In the Sixth Form you will study either the IB Diploma or A Level pathway. Each has its own appeal and there is plenty of information here to help you choose. The only right pathway is the right pathway for you.

The most notable aspect of education at The Abbey is the focus on self-motivation, curiosity and genuine enthusiasm for learning. Students read widely, engage in class discussions, and pursue activities beyond the syllabus in their own time. The level of interest and passion is really special. Students take joy in their learning, and that’s evident every day in the way they go about their work.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a fantastic qualification, regarded highly by UK universities and internationally. Students study a wide range of subjects and learn in a way that promotes reflection, critical thinking and self-motivation.

This is a rigorous pathway, which comes with a large number of the ‘extras’ included as standard. For example, extended essay writing and community service are central to the course for all students. Whilst there are more timetabled lessons, students don’t need to do so much independent work, and people who like things organised and clear thrive on the lively weekly schedule.

The IB is for everyone. It is studied all over the world by varying cohorts; students of all abilities and backgrounds do well studying this programme and enjoy the mix of exams and coursework.

One of the perks of the IB is the number of trips and activities that students can take part in. This starts at Induction and continues throughout the two years. It really is a fantastic programme and comes highly recommended by our alumni who successfully completed their diploma and left us to study at Cambridge, UCL and Manchester in subjects as diverse as Medicine, Archaeology and Drama.

Basic structure

3 Higher Level subjects and 3 Standard Level supporting subjects, chosen from six different subject groups

An Extended Essay

Lessons in how to think, known as Theory of Knowledge

Time spent on creative, active and service projects

Subject groups:

• Study in English language and literature
• Study in a different language
• Study in humanities
• Study in science
• Study in maths
• Study in arts (or an additional subject from one of the other groups)

Read about the detailed structure of the course and the subjects available here.

A Levels

Most students who pursue the A Level pathway take three subjects and a 4Thought option.

A Levels are linear qualifications, with assessments taken at the end of Year 13. They are the traditional route of study in the UK. A Levels are largely exam based, with very few subjects offering coursework. We do not offer AS Levels in any subjects.

4Thought options include an additional A Level (either Further Maths or a fourth stand-alone subject) or an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Sometimes students choose the extra A Level at the start and narrow down to three over the course of two years.

Students take part in plenty of additional enrichment, wider activities and independent study alongside their A Level options. It is the most familiar pathway for many students, opens up depth in subjects with breadth via additional options and activity, and is recognised and appreciated by higher education institutions and employers across the world.

EPQ

Many students choose to take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as a 4Thought option, instead of a fourth A Level. This is such a popular route of study because achieving an A grade in the EPQ can lower a university offer by a whole grade. So instead of being offered AAA, a student might be offered AAB with an A in the EPQ.

The EPQ is an entirely independent project, carried out over a year, based on a topic of the student’s choice. The finished product is either a 5,000 word essay, or an artefact plus a 1,000 word essay. Throughout the course, students hone the skills needed to manage a dissertation-style project:

• planning, developing and delivering a large project
• academic research skills
• critical analysis of sources
• analytical essay writing
• presentation skills

You can see why this is such an attractive prospect to universities!

Many students tell us that the EPQ is their favourite thing to do, even over and above their A Levels, as they have chosen their own topic to investigate, set their own question, and managed their time themselves. It is highly recommended as a fantastic qualification to prepare students for the demands of university study.

Academic Enrichment

Whatever you want to do after Sixth Form, universities, colleges, and degree apprenticeship providers are looking for students who are curious, interested, motivated, and great researchers. So that’s exactly what we give you the opportunity to become.

In the Lower VI you are guided towards all the wonderful wider reading, university resources, podcasts, lectures and courses out there. When you know where to look, the opportunities are boundless. Teachers open the doors, but students step through themselves, discover exactly what interests them, pursue their own interests and take their learning to the next level.

Getting it right

Choice of subjects at Sixth Form level is important, but what matters is that you choose the right courses for you. Subject teachers, parents and tutors will support you in these choices but ultimately it is your decision which subjects you would like to pursue.

The high level of in-depth study required at A Level or IB will ensure that you are more than adequately prepared for university. We would recommend the following guiding principles when choosing your subjects:

• Choose subjects that you enjoy
• Choose subjects that you will want to spend time on
• Choose subjects that will facilitate your move to higher education

In order to access the content of these courses, and come out with fantastic results which will enable you to move on to higher education, we suggest a guideline entrance grade for each subject at A Level or IB. This guideline is an indicator of what level a student should aim to reach at GCSE.

In addition we consider students’ overall profile across their eight strongest GCSE grades. These give a useful sense of how much students are likely to enjoy the pacey and lively learning environment of Sixth Form.

However, please note that we treat each student on individual merit, so don’t rule yourself out if you are not currently on track for the guideline grades. We will be more than happy to speak with you to advise on possible subject combinations to help you achieve success at A Level or IB, and ultimately entrance to higher education. What is most important is that you are happy with the courses that you choose and enjoy your time in Sixth Form.

You can review all our subject and course options in our Sixth Form guide.