Applying for Sixth Form

At present it is very likely that you are studying close to 10 subjects. The challenge you face is how to make well-informed choices to narrow those down to the ones you’ll study in Year 12. The key word here is research, but to help you make this important decision here are some top tips:

Good reasons for choosing options:

• you enjoy the subject
• you have researched the entry requirements for future study/career
  aspirations
• you are capable of achieving in the subject (or a related subject) at GCSE or equivalent
• your selection of options allows for breadth
• your selection of options draw on your strengths in terms of assessment
• you have read the course details and spoken to relevant staff and it appeals to you
• you will gain the ‘preferred ‘ grades cited in the Entry Guidelines on our website

Poor reasons for choosing options:

• your friends are doing it
• you think it is easy
• you think it is harder
• you have out of date/incorrect advice for entrance requirements at university (in other words, you have not checked this yourself)
• other people think you should take it

Of course, at this stage you apply indicating your reasons for your subject choices, but this will lead to an interview in which your motivations and suitability will be discussed. One to one support and guidance about your option choices is available, so please don’t feel as though this challenge is one you need to face alone.