Cokethorpe School

Sixth Form Options and Opportunities

Our Sixth Form has established a strong reputation for getting the best out of its students. Whilst successful performance in the Sixth Form depends to a considerable extent on having chosen the right type of course in the first place, it also requires a high degree of personal motivation and students need to have a real interest in the subjects they will be studying in such depth for two years. We offer a broad and varied curriculum that reflects the needs and aspirations of our students, balanced with a diverse programme of social and extra-curricular activities. Opportunities for supporting the curriculum through educational visits and courses are extensive, range from observing an Old Bailey trial for the Law students to photography field trips and participation in science workshops.

Students normally select four subjects to study at AS Level and either consolidate their learning by shifting to three A2 subjects in Upper Sixth or continuing with all four. The diversity in subject options that we offer ensures that our students can select from both traditional A Levels and more contemporary subjects such as Politics, Media Studies, Law and Photography. Class sizes are small, enabling students to receive a high degree of personal attention. Rather than have a fixed set of options, we ask prospective Sixth Formers to discuss their choices with the School and their parents. Careers advice is also available in school and our Higher Education and Careers Fair in the Lent Term can provide inspiration and those important contacts. Whilst most pupils make firm decisions about their choices in the Lent and Summer Terms it is not unheard of for ideas to change once their results come out in August.

In addition to increased subject choices, all Sixth Formers take part in games and have a wider range of AOB activities to choose from; many take part in the Young Enterprise scheme or achieve the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Sixth Form students also take part in the Sixth Form General Studies programme, in which visiting lecturers present talks that encourage our students to think outside traditional specialisms and extend their knowledge in different fields.

Students also have the chance to represent the School through social events and academic visits, or serving the School as a prefect, Head of House or Head of School. All students are encouraged to take a role in our community; this might include coaching junior sport, working with talented younger pupils in their chosen subject area, training as a student counsellor or helping in the local wider community.

A real taste of Sixth Form life is offered in the Summer Term of Fifth Form, with the opportunity to take part in a three-day induction course alongside the existing Lower Sixth.

Do please contact either Mr P Floyd, Director of Studies or Mrs S Copeland, Head of Sixth Form for more information.

Further information is available on the individual subject pages or download the Sixth Form Options Booklet below.

PDF Icon Sixth Form Options Booklet 2010-2012 (309KB)

Click here to go to the Sixth Form Options Selection Form for study starting in September 2010.