Sixth Form Curriculum

Whatever future job or course you are aiming for, there are different post-16 qualifications you can take to get you there. At Ernest Bevin Academy Sixth Form we offer five different pathways to suit your needs and support your progression to your next steps.

  • Scholarship Pathway – suitable for those who aspire to go to Oxbridge, study a Medical related field or are aiming for a top Russel Group university. Our scholarship programme provides personal, 1:1 support with the rigour required to make a successful application. This includes a tailored super curriculum programme, pre-admissions test preparation, personal statement and interview support. Available for students only with a minimum GCSE average point score of 6. By invitation only.
  • Academic Pathway – includes the suite of all our A Level subject offers
  • Vocational Pathway – includes the suite of all our BTEC subject offers.
  • Hybrid Pathway – enables you to choose a combination of the academic and vocational courses above
  • For Internal students ONLY. GCSE English and Maths  retake.

EBA Sixth Form Entry Requirements

Academic Pathway

5 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at Grade 9-4.

Vocational and Hybrid Pathway

4 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at Grade 9-4

 

Subject Grade Entry Requirements

 

Qualification Level EntryRequirements
A Level Art and Design LV3 GCSE English 4+ GCSE Art 5+
A Level Biology LV3 GCSE 6+ Biology /Combined Science 6-5, Maths 5, GCSE English 5+
A Level Chemistry LV3 GCSE Chemistry 6 or Combined Science 6-5, Maths 6, GCSE English 5+
A Level Computer Science LV3 GCSE Maths 7+  OR GCSE Computer Science 6+, English 6
A Level Drama LV3 GCSE Drama 4+ OR  GCSE English 5+
A Level Economics LV3 GCSE English 6+ (OR 6+ in a Humanities) Maths 6 (Economics 6 if taken)
A Level English Literature B LV3 GCSE English Literature  6+ GCSE English Language 6
A Level Further Mathematics LV3 GCSE Maths 8+ and expectation of an additional maths course at a high grade (Statistics/Add maths)
A Level Geography LV3 GCSE English 5+, GCSE Maths 5+,  GCSE Geography 5+ OR  A GCSE in a Humanities 5+
A Level History LV3 GCSE English 5+  GCSE History 5+ OR A GCSE in a Humanities 5+
A Level Mathematics LV3 GCSE Maths 7+
A Level Media Studies LV3 GCSE English 5+
A Level Physical Education LV3 GCSE English 5+ GCSE Science 5+  GCSE PE 5+
A Level Physics LV3 GCSE Physics 6+/Combined Science 6-5,  GCSE Maths 6+, GCSE English 5+
A Level Product Design (Design Technology) LV3 GCSE English 5+ GCSE Maths 6+, GCSE DT 5+
A Level Psychology LV3 GCSE English 5+  GCSE Maths 5+
A Level Sociology LV3 GCSE English 5+   Or  5+ in a Humanities
BTEC Applied Science Diploma LV3 GCSE Combined Science 5:5  Or 2 GCSE Single Science 5+, Maths 4
BTEC Applied Science Extended Certificate LV3 GCSE Combined Science 5:5  Or 2 GCSE Single Science 5+, Maths 4
BTEC Business Diploma LV3 GCSE English  4+ or Maths at 4+  Or L2 Pass Business
BTEC Business Extended Certificate LV3 GCSE English 4+ or Maths at 4+  Or L2 Pass Business
BTEC Engineering Extended Diploma LV3 GCSE Maths 5+  GCSE English 4+
BTEC Information Technology Extended Certificate LV3 GCSE English 4+ or L2 Pass DIT
BTEC Sport Extended Certificate LV3 GCSE English 4+  Sport level 2 Pass
RESIT GCSE English Language LV2 Retake GCSE English Language
RESIT GCSE Mathematics LV2 Retake GCSE Mathematics

Learning Support

At Ernest Bevin Academy Sixth Form, we pride ourselves on the academic development of our students. Excellence! Aim High! Seize the Day, All Day! are our mantra. With committed dedicated specialist Sixth Form teachers with the highest level of subject knowledge and experience.

We also offer learning support through our dedicated teaching and learning hub, where our students are supported by our Sixth Form academic mentor.

Independent Study

In the Sixth Form, homework is referred to as independent study, as students will increasingly be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning in preparation for higher education and workplace training.

Independent Study is required to:

  • Reinforce and consolidate work covered in lessons;
  • Encourage independent and reflective learning;
  • Develop a deeper knowledge and understanding;
  • Prepare students for future lessons or assessments;
  • Promote an interest and joy in learning;
  • Enable teachers to make a judgement about students’ progress and level of attainment.

All students at Ernest Bevin Sixth Form, are expected to study outside of their lessons. This additional study is essential if students are to achieve or exceed their target. We recommend that for all level 3 subjects (AS, A2, BTEC, Applied qualifications), students should engage in independent study for a minimum of five hours per week for each subject.

