Sixth Form - Courses Information - Exam Courses
The AS and A2 Units
A Level qualifications are based on two separate years of study (AS and A2) which are examined independently of one another, but which together form the complete A Level.
In Year 12
you will study AS Levels, and in Year 13 you will progress to A2 Level. AS is a 'stepping stone' to the full A Level qualification and is designed to assist progression from GCSE to A Level.
However, the AS is a qualification in its own right and will be graded from A to E (pass grades) or U (unclassified). The assessments of the A2 units will be harder and will include a synoptic assessment, in which the skills and understanding gained throughout the course will be drawn together. The marks gained in the AS and A2 units contribute equally to the A Level qualification, which is also graded A to E (pass) or U (fail).
In Year 12 you will study four or five AS subjects and the progress you make, together with your career plans, will determine the course of study recommended for Year 13. You may continue to study three, four or even five of your AS subjects to the full A level qualification, or it may be possible to study three subjects at A2 level and a new subject at AS Level.
Selecting your course of study
An exceptionally wide range of subjects and subject combinations is possible and at MGGS we do our best to provide you with a course of study that is appropriate to your requirements and ability. Before your final decision is made there will be an opportunity to discuss your course with the teaching and careers staff. In making your decision the following points should be considered:
• Do you have specific career plans or ambitions? If so, are there subject requirements for entry into this career?
• What subjects do you particularly enjoy at GCSE? Success is much more difficult if you do not enjoy studying the subject.
• What subjects are you good at? If you are finding a subject difficult at GCSE Level it is unlikely that you will be advised to study it at AS Level.
Additional Options
Open University
There are exciting opportunities for students to study short modules at undergraduate level alongside their A level courses. These courses provide challenge for the most able students as well as allowing those students to sample work at university level and gain invaluable independent study skills. Currently, students in the Sixth Form are studying a range of modules including Human Genetics and Health Issues, Understanding Human Nutrition, Shakespeare, Perspectives on Leonardo da Vinci, and Writing Fiction. There is considerable flexibility to choose the right time during the sixth form to pick up an Open University module, and some students may take more than one during the two years.
General Studies
The General Studies Programme is designed to add further breadth to the Sixth Form Course. It is focused towards the General Studies AS Examination. The programme includes Current Affairs, Politics, Social Science, European Studies, Numeracy, Scientific Developments, the Media and Religious Studies. Students take the AS General Studies examination at the end of Year 12, and will be offered the opportunity of taking the A2 examination at the end of Year 13.
Critical Thinking
This subject is offered as an alternative to General Studies and leads towards an AS examination taken at the end of Year 12. Students may also be able to take the A2 examination at the end of Year 13. It is a subject valued by Universities and also develops skills useful for all AS/A2 subjects. As it is mainly skills-based, it does not require the acquisition of a great deal of new knowledge.
Community Sports Leader Award / Higher Sports Leader Award
These are a nationally recognised awards in Sports Leadership that also involve work in the community. Aspects of communication, organisation and planning are all covered. All students learn and benefit from teaching primary school pupils and organising a local primary school sports day. As part of their voluntary service MGGS students take the opportunity to become involved with a range of organisations including play schemes, Beavers, Cubs and Guides. To take part in the course you need to be interested in sport but do not need to be a sports enthusiast!
GCSE resit courses
No resit GCSE courses are timetabled in the Sixth Form. Only in exceptional cases will a student be accepted with less than Grade C in either English or Mathematics. In such a case we will do our best to assist the student.
Opportunities at other schools
Collaboration between schools in West Maidstone- known as the ME16+ Consortium- allows students to access a range of additional courses including vocational courses. The joint prospectus of the schools involved contains details of all the courses on offer. Please contact the Director of Sixth Form at MGGS if you are interested in any of these courses.
Non-Examination Subjects
Personal, Social and Health Education
The time set aside each week for this programme allows access to a wide range of activities associated with personal development. For example:-
- Regular interviews with your tutor give the opportunity to review your progress and to establish a meaningful Action Plan for your future development.
- There is a carefully structured programme of Careers advice. Some sessions are run within tutor groups by your personal tutor, others by our experienced careers staff or outside experts.
