AVANTI
alumni
For the first time at school, students are able to really focus in on the subjects they love, and discontinue those which interest them less. Nevertheless, while they will have the opportunity to study their chosen subjects in depth, they must be prepared for the fact that the move into the Sixth Form is a significant step.
In lessons, teachers will expect students to take increasing responsibility for their studies. They will guide students through the fundamentals of the course, and will set work to consolidate the knowledge gained and develop their understanding of it. We will not indulge in spoon-feeding, so students will need to be proactive! We will, of course, offer support and guidance as necessary, but the onus is on the student to shape their own learning.
WORKING INDEPENDENTLY
In lessons, teachers will expect students to take increasing responsibility for their studies. They will guide students through the fundamentals of the course, and will set work to consolidate the knowledge gained and develop their understanding of it. We will not indulge in spoon-feeding, so students will need to be proactive! We will, of course, offer support and guidance as necessary, but the onus is on the student to shape their own learning.
The ability to work independently in the Sixth Form is a vital skill in preparation for the type of study and work which will be undertaken at university and later in a career. It is not sufficient to sit passively in class, waiting for information to be disseminated. We therefore expect the necessary commitment from Sixth Form students to invest time and effort into their academic work, demonstrating a sustained approach and intellectual curiosity. Students are expected to spend a minimum of four hours per week study time, outside of the timetabled lessons, on each of their A Level subjects, increasing to six hours per week for each subject in Year 13.
SUPER EXTRA CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME
In addition to A Level subjects, for two lessons each fortnight all Year 12 students will take a course chosen from our Super Extra Curricular Enrichment Programme, which includes options such as the Extended Project Qualification (resulting in an additional AS qualification), AS Critical Thinking, and online courses offered by the Open University and MOOC providers. All are intended to engage our students in topical discussion and debate, to sharpen their skills in argument and research and to stretch their academic interests beyond the syllabus. Whichever course a student undertakes, the experience will stand them in good stead for their university application and is particularly useful for those who may face interviews. While A Levels do a good job at developing a sound knowledge base and confidence in a range of skills, our Super Extra Curricular Enrichment Programme helps develop originality, creativity, clarity of argument and analysis.
In the Summer Term of Year 12, students will be asked to decide which three subjects they intend to continue into Year 13 (typically four subjects for those studying Further Maths).
SUBJECT COMBINATIONS
Many leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, are becoming increasingly prescriptive concerning the subject combinations which they prefer applicants to pursue at A Level. Therefore, if considering an application for a popular course at a competitive university, students should research and seek advice from our Higher Education and Careers staff to ensure that they have an appropriate profile. This should obviously be considered carefully when making any decision about discontinuing a fourth A Level subject.
In the Sixth Form, additional classes which are designed to take students beyond the requirements of the A Level curriculum are offered by many departments, and targeted preparation classes for Oxbridge applicants begin in the February of Year 12 year and continue until the December of Year 13. These provide stimulating and challenging material for those applying to Oxbridge or Russell Group universities, in preparation for university interviews.
EXCELLENCE. VIRTUE. DEVOTION
