Thank you for your interest in our Sixth Form. If you would like further information in addition to that given below, please download our prospectus and/or course information. For any more information, including queries regarding late admissions, please contact the Sixth Form Team through k.graham@chaseterraceacademy.co.uk.
We are very proud of our Sixth Form at Chase Terrace Academy. We feel that the learning experience we provide strikes the right balance between support and challenge to ensure that our pupils realise their ambitions and are ready to take the next steps in their educational journey. As well as a strong curriculum with high quality teaching at its core, Sixth Form pupils at Chase Terrace are able to undertake a range of enrichment activities and work experience in order to develop a wider skills set. As a result, the vast majority of our pupils progress to high quality degree programmes and Higher Level Apprenticeships.
Our pupils all study a three-course curriculum and benefit from newly renovated study facilities and a bespoke area within the main school to support them in achieving their aspirations. The area includes: a large study space for guided study time, smaller debate/meeting spaces for group work activities, a range of ICT facilities and a kitchen area. As well as the core curriculum, pupils undertake a variety of leadership and wider community activities during their time with us and follow a comprehensive tutor programme to support them in developing their wider knowledge and skills and to prepare them for the world of work. Pupils also undertake a work experience programme at the end of Year 12 and have the opportunity to study the Extended Project Qualification to further enhance their academic profile.
Once pupils join our Sixth Form, we make a commitment to support them from the very beginning in terms of their academic and personal development, but also in planning their Post-18 options. Partnership evenings and a range of other pupil-focused events prepare our young people for study at University, entrance onto Higher Level/Degree Apprenticeships or entering into employment. We also have a dedicated Sixth Form Team to support students on their journey, which comprises of: a Head of Sixth Form, an Assistant Head of Sixth Form and an Academic Progress Mentor.
Please do take the time to look through our prospectus and find out what each subject has to offer, whilst also taking note of the entry requirements. If you require any further information, we would be more than happy to provide this.
The Sixth Form contract of study is signed by our pupils and can be found here.
Types of course
We offer a wide range of courses to suit the needs and requirements of pupils. All of our subjects have specific entry requirements to support students in accessing the most suitable courses. We also provide guidance on particular groups of subjects that will provide the greatest chance of success for an individual. The main types of course that we offer are:
• A (Advanced) Level
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate
• GCSE Level (English Language and Mathematics resits)
A (Advanced) Level
An A (Advanced) level course comprises either four or six units studied over two years. A-Level pupils will sit final examinations at the end of the second year. Post-16 pupils who opt for an A-level programme of study will choose three subjects. Please see our recommended pathways table for further guidance.
Choosing your A-Level subjects
Pupil choices should be influenced by several important factors:
• Their ability in the subject concerned, or one closely related to it. For example, if an individual is thinking of choosing Psychology, a good grade in English and the Sciences is essential to be successful due to the specific skills required in that subject.
• Their ability to meet the general requirements for entry to particular courses (outlined in the individual course descriptions).
• Their level of interest in the subject.
• Their career aims and ambitions.
Some useful tips to consider when choosing subjects:
• If pupils do not choose Science subjects, they will be ruling out a Science-related degree in the future.
• Science, Computing and Engineering-related degrees will often ask for a Mathematics qualification at A Level. A Level Mathematics also provides significant support for those pupils doing A Level Science subjects.
• There are over 12,000 different degree courses on offer in Higher Education. Very many of these can be studied without needing to have an Advanced Level qualification in that specific area. For example, Law, Engineering, Politics and Criminology can all be accessed at high quality Universities following successful completion of Post-16 education.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Courses
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate courses are suited to those pupils who have a particular interest in a broad career area and who intend either to enter employment at trainee management level, apply for higher level apprenticeships or go on to Higher Education to study for further qualifications.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate courses are assessed continuously through assignment and report work. Great emphasis is placed upon assignments being relevant to the world of work and the situations in which pupils will find themselves when they enter employment. As a result, whenever possible, we involve employers in the design and assessment of assignments and teaching strategies. There is a proportion of these courses which is assessed through an externally examined unit.
GCSE level resit courses
Post-16 pupils who have not achieved at least a 4 grade in GCSE English (Language or Literature) or GCSE Mathematics will follow a resit programme in addition to their Advanced Level/BTEC Level 3 courses. Potential future employers greatly value, and entry to university is dependent upon, the achievement of these GCSEs. Specialist teachers will support pupils’ preparation for examinations as early as November in Year 12.
Recommended Pathways based on a student’s GCSE profile:
| GCSE Profile | Suggested Route |
| At least 8 GCSEs including a minimum of 6 at Grade 6 or higher | 3 A Level Qualifications. |
| 8 GCSEs including at least 3 at Grade 6 or higher | 2 A Levels and 1 Vocational Level 3 Qualification |
| 5-7 GCSEs at Grade 4 (5 in Maths and English Language/Literature) with up to 2 at Grade 6 | A combination of appropriate A-Level and Vocational Level 3 Qualifications |
| 5-7 GCSEs at Grade 4 (4 Maths and English Language) with up to 2 at Grade 6 | Mainly Vocational Level 3 Qualifications with access to a small number of appropriate A-Level subjects. |