Frequently Asked Questions

There will be a 6th Form Open Evening in October of Year 11. This will be an early opportunity for students to discuss courses with the teachers and students who are currently studying the courses in 6th form. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in a taster day in March. They can also speak to their subject teachers at any time about the courses. Students can also e-mail the subject teachers to ask any individual questions they may have.

Twice a week students are expected to be in schools for 8.30. Students will need to ensure they are on site for all of their timetabled lessons and study periods. All lessons finish by 3.00 everyday. When students are not in lessons, they have access to our 6th form hub where there is a common room and a study room.

We encourage students to take three subjects. Since A-level reforms in 2017 subjects are more demanding than ever before. Universities will only look at the top three grades and so we encourage students to focus on three subjects. However, we do meet with all students prior to starting and some students will be allowed to study four subjects if they have high GCSE grades. Additionally we always have a number of students who are undecided about which subjects they would like to take and so begin on four subjects for a few weeks whilst they are making their final decision.

A-levels are two year linear qualifications with exams at the end of two years. There are often two or three exams over a short period of time. Whilst some A-levels have coursework this is often only 20-30% of the qualification. BTECs/OCRs course have a higher percentage of coursework (up to 60%) and have exams spread throughout the two years (with January and June exam opportunities in both years). Students also have the chance to resit their exams.

There is very little difference between the two qualifications, other than the exam board. Both are vocational qualifications with up to 60% exams, retake opportunities and exam options in January and June of each year

BTECs/OCRs are equivalent to A-levels and are accepted by the vast majority of universities. Even a number of Russel Group universities accept these qualifications. The only exceptions are the very top tier universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. We always discuss this with students during their futures interview in year 11 and will offer individual advice at this stage.

The extended project qualification, otherwise known as the EPQ is an individual project of approximately 5,000 words or an artefact. As part of our curriculum students have a timetabled lesson for EPQ where they are supported by an EPQ supervisor. Students can choose any topic and it is often a good way for them to continue with a subject that they have not chosen at 6th form or find out more about a specialism within one of their subjects. The EPQ is the equivalent of an AS level and is worth UCAS points. It often results in a reduced offer for university.

Supervised study takes place in a dedicated study room where there is access to computers. It is a silent study area and is run by our sixth form study supervisor. We believe it is the best working environment for students. To be successful at A-level students should be completing a minimum of 15 hours independent study a week. Supervised study allows students to develop good study habits.

Students have life skills lessons once a fortnight as part of their sixth form curriculum. During this sessions students receive a lot of support applying for and preparing for their future pathways, whether that is a job, an apprenticeship or applying to university. We also run sessions on other topics that we think is important to students, including mental health resources, first aid, financial capabilities, cooking and political awareness. We continually develop this programme and add to it every year.

Students have 10 lessons a fortnight per subject. This is delivered through a combination of single and double lessons.

Students are expected to complete a minimum of 5 hours per week per subject. This means that students should be completing 15 hours of independent study per week.

We know that many students like to earn their own money and that paid jobs give students the opportunity to develop skills and independence. However, we strongly believe that students should be working no more than 10 hours per week. Any more than 10 hours has a negative impact on students studies which should be their main focus.

Students are expected to organise their own work experience but we do support students with this. We have a number of employers who have offered work experience in the past and are happy for us to provide their details to other students. Tutors, our careers advisor and our sixth form study supervisor are all able to offer help and support to students.

Students are placed in tutor groups based on their chosen subjects. We have 6th form specialist tutors from a range of subjects who can support students in form time with study skills and revision techniques related to their subjects.

Felpham Community College is a 7 year education and as such our students do not need to apply for a place at sixth form. In November all students will complete a futures form when they will tell us whether Felpham is their first choice and which courses they would like to study. All students will then have a futures interview in February when they can discuss their options in more detail. External students will need to complete an application form through our website.

Students will be offered a place after their futures interview in March. This offer will be based on their chosen course and will be subject to students making entry requirements for their courses.

We offer a level 2 Access Course for students who do not gain 5 grade 4-9s. This is a one year programme and includes retake English and Maths GCSE alongside vocational Media and Public Services. If students successfully complete this course and have 5 grade 4-9s at the end, they can then choose to stay for a further two years to complete level 3 courses.

If a student does not gain a grade 4 in maths they may need to complete our one year level 2 Access Course. In some circumstances it may be possible for students to retake their maths GCSE alongside their A-levels and/or BTECs but this is something we would discuss with students individually.

All of our level 3 course (A-levels and BTECs) run over 5 days so students are expected to be in everyday. We believe this is the best approach for students as it allows them to intersperse lessons with independent study. It also means that they always have support from subject staff and the sixth form team.

Whilst we do not have a strict dress code for students we do expect them to wear clothes that are suitable for the setting. We do not allow shorts or skirts shorter than mid thigh. If we think that a student is dressed inappropriately we will have a sensitive conversation with that student about expectations.