Life in the Sixth Form

Academic Programme

The standard curriculum at Sixth Form at Monkton Senior School is three A Levels plus. The plus can be many things:

  • AS level in Classical Civilisations, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, English or Geography
  • A fourth A-level
  • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is equivalent to half an A Level; 
  • IELTS exam for our EAL students

These all provide a pathway to wider academic enrichment, beyond the three A Levels favoured by universities. 

In order to progress to Year 13, satisfactory progress must be made in each of the three subjects. In practice, this means that, over the course of the year’s assessments, a student will be performing at D grade or better.

PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education

Through our weekly ‘PSHE’ course that every Year 12 and 13 follows, students cover effective study habits, ‘after Monkton’ advice (university and careers), soft skills development, interview techniques, building constructive relationships, sexual health, time management, coping with workload and stress, healthy eating and exercise, current affairs, gambling addiction, alcohol and drug awareness. Its aim is to complement the subject-based curriculum by helping students set their expertise in subject disciplines within the wider context of important interdisciplinary skills.

Technology

In the Sixth Form we want to make the best use of technology to enhance learning wherever possible. As such all students are required to bring a laptop to every lesson, the specification of which will depend on the subjects they are following. At Monkton we are keen to develop a balanced view of technology and so look to continue to discuss with students about how to use all of our digital resources appropriately.

Entrance to Sixth Form

Many of our A Level subjects have specific GCSE grades in pre-requisite subjects that must be met in order to progress on to that course. Students must also demonstrate a minimum level of competence and experience at GCSE, typically this is through the acquisition of an average of a grade 6 in their GCSE results, in order to progress in to the Sixth Form. Where too few GCSEs reflect this, it may be possible to agree a reduced programme. As GCSE results are only available in the summer, Monkton pupils will have discussions with their tutor and other members of the Academic team throughout Year 11 to help them explore the A Level subjects which play to their strengths.

For those applying to join Monkton for the Sixth Form we use a similar baseline and base our decisions on a reference from the current school, school reports, CAT4 assessments and GCSE (or equivalent) mock results. Applicants may be asked to sit a subject-specific paper as part of the application.

Scholarships & Excellence Programme

For those who have a particular interest which they wish to develop to a high level, we run Scholarship Programmes which can be joined by competitive application. These cover academic, sport, expressive arts (Music, Drama and Production Arts), art and design, and leadership. Applications are made to join these in Year 11 through a Scholarship Assessment Day, which will take place on Thursday 13th February 2025. Candidates who wish to apply can do so via this Student and Parent Guide.

Our excellence programme for scholars provides opportunities to develop and deepen their skills, alongside exposing them to opportunities beyond Monkton that they might pursue, all of which enriches and stretches them in their particular field.

Come and see for yourselves what Monkton has to offer with a visit or at an open event.