Independent study will be set as specific tasks by subject teachers. This might include:

  • Coursework research and writing;
  • Essays;
  • Practice exercises;
  • Practical tasks;
  • Practice exam questions;
  • Flipped learning and note taking to be undertaken before the next lesson;
  • On-going work on BTEC assignments.

During examinations or controlled assessment periods, this may include:

  • Revision;
  • Completion of past exam questions.

Some work may not be set by teachers, but students are required on a weekly basis to:

  • Review work completed in class each day;
  • Write up/extend notes as necessary;
  • Read/extend their learning;
  • Undertake super curricula activities

Students will need to develop the organisational and independent study skills to enable them to cope with the level and quantity of learning required for success in the Sixth Form and manage their time effectively. The tutorial programme will provide study skills support to help students manage the transition from Year 11 to Year and from Year 12 to Year 13.

Through our programme of academic monitoring and support, we will identify students who are finding independent study a challenge or who need to manage their workload well. The Sixth Form Team will work closely with curriculum areas and, where necessary, parents to offer guidance and support through our pastoral system as appropriate.

Art & Design, Drama & Technology

Art & Design, Drama & Technology

Art and design provides those that question the world around them with a platform in which to express their ideas and opinions.
Students will learn to develop their ideas through investigation with an analytical and critical process, refining their work through experimentation of media and techniques.
Art will give you the skills to solve problems via creative means, constantly questioning and pushing the boundaries of both traditional and contemporary processes.

Courses offered:

A-Level Art & Design (AQA)

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Design Technology recognises design needs and develop an understanding of how current global issues, including integrating technology, impacts on today’s world. Students learn core technical and designing and making principles, in the context of either fashion and textiles or product design developing additional specialist knowledge in relation to students’ chosen area.

Courses offered:

A-Level Product Deign (Edexcel)

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Drama has never been more important as a tool for self-exploration and expression.
Students will learn to develop their skills through a combination of theory and practical work whilst exploring, analysing and performing both professional work and their own creations.
The main focus of this course is practical exploration with the addition of written work for exam.

Courses offered:

A-Level Drama (AQA)

Business Education

Business Education

Economics is divided into two parts: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics explores the concept of an ideal free market economy, based on perfect competition, and compares it with the complexity and inefficiency of real modern market phenomena. Macroeconomics looks at economics from a national point of view and explores themes such as inequality, unemployment and immigration, economic growth and trade/budget deficits. Economics A level also explores themes in behavioural economics.

Courses offered:

A-Level Economics (AQA)

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The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure
that it supports progression to higher education. In addition, employers and professional
bodies have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is also
appropriate for and consistent with current practice for students planning to enter
employment directly in the business sector.

Courses offered:

BTEC Level 3 Busines (Pearson)

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English & Humanities

English & Humanities

Study of texts within the chosen literary and cultural genres in the examined topic areas is enhanced by the study of critical theory in the non-exam assessment. Students can gain a solid understanding of how texts can be connected and how they can be interpreted in multiple ways so that students can arrive at their own interpretations and become confident autonomous readers

Courses offered:

A-Level English Literature (AQA)

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Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth’s surface and the human societies spread across it. They also examine how human culture interacts with the natural environment, and the way that locations and places can have an impact on people.

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Courses offered:

A-Level Geography (Edexcel)

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History helps students to understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time. It will help you to gain a deeper understanding of the past through political, social, economic and cultural perspectives.

Courses offered:

A-Level History (Edexcel)

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Media Studies could be considered one of the most relevant subjects for anyone to study in the modern context. It covers all areas of the media, which have increasing influence over every aspect of contemporary life. The ability to decode messages in advertising, news or film, an understanding of how social media can be beneficial to an industry, or the artistic ability to create an interesting and imaginative music video are all amongst the many skills fostered through the study of this subject.

Courses offered:

A-Level Media Studies (OCR)

 

Engineering

Engineering

Engineering is the designing, testing and building of machines, structures and processes using maths and science. It is all about problem solving. Our built environment and infrastructure, the devices we use to communicate, the processes that manufacture our medicines, have all been designed, assembled or managed by an engineer.

Courses offered:

BTEC  Level 3 Engineering Extended Diploma (Edexcel)

ICT

ICT

Computers have transformed our lives over the last 30 years. It started with the introduction of PCs into most homes and more recently the internet and social media have revolutionised communication and the way information has spread across the world. This subject covers both theoretical concepts of Computers Science such as how information is stored and processed as well as practical aspects for the design and creation of computer software.

Courses offered:

A-Level Computer Science (AQA)

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Computers have transformed our lives over the last 30 years. It started with the introduction of PCs into most homes and more recently the internet and social media have revolutionised communication and the way information is spread across the world. This subject covers both theoretical concepts of Computers Science such as how information is stored and processed as well as practical aspects for the design and creation of spreadsheets, databases and computer software.

