Key Stage 5 (Year 12 & 13)

At Bishop Walsh Catholic School Sixth Form, all students follow a study programme which combines academic qualifications and other activities.  This is tailored to their prior attainment at KS4, individual choices, needs and career aspirations for post-18.  We have two academic pathways:

·       Three A level (or equivalent) subjects + EPQ, Core RE and enrichment;

·       Three A level (or equivalent) subjects + Core Maths, Core RE and enrichment

Students will be expected to meet the minimum entry requirements for each Level 3 subject and there is also an expectation that all applicants will meet the standard pass grade in English or mathematics. 

The Timetable

We offer a 50-period, two-week timetable – 25 periods in Week A and 25 periods in Week B.  There are five lesson per day and each lesson lasts for one hour. 

Students studying for Level 3 qualifications are entitled to 10 hours per subject per fortnight.  Our core Level 3 curriculum offer consists of:

 

Core Maths & Extended Project Qualification

Year 12 students will also be expected to select one option from Core Maths or the Extended Project Qualification.

Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification designed to prepare students for the mathematical demands of study, work and life. There is a focus on applying mathematics to real life contexts. The content is aimed at building students’ confidence with mathematical ideas and applications in their professional and academic life.

At the end of the one-year course, students will come out with a Level 3 qualification with equivalent UCAS points to an AS level.

An EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is a sixth-form qualification that involves students choosing a topic, carrying out research, creating a report and delivering a presentation.  There are several benefits to an EPQ:

  • EPQs help develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, presentation and creativity

  • EPQs help prepare students for managing independent research and project management, which are common features of university study and the world of work

  • Students choose the subject, so it helps you to become an expert into topics you feel passionately about

  • An EPQ can give you something unique to talk about in interviews - if it’s related to the university course or job you’re applying for, even better

  • It could widen your options for funding – some university’s scholarships require students to hold a research project qualification

At the end of the one-year course, students will come out with a Level 3 qualification with equivalent UCAS points to an AS level.

Core Religious Education

In addition, students in Year 12 & 13 study Core RE.  Ten per cent of curriculum time is allocated to Core RE and is a central part of our identity as a sixth form.  The study of Core RE will enable students to:

·       Develop a good understanding of Catholic Social Teaching;

·       Develop an awareness of how religious teachings influence socio-political attitudes and action;

·       Fully engage and contribute to society as informed, compassionate citizens with values rooted in the teaching of Jesus Christ

Core RE is non-examined but does encourage students to continue on their faith journey by exploring a range of topics from a religious and non-religious perspective. 

Enrichment

Our sixth form programme also includes a substantial amount of compulsory non-qualification activity, including a continuation of our detailed SAINT curriculum that is age-appropriate, study support, study skills, careers and work experience.

Our enrichment programme has plenty of variety for different interests.  Some of the courses on offer include:

·       Lights, Camera, Action;

·       Art;

·       Catholic Life and Fundraising;

·       Debating Society;

·       Bloom;

·       MOOCs;

·       Sports;

·       Money Matters;

·       British Sign Language;

·       In-class support;

·       Primary School volunteering

All of the above compliments our core academic offering, helping to prepare our students for the future as well as developing their character, skills, attitude and confidence – soft skills that will enable them to progress in their life and career post-18. 

All students in Year 12 have a week of work experience during Enrichment Week. Pupils are encouraged to be focused on their future aspirations and we provide them with an up-to-date view of the labour market, both locally and on a broader scale. We help to facilitate this through expert advice and guidance provided throughout Year 12, including by external speakers and Alumni.