Sixth Form Applications

Quarrydale Sixth Form
Applications information

Read all the information below before you apply !

In this section

Frequently askedquestionsabout sixth form

How oftenwill I attend sixth form?

Here at Quarrydale we are a full time Sixth Form and expect our students to attend every day from 8.35am- 3pm. Sixth Form is run on a fortnightly timetable (Week A and Week B) with 5 x 60 minute lessons each day.

Your timetable will be comprised of the following:

Up to 9 lessons for A Level | Up to 8 lessons Btec subjects | Up to 4 lessons for GCSE English and Maths resits

Your timetable will also have periods of non-contact time which should be used in a productive way. Study periods should be used to carry out independent study, research, completing assignments and practising practical elements of courses, as well as to complete enrichment activities and getting to know new faces and making new friends.

What equipment do I need to bring?

We would recommend you bring pens, paper and a folder for taking notes. Subject teachers will give you more information about any other equipment needed when you attend your first lessons and will provide subject specific resources.

Can I apply after the deadline?

The deadline for applications in Friday 27th^th November through the online application process. Applicants who miss this deadline will still be able to apply, but will need to contact post16@quarrydale.notts.ac.uk.

Can I change my course choices?

The process by which you have chosen your courses will have been a long and thorough one, however, we are well aware that for some of you, there may be a valid reason for needing to change subjects. Within the first two weeks of the year, changing subjects is possible but you will be expected to justify your reasons for making the change and catch up with any work you have missed. It is not possible to change subjects at a later stage in the year due to the amount of subject content that will have already been delivered, however, we are always happy to discuss your options. It is possible for students taking four subjects to drop a subject and continue to study three but this will need to be discussed with Miss Straw or Mr West.

What if I do not get the required grades for my choices?

When you come to your first day interview, you will have the chance to discuss your results and your course choices with a member of the Post 16 team. If they feel your grades indicate that you wouldn’t be able to cope with your preferred courses, they will try to offer you alternatives that will enable you to progress successfully. We are also around on GCSE results day to discuss this and are contactable throughout the summer via post16@quarrydale.notts.sch.uk

Are there any preperation resources I can access?

You can access transition tasks for all subjects on the school Sharepoint. Each Level Three subject will upload tasks to the Y12 folder, in a file titled ‘New Y12 Transition’. Once a teacher is aware you are interested in studying their course, they will also be in touch with you before the summer,

When will I be able to see my timetable?

All students are interviewed on the first day of term by a member of the Post 16 team to make sure they are happy with their subject choices and ready for the year ahead. Your timetable will be provided on the first day of term once we have confirmed your choices.

How do I update my contact details?

If you move house or change your mobile or email address, please let us know so that we can make sure you stay informed. You can let us know your new details via post16@quarrydale.notts.sch.uk or via the main school reception.

Will I be able to resit GCSES?

Students who do not pass GCSE Maths and/or GCSE English Language will be enrolled on these courses and will study these alongside their Level Three course choices.

Is there a dress code?

In the sixth form you will be expected to dress sensibly and in a respectful manner, maintaining a smart and appropriate appearance that would be acceptable to staff and pupils. Further details can be found in the Sixth Form handbook and on the school website.

A-Levels/Btec Level Three Qualifications Information

Whereas GCSEs are about breadth, A-Levels and Level Three qualifications are more about depth. This is to help equip you for the level of study you’d be doing in higher education.

When you are choosing A-Levels/Btecs, think about some of these questions:

Do I know the full range of options at 16+?
Why do I want to do A-Levels/Btec Level Three qualifications?
How can I do well at them?
What subjects should I take?
Should I study at School or College?

See below

The three most important criteria for choosing subjects are:

What qualifications/subjects do you need for your future progression, what are you likely to be good at, and what are you likely to enjoy?

Some subjects are available that you won’t have come across previously at school – find out about them before you make your decisions.

Many degree, diploma and training courses require certain A-Level grades or alternative equivalent, such as Btec Level Three qualifications.

Finding Information on A-Levels/Btec courses

Things to Consider when Selecting A-Level/Btec Subjects

Certain uni courses will be looking for specific A-Levels/Btecs (and the right grades in that course). Some examples are:

Pharmacy – must have Chemistry, plus at least one from Biology, Maths and Physics
English – must have usually English Literature, maybe English Literature and Language or English Language

Geology/Earth Sciences – must have at least two from Physics, Maths, Chemistry and Biology
Economics – sometimes needs Maths, very rarely do you need Economics

Taking certain A-levels will open up more uni course options.

This is handy if you think you want to go to uni/complete HE Qualifications but don’t know what you want to study yet. Keep your options open by selecting a smart mix of the most commonly asked for subjects in uni entry requirements. These include:

Biology
Maths
Modern /Classical Languages
Physics
History
Chemistry
English
Geography

The more of these you choose, the more courses at university will be open to you. If you have a talent for art/design/music and think you might pursue that avenue, taking the relevant A-Levels will help to make that happen.

Some unis discourage certain combinations of A-Level subjects if they are very similar (e.g. Business Studies and Economics), so bear this in mind when choosing.

Many of them will also only accept subjects such as General Studies or Critical Thinking as an extra option, or so-called “academic enrichment subject”, and not as a full A-Level qualification.

Some courses and unis have lists of subjects they don’t accept. Check with the courses and university. If your subject choices don’t match up, don’t necessarily dis-count the course or be put off from taking a creative or vocational A-level you’re interested in. Taking subjects like History of Art, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology etc. with at least one (ideally two) of the subjects listed about shouldn’t be an issue if you get the grades.
Many unis and courses will accept you whatever you choose. Accountancy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Banking, Business Studies, Classical Civilisations, Hospitality, Information Science, Law, Management, Marketing, Media Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Public Relations, Religious Studies/Theology, Retail Management, Social Work, Sociology, Surveying, Television, Travel and Tourism will ALL consider a wide range of A-Level choices, and do not normally have essential subject requirements.

Remember, it is really important that you are well informed and have all of information necessary to help you make these decisions. Speak to teachers, parents and other students to ensure that you have all of the information you need to help you make suitable choices.

Career Options by Related Subject

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