Page 5 - Sixth Form Options Booklet 2022-23

Helping You Achieve

Choice of Sixth Form Courses

• To gain entry into the Sixth Form, pupils will be expected to have achieved a minimum of five (5) grade
B’s in their IGCSE subjects. Mathematics (minimum C) and English First Language (minimum C) must
have been attained.

• In order to study a subject at AS or Advanced A Level, it will be the expectation that a pupil will have
achieved a Grade B, or above at IGCSE. Pupils wishing to choose Mathematics, one of the Sciences or
Computer Science it is recommended to have attained Grade A at IGCSE.

• It is expected that all entrants will study at least four subjects at AS Level in Year 12.

• It is expected that most pupils will drop one (1) subject at the end of Year 12 and therefore proceed to
study three (3) subjects at A2 in Year 13 although it is allowed to continue with four subjects at A2.

• The intention is that the pupils will achieve greater breadth in Year 12 by adding the extra fourth subject.
Much has been written about the advantage of a fourth subject - but undoubtedly universities like to
see this. It is hoped therefore that it will offer the Scientist the opportunity to continue studying an Arts
course for one year, or vice versa. However, most importantly, each individual pupil must make the de-
cision which is best for them - and guidance and support will be on hand in this process.

What will the workload be like?
For most A Level pupils, the jump from IGCSE is huge and unexpected. Pupils should recognise that the
‘free lessons’ are to be understood as ‘study periods’ which are provided to allow them to research and do
private study. It is unrealistic to expect anybody to get through A Levels without putting in a lot of extra
hours. A typical A Level pupil may spend 4 – 6 hours per week on each subject. Non-designated time should
also be used to keep abreast of topical issues and reading journals on their subject specialism. This broader
knowledge is an expectation of universities and will help them in their applications.

Information on University Entrance and Requirements

The most important pre-requisite when selecting an ‘AS’ subject must be whether you enjoy it and wish to
study it. Good grades will get you into a good university and poor grades could limit your university choices.
However, it must also be accepted that the ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Level courses that you choose to study have obvious
implications for university entry and therefore you should try to not rule out any future study options.

With this in mind the following guidelines may be beneficial (we recommend the website for great additional
information www.informedchoices.ac.uk)

Taking a degree course in a National Curriculum subject (i.e. available in Year 9):
In most cases, it is necessary to study the subject to ‘A’ Level and often that will be the highest grade required
in any offer made by Universities. The other three AS Levels are usually entirely optional, but some excep-
tions include:

Biology Many, but not all, courses require Chemistry

Physics Mathematics is essential
Courses at the ‘best’ universities tend to prefer Further Mathematics if it is
Mathematics
available

Jeddah Prep and Grammar School
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