The Sixth Form Curriculum

Different institutions offer different types of qualifications for 16 to 19 year olds. At QPCS we offer a variety of Advanced courses as well as BTEC Level 2 courses in Business and Creative Media Production. The information available from Connexions will give you information about where you can study other types of courses.

Advanced Level Courses

A Levels and BTEC Level 3 Vocational Qualifications:
To study these courses you need to have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C including English or Mathematics. The majority of A level courses require a minimum B GCSE grade.

You gain an A Level qualification by successfully completing AS and A2 courses over two years.

AS courses are made up of two or three units of work which are assessed using a combination of coursework and external modular exams. The courses take one year and you will finish them at the end of year 12. Most students who have 5 or more GCSEs at grade C or above, with at least 4 Bs, would be expected to take four AS Levels in year 12.

In year 13 you will continue with at least three of your AS subjects to attain A2 qualifications. Again the courses are made up of separately assessed units. At least one assessment, called a 'synoptic' assessment, will draw on all your learning in both the AS and A2 courses.

BTEC qualifications encourage a more practical approach to learning, they involve learning about applying knowledge and skills to vocational contexts. BTEC courses are assessed by coursework portfolios.

You may study a mix of A Level and BTEC Courses. Consider if you are better at exams or coursework when you are choosing your courses.

BTEC Level 2 Diplomas
For those who achieve at least 4 GCSE passes at grade D, these courses enable you to achieve the equivalent of 4 GCSE A*-C passes and give you an opportunity to progress to Advanced Courses the following year.

GCSE Retakes
If you have not already achieved grade C's you will be expected to take GCSE retake courses in Mathematics and English. You will have to gain grade C in at least one of these to progress to advanced courses at QPCS.

Partnership Arrangements
Since 2004 we have worked in partnership with Capital City Academy to make additional subjects available to our students. Teachers from across the schools ensure students are supported with travel arrangements and we keep in close touch with each other about our students' progress. Newman Catholic College joined our partnership in 2012 to extend our curriculum offer further.

Ofsted said:
“Good achievement is an effect of good teaching, high expectations on the part of teachers and the application and enthusiasm of many of the students for their work” (October, 2004)

Our sixth form curriculum was graded “Outstanding” in November 2008; we have since introduced three additional A levels and a BTEC Level 2 Diploma following consultation with students.

“The overall effectiveness of business education, including the development of students' economic and business understanding and financial capability, is outstanding.” (May 2010)