Sixth Form Curriculum
The Sixth Form Curriculum
The Sixth Form at SWPS offers a wide choice of A Level subjects, giving students the opportunity to follow their particular areas of academic interest and to gain the skills needed to thrive at university and in the increasingly competitive world beyond.
Our Sixth Form curriculum has A Levels at its heart and in addition to this core, there is the option to research an EPQ. Sixth formers also take part in Sport once a week with an enrichment lecture alternating with this approximately every fourth week.
The SWPS Diploma is designed to recognise all that our students do beyond the confines of the curriculum and is tailored to allow students to develop those skills that universities and employers value so highly.
Additionally, all the Sixth Form have one lesson per week of our Life Skills programme. A wide range of topics are covered including:
- our unique and exciting Leadership for Life course;
- how to apply for student finance and accommodation;
- mental health and wellbeing.
Curriculum Structure
SWPS has chosen a flexible curriculum structure which allows students to make choices which best suit their interests and abilities. In essence we operate a bespoke curriculum for each student which will put them in the strongest possible position when applying to university. Therefore students will either select three or four subjects at the start of Year 12, before deciding by October half term which subjects they wish to carry through to A level.
Students sit internal examinations in their subjects at the end of Year 12 to help inform predicted grades. This curriculum pattern is subject to review.
A very small number (e.g. those taking Further Maths) continue with all four subjects to A level, and those doing an extra GCSE will also continue with that through to the end of Year 13.
Register for SWPS Sixth Form
Extended Project Qualification
The Extended Project is an independent qualification which provides students with an exciting opportunity to develop their independent thinking and learning skills and to apply and develop project management skills. It is launched during the autumn term in Year 12 with most of the work undertaken in the summer term and over the summer holidays.
SWPS Diploma
The SWPS Diploma is a competency based, internal qualification. Launched in 2017, endorsed by the University of Birmingham, and designed in collaboration with some of the biggest graduate recruiters in the country, its purpose is to help SWPS students develop the skills that universities and employers are looking for.
Leadership for Life
We have a well-established and successful initiative called Leadership for Life – a two year course for sixth formers providing them with essential skills for work and life. It is a unique programme which has been devised by senior staff at the school, in consultation with business leaders. It has been developed to ensure that SWPS students leave with the essential skills of leadership, decision making and communication.