KEY STAGE 5 

Subjects offered at Key Stage 5

Post 16 Study

You will be soon sitting your GCSE exams and will be faced with the question ‘What do I do next?’. 

Each year many students progress to study subjects at ‘A’ Level. 
‘A’ Levels are the main path by which students can enter university.
University graduates generally get better-paid, more interesting jobs with increased career opportunities compared to non-graduates.
University graduates are more likely to receive a job because they are skilled and any earnings ‘lost’ during the length of the course can soon be made up with higher wages.
The starting salary of many graduates can range up to £15,000 in their first year.

Going to university is also fun, it offers students the opportunity to meet new friends, learn from subject experts and widen their experiences.  Many people say university days are the best days of your life.

What subjects to study?

The following ‘A’ Level subjects are offered at St Mary’s
(Subject to pupil interest)

Accounting
Law
Nursing
Teaching
Management 
Occupational
Therapy
Journalism
Sociology
Marketing
Finance and Investment
Business Studies
Communication, Advertising and Marketing
Community Development
Computer Science
Computing
Criminal Justice
Public Relations
Retail, Marketing and Customer Services Management
Travel and Tourism
Sports Studies
Information Communication Technology
Social Work
Psychology
Philosophy
Media
Human Resource Management
Occupation Therapy
Leisure and Tourism
Consumer Studies
Hospitality Management
Business with Computing
Communication Studies
Drama
Economics
Government
Health and Social Care Policy
Hotel and Tourism Management
Housing Management
Multimedia Design
Language and Linguistics
Leisure, Events and Cultural Management
Politics
Property Investment and Development
Quantity Surveying

The above courses may change in line with university entry requirements

Decisions

When you have decided what career or route you want to take think about which subjects you should study.  Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Which subjects do I need to fulfill the entry requirements of my chosen course or career?  Some courses require certain subjects to be studied at ‘A’ Level while others require no specific subjects.

2. Which subjects am I good at, or would like to study?

3. Where is the best place for me to study, somewhere where I:

Will feel at home
Reach my potential
Receive the best opportunities 
Be constantly supported and guided throughout my studies

Entrance Requirements
Students must be able to demonstrate their ability and commitment to pursuing their studies to ‘A’ Level standard within the supportive environment of the school.

Their school record must demonstrate in particular:
1. Respect for school rules and policies and full co-operation with teachers, year heads and school management.
2. Regular and punctual attendance.
3. Commitment to school work, ability to undertake independent study and meet coursework deadlines, under the guidance of their teachers.
4. Ability to cope with 3 ‘A’ Levels as demonstrated by achievements at GCSE which much include at least 5 at Grade C.  To take a subject at ‘A’ Level, students should normally have Grade B at GCSE in that subject if offered, or in a subject that requires similar skills.
Why St Mary’s

The extension of the curriculum in St Mary’s allows students to remain in an environment where they feel supported and valued.  Many students find the move to other schools traumatic so by staying on in St Mary’s you will not be entering a strange environment, instead you will be returning to a school which has supported and guided you for the last 5 years.  You will be taught by teachers who know how to help you reach your potential and will be giving you constant support and guidance in small teaching groups.  

Studying ‘A’ Levels in St Mary’s means that you will be entering an elite group the ‘Senior Students’.  You will have many extra privileges, opportunities and experiences that will make your ‘A’ Level study very enjoyable.  You will have access to the learning centre and the many new facilities in the school. 

• You will be able to reach your academic potential and progress to higher studies or employment.
• You will feel valued and supported throughout your studies.
• You will not be entering a strange learning environment.
• You will have access to the study centre and IT suites to study, complete research and assignments.
• You have developed positive relationships with your teachers.  They know you and know how to help you achieve your best, giving constant support and guidance.
• You will benefit from extra experiences in the enrichment programme.
• You will play an important role in the running of the school.
• You will enjoy the residential team building retreat to Killowen at the start of your studies.
• You will have an enjoyable experience.  You will be the senior pupils in the school, part of a small cohesive group with extra privileges unique to sixth form study.

Sixth Form Life
Students entering 6th form will study 3 subjects or 2 if one is Double Award Business.  Each subject is studied for seven or eight periods per week. 

‘A’ level students also are timetabled for various activities as part of the enrichment programme.  The aim of the enrichment programme is to give students extra skills to help them with the demands of ‘A’ level study and to prepare them for university and working life.

Enrichment Programme
Computer Literacy
Citizenship
Outdoor Pursuits
Public Speaking
Health and Fitness
Study Skills
Careers
Spirituality
Driving
Study periods
Pastoral Care
Work Experience

Privileges and Responsibilities

‘A’ Level students also have extra privileges and responsibilities unique to sixth form study, these include:

Different Uniform
Study Periods
Unlimited Computer Access
Free Periods
Responsibility positions:
Head Girl
Deputy Head Girl
School Council
Senior Class Prefects

These positions of responsibility allow pupils to take an active part in the running of the school; this is an invaluable experience open to all students.  Such posts allow pupils to learn and develop new skills and prove very useful when completing UCAS applications for university entrance.

Education Maintenance Allowance
If you return to full time education you may be eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance.  This is a means tested payment of £10, £20 or £30 per week based on household income.  Students also receive bonus payments of £100 twice yearly based on meeting certain learning targets.  £100 is paid to students on their return to Year 14 (upper sixth).