reception@ssscs.co.uk
01622 754551
Sixth Form Curriculum
At St Simon Stock we offer a broad curriculum including a variety of A Level and BTEC qualifications. Students are encouraged to consider all the qualifications on offer. When making their choices students should consider their personal interests, future aspirations and career plans.
Studying at St Simon Stock
In Sixth Form students take 3 A Levels or 3 BTEC’s or a combination of both. To gain entry to the Sixth Form, students are required by the end of Year 11 to:
- have gained five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above, including Maths and/or English;
- have met additional subject specific entry requirements.
Additional Qualifications
In addition to the main courses that students are studying, there is an option to take an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
Further Mathematics
For exceptional mathematicians we offer Further Mathematics or “double maths”. If students are interested in signing up for this course they should speak to the Sixth Form team directly as it is timetabled especially.
Private Study
- All students will have some supervised Independent Study time during the normal school day.
- In addition, students are required to study independently for a significant proportion of their time outside normal school hours. This is approximately 18 hours per week.
- The quality of independent study is as important as the number of hours. We have high expectations, including strict rules about use of private study in normal school hours. We would expect parents to support the school to ensure that their child is able to work without distraction at home.
- In the Sixth Form a high degree of self-motivation is expected. Students are expected to work purposefully, to know their targets, and to set their own tasks to stretch and challenge themselves to achieve or exceed their personal targets.
Courses on Offer
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A Level Courses
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BTec Course
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Additional Courses
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Sixth Form Course Guide for 2025 entry
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download_for_offlineSixth Form Course Guide for 2025 entry
Sixth Form Curriculum Intent
At St Simon Stock Catholic School Sixth Form, we deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, which meets the needs of our students, and prepares them for active participation in society. The design of our curriculum is developed to optimise the opportunities available to all our students and to make the move to Sixth Form suitable for as many students as possible.
The Sixth Form is an ideal opportunity for students to work with love because they are encouraged to select subjects that they are passionate about. Students are encouraged to be ready for the expectations of Sixth Form and to be responsible for their own learning. Students are encouraged to be reflective and to constantly strive to improve their performance. The broader curriculum within the Sixth Form encourages students to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural attitudes. The leadership opportunities and charitable events, built around our House System, encourage a life of service and encourage respect for all members of our community.
Within the Sixth Form we hope to inspire our students to carefully consider their next steps. Students are made aware of all the pathways available to them and we hope this provides them with the guidance needed to be successful in achieving their next steps. Additionally, our broader curriculum aims to nurture the transferable skills and attributes required for a rapidly changing world.
Our curriculum is intended to support all academic learners in achieving their full potential. Student achieve this via support in these key areas.
Attainment
The curriculum is intended to provide a rigorous and challenging academic program that promotes high standards of achievement. All students will be set targets based on their performance at GCSE, so they are prepared and ready to perform to their highest ability. They are responsible for developing their independent learning skills with the support of their Sixth Form teachers. They will be encouraged to engage in all activities and lessons leading to strong progression rates to higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
Reflection
Reflecting on their learning is a key skill for all Sixth Form students. Reflective learners are able to revisit their work to reinforce understanding and ascertain areas for improvement. This enables students to become responsible for their own learning while seeking support, respectfully from subject specialists. This will lead to the development of confident, self-reliant individuals with the skills to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in our ever-changing global world.
Assessment
Assessment is a vital component of life in Sixth Form, encouraging students to be ready for their public examinations. Students are assessed twice in both Year 12 and 13 and these results are used to provide constructive feedback to students so they can take responsibility for their own progress. Parents are informed of student’s progress and written reports are sent home for each year group. Students are supported with personalised advice if they are not meeting targets in a number of areas.
Wider Curriculum
Within the Sixth Form, there is a wider curriculum available to enable students to develop outside of their academic subjects. This programme includes a PSHE programme that is designed to meet the needs of Sixth Form students and enable them to take responsibility for their future development. Excellent careers guidance is available to ensure students are ready for life after Sixth Form, which ever route they choose. They also develop skills of leadership through involvement in student voice, the prefect system and through leading house activities.
