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Contact DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
So, if the academic record is good, what else should I consider? What are the "special things" to look for? Here are a few frequently asked questions you might not have thought of -
Question: If you are studying for A-Levels, is it possible to take other examination courses at the same time?
Answer: Your timetable may enable you to access GCSE or GNVQ courses as well as A/S levels. A list of subjects can be found later in this prospectus.
Question: Is any attempt made to link our A/S level Studies to the sort of jobs we are hoping to do?
Answer: All Sixth Form students receive general Careers Advice through the "Tutorial Programme." You can also ask the Sixth Form staff for individual help at any time. Several subject departments are forming links with local workplaces. Most students take the chance to go on a period of Work Experience at the end of the summer term (some stay away from home in other parts of the country, while others venture abroad). This could be in business, in industry or in any financial, administrative, or caring service. As well as the benefit to you personally, this experience would provide another boost to your university, college, or employment application at the end of the Sixth Form.
Question: What help will I be given with University and College applications?
Answer: Starting in March there is a programme of guidance and support for students seeking places in higher education. This programme includes guidance meetings with the Head of Sixth Form, work in Tutorial Time, visits to higher education conventions, visits to University Open Days and visits to school by representatives of higher education institutions. The programme will go on through the summer term and will be an important aspect of work in Tutor Groups. There will also be a meeting for parents to aquaint them with the system in July.
Question: What examinations must I pass this year to get into the Sixth Form?
Answer: What you do have to do is convince us that you have a serious intention in joining the Sixth Form. If we accept you into the Sixth Form , when your timetable has been finalised in September, you will sign a contract agreeing the terms of your admission. We do not wish to turn anyone away, but we believe you are entitled to know what you are committed to.
Question: Can anyone who joins the Sixth Form take AS/A levels or Vocational A Levels?
Answer: Your level of entry and your academic programme depends on your GCSE results. You are strongly advised to use the following table to work out how many courses you should be taking in the Lower Sixth.
- AS equivalent courses in Y12 - GCSE Qualifications
- 4 courses or 12 units - Average score of 5.8 or above
- 3 courses or 9 units - Average score between 4.4 and 5.8
- 2 courses or 6 units - Average score between 4 and 4.4
The average point score is based on a scoring system where: GCSE A* = 8 Points, B = 6; C = 5; D = 4 etc. You will be expected to have attained at least a grade C in the subjects you wish to study at AS level.
Question: So what happens if I don't get a high enough average point score at GCSE?
Answer: At Baysgarth you have the opportunity of studying one-year courses at GCSE and Intermediate GNVQ level. An Intermediate GNVQ is considered the equivalent of four GCSEs. At the end of the year, if you are successful on your courses, you will be able to start more advanced two year courses at GCE Advanced Level or Vocational A Levels, or you may choose to leave and take up a course in Further Education or go into employment. We help you to find an individual timetable to suit your needs, so parts of these one-year courses can be combined with AS-level studies.
There are many other questions you could ask about life and work in the Sixth Form. The rest of this web site tries to provide all the information you are likely to need. If it does not...please do not be afraid contact us.