Frequently Asked Questions
We know that you have a lot of questions going through your mind when considering joining Sixth Form, so here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
How can students decide what subjects to choose for sixth form?
Students will 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.
Do students have to be in school for the whole day?
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. All lessons finish by 2.50 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.
Can students study four subjects?
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.
What is the difference between A-levels and BTEC/OCRs?
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.
What is the difference between BTECs and OCRs?
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
Are BTECs/OCRs accepted by universities?
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.
What is the extended project qualification?
The extended project qualification, otherwise known as the EPQ is an individual project of approximately 5,000 words. As part of our curriculum students have a timetabled lesson for EPQ where they are supported by a specialist teacher. 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.
Why do students have supervised study on their timetables?
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 throughout year 12 so that they can be even more independent in year 13.
What is life skills?
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.
How many lessons do students have in each subject?
Students have 10 lessons a fortnight per subject. This is delivered through a combination of single and double lessons.
How much independent study are students expected to do?
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.
Can students also have a paid job?
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.
How will students find work experience?
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.
Can students choose their tutor groups?
At the end of year 11 we ask students to let us know the names of one or two friends who they would like to be in a tutor group with. We think that sixth form is a great opportunity to meet and interact with different people but we do understand that students are going through a period of change when they start sixth form and this can be a way to ease the transition.
How do students apply for sixth form?
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 January. External students will need to complete an application form through our website.
When will students be offered a place in sixth form?
Students will be offered a place after their futures interview in January. This offer will be based on their chosen course and will be subject to students making entry requirements for their courses.
What happens if a student does not gain 5 grade 4-9s at GCSE?
We offer a level 2 retake programme for students who do not gain 5 grade 4-9s. This is a one year programme and includes retake English and Maths GCSE alongside a work skills and business and enterprise qualification. This is a four day a week course and students are supported to find work experience for one day a week. 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.
What happens if a student does not gain a grade 4 in their maths GCSE?
If a student does not gain a grade 4 in maths they may need to complete our one year level 2 programme. 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.
Do students have to attend sixth form everyday?
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.
What is the dress code for sixth form?
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 length and we expect students to have their midriff covered. If we think that a student is dressed inappropriately we will have a sensitive conversation with that student about expectations.