Prospectus & Courses
We offer a wide range of Level 3 courses at both at Advanced level and vocational BTEC. These courses are designed to follow on from Level 2 GCSE and vocational study. We offer progression not only for subjects that are covered by the Level 2 curriculum, but our offer isĀ further enhanced with additional options such as Economics, Psychology and Sociology.
Sixth Form Prospectus
2024 Whickham School Sixth Form Prospectus
For more information about our different courses please see the Whickham Sixth Form Course booklet (which will be renewed for 2025 intake in November 2024)
It is not possible to study all combinations of subjects as some are taught at the same time. We try and schedule subjects to offer as wide a choice as possible and some subjects are offered in more than one timetable slot. Please see our curriculum grid (below) for further information. If you cannot study your chosen combination please see Miss Gainford and we will try our best to accommodate your wishes:
2024 Whickham School Curriculum Grid
If you need to discuss any aspects of the Sixth Form Curriculum then please contact Miss Gainford, Head of Sixth Form.
Sixth Form Study Programme
The school is required to ensure that all students have a study programme that complies with the DfE National Requirements for 16-19 study programmes.Ā As part of this all students will be registered on a programme that meets the following four key principles:
- The core of the programme is made up of one or more substantial qualifications that stretch and prepare students for the next stage of their education or for employment. At Whickham these will be predominantly A-level or BTEC courses.
- Students who do not have at least a GCSE Grade 4 in either or both of English and mathematics are required to study these
- An opportunity to undertake work experience (this is offered primarily during Year 12)
- Other non-qualification activity which aims to develop students’ character, broader skills, attitude and confidence.
We offer full-time education and therefore students are required to be on a programme which offers at least 580 planned learning hours a year. The majority of students study a programme of at least 600 planned learning hours.
Students with additional or special educational needs are encouraged to get in touch so we can discuss how we can support these needs following the SEND Code of Practice.
Most Popular A Level Subjects in 2024
Despite often being seen as one of the hardest A-levels, Maths remains one of the most popular subjects, according to Ofqual, accounting for 11.4% of the total entries in the UK for 2024. Economics, too, has become one of the ten most popular courses, with more than 39,000 entries, and Physics seeing a surge of 12.5% more entries for 2024 than the previous year.Ā Subjects such as Psychology, Art & Design, Business Studies and History, all continue to be in the top ten most popular A-level choices.
For information about choosing which subjects are right for you visit the Choosing Level 3 Courses page.
