The Sixth form curriculum
Our pupils can choose between A-levels and the IB
Rydal Penrhos School offers both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth form, with approximately 50% of pupils taking each pathway. Both courses have enabled our pupils to enter some of the best universities in the UK and abroad.
Course structure
There are twenty seven lessons in the week each lasting 55 minutes. Most subjects in the Sixth form are taught as mixed ability classes; occasionally, Maths is set based on testing. The number of lessons allocated in the week to each subject is as follows:
AS and A-levels
Each A-level subject has six periods and there are three periods for enrichment courses.
Pupils following the A-level course would normally expect to sit four AS subjects in Year 12.
International Baccalaureate
For International Baccalaureate (IB) subjects either five, four or three periods are allocated each week depending on the level of study.
Pupils practise for their IB examinations (mocks) in a six day period prior to the February half term in the Upper Sixth.
Cambridge Technicals
The Cambridge Technicals are ideal for those who are looking to continue learning in a more practical, work-related way.
Pupils can choose to study at Level I to complete the Cambridge Technicals Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to one A-level) or Level II to complete the Cambridge Technicals Diploma (equivalent to two A-levels).
Assess your options: read the A-level and Cambridge Technicals and International Baccalaureate curriculum booklets
Academic monitoring and school reports
Each Sixth form pupil is allocated a personal tutor who will monitor their progress and advise them on both academic and pastoral matters.
The tutor is responsible for the academic and pastoral welfare of students in their tutor group. He or she is normally the first point of contact, either via the planner or through a phone call. Subject teachers, Heads of Department, the Head of Sixth Form, the Deputy Head (Academic), Deputy Head and Headmaster are also available and can be contacted as appropriate.
There are currently four school reports written every year for a pupil in the Sixth form. Each pupil receives two full reports, at the end of the autumn term and spring term (end of summer term for Lower Sixth IB students), as well as a Grade Card at October half term, and at the end of the summer term (at the end of the spring term for Lower Sixth IB students). There is a Parents’ Evening for each year group once a year and, additionally, in Year 12, there is a monitoring report designated in the early part of the first term for tutors to ensure Lower Sixth pupils have settled on their respective courses.
Prep/homework
Prep is an important part of the academic development of pupils; it must therefore be a worthwhile exercise. Prep set by subject teachers can include tasks that need completion for the next lesson or extended tasks that may take a longer period of time.
Further information on all educational provision at Rydal Penrhos including learning support, resources and IT can be found on the Academic pages of the website.
