Curriculum Intent

OUr curriculum intent

Our 16-19 Study Programme

The Parrs Wood Sixth Form College 16-19 study offer is designed to provide students with a supportive, yet challenging, learning programme that enables them to successfully transition from high school and prepares them fully for their future aspirations. This combines learning towards certificated qualifications and other personal development activities, which are tailored to cater for individual interests and needs.

Study programmes typically combine the elements below:

At least 3 (or equivalent) A level and / or Advanced BTEC qualifications.
English or Maths GCSE resit classes where a student has not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4, or wishes to increase their current grade above a 4 (where space allows).
A Personal Development Curriculum delivered from their personal tutor on a morning and within assembly sessions, covering current affairs, health and wellbeing in addition to increasing awareness of different cultures. Our main ‘Future Choices’ programme is also covered within these sessions.
In Year 12 an additional Personal Development session on a Wednesday afternoon where students are required to engage with a range of enrichment and mentoring activities. These develop skills in leadership, communication and organisation, and include sport, languages, community volunteering, work experience and wellbeing activities such as yoga.
High School mentoring is also expected of all students at some stage throughout terms 1 and 2 of Year 12, to support our wider Parrs Wood community.
Students are encouraged to participate in work experience at the end of Year 12 to support their independence, help determine their future career pathways and apply their skills to a real working environment.

What will my timetable be like?

Throughout the application and enrolment process, the different pathways of study will be explored and advised, based on prior skills and attainment. Students can choose to either study a wholly academic pathway of A levels, an applied general pathway of Advanced BTEC courses, or a combination of both. Some students may choose to study the equivalent of four subjects rather than the minimum three. This is discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Our students in Year 12 receive 9 one-hour lessons per qualification over each two-week timetable. This is increased to 10 one-hour lessons per qualification in Year 13. Our Personal Development Curriculum is delivered every morning in Year 12 and includes a 2-hour block on a Wednesday afternoon. Personal Development is taught solely on a morning in Year 13 and is structured to provide individual support towards preparing for life after sixth form.

All students in Year 12 and 13 will also be expected to engage with Supervised Study. This is a staffed programme to support students with independent study skills and homework and coursework completion. It is also a designated time when students can utilise the staff on support with their Future Choices research. Supervised Study is based in a computer suite so students have access to all resources required.

Careers, Education, Information & Guidance (CEIAG) is woven into the students’ whole curriculum, as students will be exposed to ‘careers in the curriculum’ throughout their two years with us, in addition to guest speakers in assemblies and designated Future Choices days. All students have access to one-to-one careers appointments and advice on all post-18 pathways, including visits to local universities and presentations on student finance and apprenticeships. The school also pays for access to Unifrog for all students in Year 7 to 13 for independent research in this area. There is also a bespoke programme of support for those wishing to apply for Competitive and Creative courses, such as Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science or those requiring entrance exams such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Further information from the DfE regarding the 16-19 Study Programme can be found on the gov.uk website, by clicking here.