head Boy and Head Girl. Any Y12 student is able to nominate him/herself for election to these positions. Every sixth former and every teacher is then able to vote on who they believe will do the best job of representing the entire student body as Head Boy or Head Girl. Other positions are also available with specific responsibilities for different areas of the school.

As well as the Sixth Form Leadership team pupils have the opportunity to participate in the Student Council, Charities Committee, be a Head of House and to help our younger students by becoming a ‘buddy’ to a KS3 or KS4 pupil. The buddy programme allows our Sixth Formers the opportunity to meet with their mentee once a week and help them with areas of school life with which they may be struggling.

There are also many termly activities in which we encourage our Sixth Form students to participate.


Q&AWhat if two of my subject choices are in the same column?We aim to enable as many students as possible to take their first choice subject. Students are asked to make provisional choices before option blocks are drawn up, in the second term of Year 11. This allows option blocks to be created in response to student choices. Obviously it is impossible for every student to be guaranteed their first choice but on the whole most students are happy with their final AS options at the beginning of Year 12.

How can I choose my subjects when I don’t know what I want to do in the future?Many students claim that they know what career they want to pursue only to change their minds the following year. Although it is useful to have a clear idea it is much better to pursue subjects that you enjoy and that you can do well at. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses and making decisions which are informed and realistic is part of being a Sixth Form student. If you are not good in Maths and Science then choosing to pursue a career in medicine would be foolish, however attractive the prestige of being a doctor seems. In short, know your strengths and play to them!

Can I do an extra AS course in Year 13?It may be possible to pick up an AS subject in Year 13 depending on the timetable. However, you must think carefully about your suitability to pick up the new subject, and you must also consider that Year 13 is a pressurised final year where you not only have to complete your A2 courses but also make informed decisions about your future plans. Consequently you will need to ask yourself whether you have the time top pick up another subject and whether your A2 grades will suffer as a result.

Can I take an A-level in a subject I have not studied at GCSE?Some students have successfully studied A level courses that they have not studied previously, although the decisions to do so is one which must be considered carefully in consultation with the appropriate members of staff. The final outcome, however, is decided at your enrolment interview.

Can I change courses during the academic year?Making informed and carefully considered choices before you choose you’re a level courses is crucial and that is why you will be asked to attend an interview with your parents before the term begins. Any change beyond this stage is not recommended.

How much harder are A levels, compared with GCSEs?The ‘A’ in A Level stands for advanced so all subjects at this level are challenging. Many students undergo a period of transition in the first couple of months of Year 12. All staff, however, are aware of this and can help you develop your expertise within that subject. Obviously the higher your GCSE result the easier you will find an advanced level course. Having to cope with disappointments is something that we have to face sometime in our lives. Crucially all students are encouraged to have a ‘plan B’. If this fails, careers staff will be able to advise you regarding possible options.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact us and we will be happy to answer them for you.

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Glorieta del Reino Unido 5Alicante 03008

Tlf: +34 965 106 351 Fax: +34 965 106 351Email: [email protected]

www.bsalicante.com

Documents

Prospectus Sixth Form