- Discussion groups run by specialists in a variety of fields give you the opportunity to become aware of support that may help you in the future. Issues include Citizenship, Stress Management and Health.
- On a number of occasions former students return to talk about their experiences since leaving school - at University, in employment, in their "gap" year and on expeditions in which they have participated.
- Outside speakers are invited to talk on a range of current affairs or matters of general interest.
Religious Education
Religious Education is provided in the Sixth Form in accordance with the Education Reform Act (1988) and is provided through a series of conferences which are organsied in Year 12 and 13. Religious ideas and issues are an important part of general knowledge and link with many areas of A level study. During your time in the Sixth Form you will be encouraged to reflect on some of the deeper issues and questions raised by life and to explore possible religious and/or spiritual answers to these.
Entry Requirements and Application Procedure
Application Procedure for Internal Applicants
Entry Requirements
• The normal requirements for entry into the Sixth Form at MGGS are six GCSEs at Grade C or above, with at least four of these at Grade B or above.
• All students must achieve Grade C or above in both English Language and Mathematics and also (where applicable) Grade B or above in all subjects to be studied at A Level.
• If you are intending to study a subject at AS Level that you have not studied at GCSE Level, you will be expected to demonstrate your ability in other relevant subjects.
• If you fail to meet these requirements and there are special circumstances that may have affected your performance, your application will be considered on an individual basis.
• If you have been offered a place in the Sixth Form, it is important that you participate in our Induction Day on the 25th June 2008. You will therefore be expected to attend this event.Application Procedure for Internal Applicants
• Following your mock examinations and completion of subject reports, you will have an interview with your form tutor to discuss your progress and future plans.
• You are also encouraged to have an interview with specialist careers staff, so that you can discuss your subject choices
and confirm that they are appropriate for any career plans you may have.
• If possible you and your parents or carers should attend the Options Evening on Thursday 8th November 2007 from
5.30pm – 8.30pm
• PSHE sessions will be used for talks about future choices and for advice about how to research courses in order for
us to arrange subjects in Option Blocks so that as many 1st choices as possible are met.
• Application forms are at the back of the ME16+ Prospectus. These should be returned by Tuesday 8th January 2008, to Mr Horstrup, Director of Sixth Form, at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls via the school office.
• When your application form has been submitted you will have an interview with a senior member of staff.
Application Procedure for External Applicants
• We welcome all new students both male and female into the Sixth Form. Our new students play an important role both within the Sixth Form and the school as a whole.
• In addition to individual enquiries, there is one particular opportunity for you to find out about MGGS and the subjects we offer; The 16+ Open Evening on Thursday 8th November 2007 from 5.30pm – 8.30pm. You will have an opportunity to talk to teachers about the subjects you wish to study and to attend a presentation giving general information about the Sixth Form at MGGS. Throughout the evening current Sixth Form students will be available to guide you around the school and to talk with you about courses and life in the Sixth Form
• Application forms are at the back of the ME16+ Prospectus, which can be obtained from the school office or by clicking here. There is no closing date for applications, but to ensure the best possibility of obtaining your subject choices we strongly recommend that you return your application form by Friday 1st February 2008 to Mr Horstrup, Director of Sixth Form, at Maidstone Gramar School for Girls via the school office.
- A reference will be requested from your current school and you will then be offered an interview at your first choice centre of learning with a senior member of staff.
Important dates for applicants 2008/9
16+ Open Evening:: |
Thursday 8th November 2007 5:30-8:30 PM |
Induction Day: |
Wednesday 25th June 2008 |
| Application Deadline for Internal Applicants | Tuesday 8th January 2008 |
| Application Deadline for External Applicants | Friday 1st February 2008 |
Useful Contacts
Head of School: |
Mrs M. Smith |
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Assistant Headteacher/Director of Sixth Form: |
Mr P. Horstrup |
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Assistant Directors of Sixth Form: |
Mr J. Mallalieu Mrs G. Wilkinson |
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School Address: |
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls |
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Telephone: |
01622 752103 |
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Fax: |
01622 681947 |
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Email: |
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Application form for external applicants: |
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Links to the Examination Boards: |
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