Courses offered:

BTEC Level 3 Information Technology (Edexcel)

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This newly developed qualification has been designed to be a new, exciting and forward-thinking qualification that will prepare students for the modern digital world where they will live and work. In this vocational course, pupils have the opportunity to use a range of software (including spreadsheets, presentation and word processing) to solve real-life problems using digital skills sought after in industry.

Courses offered:

Tec Awards Digital Information Technology (Edexcel)

Physical Education

Physical Education

PE is a relevant and interesting subject for anyone with an interest in sport. It is an exciting course which broadens your understanding of sport on a number of different levels. You will develop your knowledge of the human body and how it reacts to the demands of sport. You will develop and extend your knowledge about the performer in action. You will develop an understanding of skill acquisition and the psychology of sport. It follows on from the level two, GCSE course.

Courses offered:

A-Level Physical Education (OCR)

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Level 3 BTEC Sport is an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the sport sector. The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics, employers and professional bodies to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners who may choose to enter employment directly in the sport.

Courses offered:

BTEC  Level 3 Sports (Edexcel)

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Cambridge Technicals in Sport and Physical Activity provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required in this sector. Using a practical approach and a choice of pathways they help students develop specific skills that enable them to participate as an assistant in a variety of roles. You learn by completing work related projects and assignments as well as external assessment which provides independent evidence of learning. The course is also designed to give you a comprehensive experience of the skills required to work within the sports industry. It is a good choice for any student who did not achieve a Pass/Merit in Year 11 and would like to improve their grade.

Courses offered:

Tec Awards Sports (OCR)

Science & Mathematics

Science & Mathematics

The Maths A Level is a highly demanding course and for those who have a conscientious attitude and the desire to work independently, it is extremely rewarding. All students will take an entrance exam in the first week to confirm their suitability for the course. It is vital that student have a hardworking attitude to succeed on this course as the content is much more demanding than at GCSE and the pace is relatively quick.

Courses offered:

A-Level Mathematics (Edexcel)

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Further Maths is a course that not only requires a great deal of application but also a real desire to study some challenging mathematics. It is held in very high regard by all universities and can prove to be a great differentiator when applying to the most prestigious ones.

Courses offered:

A-Level Further Mathematics (Edexcel)

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Biology is the study of how things work on a cellular level. Biology underpins large parts of our life; from how and why organisms function to effective management of the environment for humanity.
Within the breadth of Biology A-level students will learn about life processes, genetics and microbiology, whilst developing a range of transferable skills in practical techniques, conceptual problem solving and application in wider environmental fields.

Courses offered:

A-Level Biology (OCR)

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Chemistry is the study of how things work on a molecular level. Chemistry underpins large parts of our life; from how and why certain chemicals should and should not mix to designing medicines to cure diseases and improve our quality of life.
Within the breadth of Chemistry A-level students will learn about organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, whilst developing a range of transferable skills in practical techniques, conceptual problem solving and mathematical analysis.

Courses offered:

A-Level Chemistry (OCR)

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Physics is the study of how things work. Physics underpins all parts of our life; from how we can watch our favourite TV programmes to why our car or the bus can take us to school or work. Within the breadth of Physics A-level students will learn about the forces, phenomena and energy of actions and objects, whilst developing a range of transferable skills in practical techniques, conceptual problem solving and mathematical analysis.

Courses offered:

A-Level Physics (OCR)

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On this two year course students will gain an understanding of key aspects of practical and research science. This course is the equivalent to one, two or three A level and is held in high regard by employers, FE colleges and universities alike. The course looks at the all the main strands of Science, allowing students to develop a broad understanding of higher level scientific processes and analysis. Students will also learn to effectively research, report and present on scientific ideas. The subject is a mix of independent and group learning, teacher led activities and practical investigative work.

Courses offered:

BTEC Level 3  Applied Science (Edexcel)

 

Social Science

Social Science

What is more important, nature or nurture? What is intelligence and why do we care? What makes a person more predisposed to psychotic or criminal tendencies? Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. Essentially, psychology helps because it can explain why people act the way they do. Many of the primary modern applications for psychology revolve around protecting people from emotional and physical harm. It is an exciting and dynamic subject which stimulates lots of discussion and debate.

Courses offered:

A-Level Psychology (AQA)

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How are relationships, bullying, and ‘screen time’ associated with children’s well-being? Is the use of media and the ‘dark web’ responsible for increases in crime? Why do most of the top jobs in society go to students who have been educated at private schools and Oxbridge?
Sociology is the systematic study of society and human behaviour. Sociology is an exciting and lively subject. It encourages you to question some of the ways in which society is organised and to realise that things are not always what they seem.

Courses offered:

A-Level Sociology (AQA)